How to make a career change into nursing?

[pattylee1122]

HI All! I am making a career change as I have been contemplating on becoming an RN for two years now after I resigned from teaching in 2010 for family obligations. The budget cuts in teaching here in DFW Texas area makes it harder to find teaching positions...I want a stable career and nursing was my original major back in college anyways except I wasn't mature enough to study back then. I know one of my nurse friend stated how the economy is limiting nursing jobs too; however, I see more jobs online for nurses than teachers (maybe those nursing positions are competitive though).

My husband and I are in need of insurance and additional income since we are surviving from my husband's family business with his parents. I also have a little eight month old to take care of. I would ideally like to attend an accelerated program for a BSN in 3-5 years. I don't think I have the energy to focus right now with my little one.

1) How did you make a career change to nursing and get by financially?

2) Will becoming a CNA although it's a low paying job, be worth it in the long run?

I was also considering LVN through a community college program but other nurses seem to discourage it if I want to be a RN anyways.

3) Getting my foot in the door as an Unit Clerk/Health Unit Coordinator without any hospital experience seems virtually impossible too. I feel stuck trying to find entry level hospital related jobs at this point. If I can't find any entry level jobs then my last option would be to find other jobs to get by until I am ready to be a full time student.

I would appreciate your help and advice! Thanks!

[Shamuga]

Hello, I want to do a career change into nursing but I have a previous gpa of a 2.46 due to illness while trying to complete degree online. What can I do to increase my chances of getting into a nursing program especially being 50 years old?

[pattylee1122]

I'm looking to transition from being a high school teacher to being a nurse. Is this really a good idea? I can't stand my job right or really from the very beginning. :-(

I don't know what your situation is but my husband and I were not happy with our old district. Plus I don't think teaching is my primary calling... I am actually seeking a career coach to consult with and my coach refers to "Do What You Are" book. It combines Myers Brigg personality traits with matching careers. There aren't many nurses who have my personality traits but I am learned to be more factual rather than a feeler from my personal medical problems. I am also attracted to people helping professions versus corporate jobs.

Anyways, I hope you find confirmation if nursing is the right path for you!

[pattylee1122]

Hello, I want to do a career change into nursing but I have a previous gpa of a 2.46 due to illness while trying to complete degree online. What can I do to increase my chances of getting into a nursing program especially being 50 years old?

You may have to start a new post in this forum so you can get more responses. I would think you can possibly retake some courses to boost your GPA?? I am sure an advisor of a nursing program can help you. I did not do too well on Human Anatomy over a decade ago in college and I hope retaking it will boost my GPA.

I don't know if age would matter though... I wish you luck as you pursue nursing!

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Hello, I want to do a career change into nursing but I have a previous gpa of a 2.46 due to illness while trying to complete degree online. What can I do to increase my chances of getting into a nursing program especially being 50 years old?

Many nursing programs give equal or higher weight to your scores on the standardized admissions tests (e. g., TEAS or NET), so a relatively low GPA may not matter so much. In addition, you could take some of the nursing prereqs such as Bio, Chem, A&P, Math & Stats prior to applying to boost your GPA. As a "well seasoned" student, your GPA was likely far in your past, so is not as relevant and should be explainable. We had a fair number of 40 and 50 year olds in my nursing program, me among them, so I speak from experience in saying that age should not really be an issue.

I would urge you to make sure that nursing is really what you want before taking the leap however. I'd also strongly suggest that you closely examine the nursing job market in your area before devoting the time, energy and money needed to become an RN. In many areas, jobs are very scarce for new grad nurses, which may mean you'd need to move to find employment. This is the one area where age may come into play since you may not be as willing or able to relocate as someone younger.

[Nurse2BeInGA]

1) I taught school for ten years and then decided to change careers and go into nursing. I cashed in my teacher retirement. It was not the ideal choice, but it was the best choice for me at the time. 2/3) I live in a state where you cannot challenge the CNA exam without going through the training. My BSEd provided all of the courses I needed for the ASN, except for A&P I, A&P II, Microbiology, and the Nursing classes. However, according to everyone I have talked to, at the end of the first year of nursing, most hospitals will hire nursing students for patient tech positions. I am having a hard time finding a "medical" position or anything even remotely close to working in a hospital/doctor's office, since I do not have the CNA/nursing background, but I keep applying. My advice is to go ahead and apply to the ASN or accelerated BSN program of your choice and go for it.