I have seen TONS of people who have said "nursing is my second, third or fourth career." As I have become more and more curious I was wanting to start a thread to see what areas and walks of life all the nurses and student nurses had before embarking on this incredible medical journey.
I will go first.
I was a TRUCK DRIVER prior to being a nursing student..
NEXT.
I am excited to see what you all did in your PAST LIVES>>>>>
I was a retail manager for several years before deciding to go back to school to pursue my health care career. Nursing is my first step and is providing a nice income doing something I enjoy while I continue to attend school.
Me too. And before that I bartended (which is one of my favorite jobs even though I don't drink at all). And before that I was a long term sub math teacher at a city HS in TX...worst job (even over my first nursing job). I lost sleep, nearly lost friends, and was miserable on a daily basis for that entire 1 semester I did this. It was the first and last time I ever let a job effect me in such a negative way. I weep for our future.
Me too. And before that I bartended (which is one of my favorite jobs even though I don't drink at all). And before that I was a long term sub math teacher at a city HS in TX...worst job (even over my first nursing job). I lost sleep, nearly lost friends, and was miserable on a daily basis for that entire 1 semester I did this. It was the first and last time I ever let a job effect me in such a negative way. I weep for our future.
I tried my hand, BRIEFLY, at substitute teaching. WOW, what an eye opener that was. My now teenage daughters were around 10-11 and I immediately went home and told them if I EVER caught wind of them acting or speaking the way these kids are allowed to, I would sorely disown them and would find them a new mommy, I was kidding of course but they got my point. I too am saddened at the future of our kids. Even more saddened at how teaching has taken a SEVERE slump in the last 10 years. Those men and women TRULY deserve medals, the ones who are there for the right reasons.
I was a long term sub math teacher at a city HS in TX...worst job (even over my first nursing job). I lost sleep, nearly lost friends, and was miserable on a daily basis for that entire 1 semester I did this. It was the first and last time I ever let a job effect me in such a negative way. I weep for our future.
I completely agree. Teaching can be quite depressing.
i graduated with a b.s. in psychologyin 2006. couldnt find a job to save my life.so i did what i had to do to survive.
the mantra of bachelor's in psych grads all across the land. pursuit of a psych. degree is a fun and very fascinating major but unless you plan on pursuing a phd, it's more or less worth the piece of paper it's printed on. however, when you combine a nursing degree with psych (as i did) it's a beautiful marriage of 2 disciplines, esp. if you are going into psych nursing.
The mantra of Bachelor's in psych grads all across the land. Pursuit of a psych. degree is a fun and very fascinating major but unless you plan on pursuing a PhD, it's more or less worth the piece of paper it's printed on. However, when you combine a nursing degree with psych (as I did) it's a beautiful marriage of 2 disciplines, esp. if you are going into psych nursing.
So true!! I have a BS in Psychology as well. While working on my undergrad degree, when asked, "What are you going to do with a degree in Psychology?"
I always replied, "Go to Grad school! What else?"
My initial plan was to obtain a Psy.D. Oh well, plans change. If only I'd known then what I know now!!
the mantra of bachelor's in psych grads all across the land. pursuit of a psych. degree is a fun and very fascinating major but unless you plan on pursuing a phd, it's more or less worth the piece of paper it's printed on. however, when you combine a nursing degree with psych (as i did) it's a beautiful marriage of 2 disciplines, esp. if you are going into psych nursing.
yeah once i graduated it felt like i didnt even graduate college.the degree just seemed so worthless!
I was an trainer/instructional designer who worked for small businesses and in the corporate world. I love my classes and should graduate in a couple of years. I am 45 years old and love my career change. With a degree in Occupational Training and Development, I plan to become a nursing training closer to retirement.
I had a good paying job as a machine shop inspector....experienced in process engineering and quality control. Then I lost my job due to "foreign competition"...the shop closed and I had to start all over again because similar jobs in the manufacturing industry were few/far between and about half the wages that I was used to making! Nursing was the only way I could replace/exceed my former income. Now I am a nurse with experience in quality control and process engineering....and I'm exited to use my life experience and previous skills ito make changes and better the nursing profession!
jessiern, BSN, RN
611 Posts
6 months as a waitress and 6 months as a nurses' aide.
So I decided to blend the two, throw in some needles. Nursing is what popped out.
I did spend 3 years before nursing school in junior college trying to decide what the heck to do with myself.