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

ConkyTonker · Jun 24, 2005

Prior to graduating from nursing school, my last degree was a Ph.D. from The College of Hard Knocks. I have worked as a secretary for the past ten years. Before that, I worked as a car salesperson, jewelry store assistant manager, bartender. I've done just about everything career-wise except for stripping and carnival work (no offense, exotic dancers and carnies).

Live, laugh, love,

Jenny

oneLoneNurse · Sep 12, 2006

I did many jobs prior to going into nursing. When Pierre killed the oil fields in the early 80s he made some of us unemployed. I received a stipend and free tuition to become a Registered Psychiatric Nurse then later bridged to a RN diploma.

Right now working 12 hour nights on a busy psychiatric unit, BUT soon am switching back into hospital IT as a Clinical Systems Analsyt. I have been accepted into the online MLIS program at Clarion University so am very much intereseted in the posting below. Thinking when I graduate will target a hospital.

Hi
This is my first post. I love this site. Anyway, just to respond to your question. I have a BA in History and a Masters degree in Library Science, currently work as a librarian and I am thinking about nursing. (By the way, I taught before going back for my masters). I am gearing up to take my prereqs this fall. I am exciting, I love learning. I figured I would combine my library science background and nursing and possibly go into medical librarianship. Although that is not my first choice. I do want to practice nursing for sometime, but I guess when I want a change I can transition into medical librarianship.

RGN1 · Sep 12, 2006

I did a BA(Hons) in performing arts, helps me everyday I'm on shift - well the acting part anyway! :lol2:

banditrn · Sep 12, 2006

I designed 'how-to' projects for 'Crafts' magazine, and also made and sold my own line of clay figures. I did all this from my home when my kids were little.

I'm considering trying to go back to designing.

L&DRN08, RN · Sep 14, 2006

I graduated from 2 yr Medical Assistant program in 2001 and have been doing that ever since. Over the past 6yrs I've worked as a CMA for an internist, 2 dermatologists and OB/GYN and currently a Plastic surgeon. After awhile I found myself bored & wanting to be able to do more.

I went back to school after being out for almost 4 yrs.....just started Level 2 Nursing, its tough but I think it will be so much more rewarding than what I am doing now.....not to mention a much nicer paycheck!

Sarah143 · Sep 14, 2006

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!!

Cancergirl -- We have almost identical circumstances! I, too, graduated with in Psych and proceeded to pursue a MSW. I was one year into it (3 yr part time program) and decided to go into nursing instead. I am currently taking prereqs in order to begin an accl. 2nd degree program in late 2007/early 2008. I have always been tempted by the medical field, but chose psych instead. I think, for me, it boiled down to my fear that, in social work, i wouldn't be helping people in a very tangible way. I also feel there is not a lot of room for growth or advancement within the field and nonexistant job security. My mother is an RN, MSN and is now the director of patient safery at 5 major hospitals in a major city in Cali. She is my inspiration through this all.

This is my first post, I just had to respond to your thread, considering our circumstances are so much alike. I say...GO FOR IT and GOOD LUCK!!

Sheri257 · Sep 14, 2006

I was a journalist for nearly 20 years, writing articles for U.S. News and other publications, and switched to TV producing news stories for Fox and ABC.

:typing

Markthemalenurse · Sep 14, 2006

I was an Automotive Mechanic for FORD

JenNJFLCA · Sep 14, 2006

I got my first degree in marine biology, ended up working in a lab with all kinds of viruses. At 28 I'm already on my 2nd career!! :)

banditrn · Sep 14, 2006

I was a journalist for nearly 20 years, writing articles for U.S. News and other publications, and switched to TV producing news stories for Fox and ABC.
:typing

Lizz - and you left all that?!! Wow, sounds like a dream to me!

HARRN2b · Sep 14, 2006

Lizz,

Your life sounds so interesting!

Nurseintraining77 · Sep 14, 2006

Hi,

I just joined today and this thread caught my attention. I'm a 28 yr mom and wife. I originally graduated with a BA in Psychology and have been doing social service work for nearly 10 years (started in the field part-time straight outta higschool). I'll be starting the BSN program at a local college this spring semester. I currently work as a housing specialist for people with HIV/AIDS. I've always wanted to be in the medical field but settled for psych when I got pregnant. Now that my daughter's older I'm ready to start a new career path.

I have an 18 yr old cousin who's also starting nursing school this spring so it'll be nice to talk to someone in the family about all the work I have :) We both want to go on to the master's program and eventually become NPs.