How many of you had a different career/education before becoming an RN?

allnurses Guide · Feb 27, 2005

I graduated in 1995 with a BA in Art/French, with plans to become a Graphic Artist. Jobs in that field are few and far between in this area, though I did interview for several. When I finally found a job, it didn't pay very well and it was rather far from my house, though I did stick with it for over a year. After losing that job, I ended up BACK in retail and resigned myself to being in retail management the rest of my life. Then I met someone who became a great friend, who was just graduating from nursing school. I eventually decided "hey, maybe I'll give nursing a go". So here I am.. graduated with my ADN almost two years ago. :)

YSADL · Feb 27, 2005

i worked in fast food/ convenient store type environment. i started out as an aide in a ltc facility. got my certification. i went on to medication tech. the only way i could better myself, was to go to lpn school. that i did. i worked 3+ years as an lpn bridged into a.s. program. i've been an rn for 9 years. this whole time,i was married and had children. no savings to draw from to keep the bills paid. i worked all the time. studied when i could. slept very little. all of it has been worth it. i wished i would have started out this way.now i work in a hospital setting. i also teach a cna course at a local vo-tech school. i am well pleased how far i've come and the possibilities are endless. be well. do good work and keep in touch. [email protected]

Twinkie1 · Feb 27, 2005

just curious b/c I went to school for psychology & right now I'm in graduate school for social work. I am thinking of switching to nursing before finishing up my MSW b/c I'm so anxious to earn the title of RN and work in the hopsital doing clincial work!!

I think a lot of psychology & social work students become RN's. With your back ground it will be a plus when you become an RN. Also, I wouldnt worry about being at the same hospital, at least you will know your way around.

Good Luck 2 U :)

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Feb 27, 2005

15 years as a farrier specializing in corrective horseshoeing, then 2 years as a paramedic before nursing school.

Jenny Renn · Feb 28, 2005

I'm just retiring from 20 (almost 21) years in the Navy. Just starting school and looking forward to earning that same title that you are.

I served 18 years in the Royal Australian Navy, as an anti submarine warfare specialist, before going to Uni and becoming a RN. JR.

78BugRN · Feb 28, 2005

I've put in 3 years in secretarial/office jobs, 6 years as an Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems specialist with the Air Force and wound up in nursing school as a way to be able to teach Wilderness First Responder courses. I think you'll find (and already are finding) that the backgrounds of student nurses vary wildly. I graduate in June and I wish you the very best in your journey to change yourself.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" ~ Mahatma Ghandi

CAguy22 · Feb 28, 2005

I will be getting my BA in liberal studies to become a teacher. I am also taking my pre reqs for my RN degee. I figure it won't be a bad thing to have my foot in both doors to make some extra money because teachers don't make much. If worse comes to worse, I can just quit one of my jobs and fall back on the other.

Twinkie1 · Feb 28, 2005

Ok here it is I live in Las Vegas so that gives you a clue. I have 15yrs. and counting experince in the casino field. Sometimes I serve shots other times I give them. Figured it out? Yes, of course I am a cocktail waitress/ nursing student. When my friends found out that I wanted to be a nurse they all thought I was crazy :uhoh3: but now they know I am crazy! :rotfl: Not everyone understand my choices, that's Ok with me , life is short & I want to live it!

vwgirl · Feb 28, 2005

I was a radio announcer/DJ for seven years before I became a nurse. I got out because of a multitude of things: awful pay, no benefits, no job security, and because I realized I was never going to be good enough to get a job in a major market where all this would be different. It was a hell of a trip tho; somedays I still miss it. :heartbeat

BETSRN · Mar 1, 2005

I will be getting my BA in liberal studies to become a teacher. I am also taking my pre reqs for my RN degee. I figure it won't be a bad thing to have my foot in both doors to make some extra money because teachers don't make much. If worse comes to worse, I can just quit one of my jobs and fall back on the other.

You won't be able to do both jobs well, nor will you be able to have your foot in both doors. Each will wonder why you are contemplating the other and that may not bode well either way. Having been a classroom teacher before becoming a nurse, I know that it takes a lot to get competent in either field.

You will need to make a choice. If you do not give teaching a fair run before doing nursing, you will lose any credibility as a teacher and vice versa. Do you see where I am coming from.

You have to put your all into one career and learn it before you can spread yourself thin and learn a second one.

Now that I am 20 years into my second career, I can say that because I ahev experience in both and I use my past educational background (as a classroom teacher) in the teaching that I do within my nursing field (mater/child health).

My advice is to pick one and stick with it before trying to master another.

MamaTheNurse, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2005

15 years as a farrier specializing in corrective horseshoeing, then 2 years as a paramedic before nursing school.

I love the sound of the word "farrier" - my grandfather was a logger in the old days when they used horses and he learned to be a farrier so he could take care of his own horses - apparently, he had a really cool tricked out blacksmith shop (is that the word for it?) - my dad and his sibs used to hang out there for kicks

as for me, I worked in insurance and moonlighted as a bartender, all in a previous life - good thing I went to nursing school though - that's how I met my husband (he's not a nurse but had classes in the same building)

cancergirl · Mar 3, 2005

Thank You all for you reponses!! I love hearing about all your prior experiences and any advice you have to offer... :)