Is nursing your second career?

David's Harp · Jan 15, 2007

HI!!!!!! I am actually at the symphony this weekend, thinking about all my classes starting next week! I'm glad to be playing, and I love it, but I am SO excited to start! I hope I get into the accelerated program too! (fingers crossed)! Are you in school or practicing already?!? I wish you the best of luck, and never stop playing!
BM....tee hee!

I'm in school, to graduate in May. Are you starting pre-req's, and hoping to get into an accelerate program thereafter?

It's funny, I wouldn't trade the years I spent in music school for anything, in terms of building both musicianship and some of my closest friendships, but the degree itself? Well, it was _useful_ as a mousepad for a while there... :idea:

3rdgenRN2B · Jan 15, 2007

Nursing is my second career as well. I've been in the retail florist business for the past 10+ years. When I graduated high school I took the entrance exam for the RN program at my local community college. I was so mortified by how hard the exam was that I elected to not find out my grade. I started taking prereqs but decided that I didn't need school--I was making tons at my job (seemed like it at the time). Now, many moons later, I struggle to find time for my classes as well as workimg full-time. Oh, did I mention that I'm also married and expecting a child this March? Not gonna get any easier. But nothing worthwhile is ever easy...

tencents · May 2, 2007

I have a B.S. in Special Education and then decided teaching wasn't for me. Really, I had to get my master's if I wanted to teach in NY anyway, so I started exploring my options. I feel in love with Occupational Therapy.

But I have also always had nursing in the back of my mind. However, it's usually stayed in the back becuase the 5 nurses in my family say...stay away. That is until recently, when the opportunity for FREE tuition and books came up (VA benefit). Stipulation though, only in the state of AL (as that's where my parents live).

I applied to a OT program in AL and was put on the alternate list, so I applied to a A.S.N. However, I have also been accepted to a private school OT program (def. NOT free). To date I'm moving back to NY to persue OT school...but I'm still not convinced I am making the right choice.

FLAgal14 · May 2, 2007

Nursing is my second career as well. I have a BA in public health, and a MPH in epidemiology. Sounds like it could be exciting but not so much - basically sitting at a computer crunching numbers all day. But - I will be starting an accelerated BSN program in 2 weeks so I'm pretty excited about this career change. I rather interact with people than computers

OgopogoLPN, LPN, RN · May 4, 2007

I have been a medical office assistant/secretary for almost 12 years, so nursing will be my 2nd career and hopefully last :)

jemommyRN · May 4, 2007

I have a B.S. in chemistry and my "first career" was a forensic DNA analyst (for about 3 weeks) LOL. I work as a research assistant with my degree for a while, but I wish I would have entered an accelerated program, but I didn't know about (the one i should have entered) until I was already in my ADN program. But, in my ADN program, I didn't really need any prereqs, I just got straight into the nursing curriculum. If you think you can handle the accelerated program, do it.

Gaia2008 · May 5, 2007

.....

heywazzupdude · May 5, 2007

Nursing is my THIRD career. I have a BS in Chemistry, Computer Programming diploma & a MS in Information Systems. My first career was a chemist and second was software engineer. :biere:

RN60453 · May 5, 2007

Yes it is, I have a BS in biology, chem minor. BSN is my second degree. between those times i was a veterinary technician for 10 years

MollyMel · May 5, 2007

I started a BA, and now have a B.Tech in entertainment technology. I worked in theatre for 10 years (while in school as well as after) and have been bored for the last 2. I had a really awful desk job at a lighting rental company last year that was the final impetus to get out. I'm so glad i did, i am am happier and healthier already. But I am also really happy I had those other experiences.

I had planned on an accelerated program, but the earliest I could get into a 15 month program is January. A 2 year ASn starting in September will get me my RN at the same time, and I will be able to start an MSn with only a few more credits. (plus it's cheaper!)

btw.

The "direct entry MSns" that are listed for NYC (Columbia and Pace) aren't really just an MSn. They are 2 1/2 to 3 year programs where the first year is an accelerated BSn and the last 1 1/2 - 2 are the (basically regular) MSn. They just encourage you to do all 3 years rather than leaving after 1 year (a typical accel. BSn), so you're not really skipping a step.

armyvet · May 5, 2007

I am starting an Accelerated BSN program next week. I hear it is really tough too. We have an exit exam (Hesi) to take and if we do not pass with score of 900 then we do not graduate. I will let you know how it is going after we start.

PNCC2001 · May 8, 2007

Nursing is also my second degree. I just graduated with a BS in Human Services, but worked in Social Services for many years before that; and really don't want to anymore. Before that I worked in the medical field for several years, as a secretary and medical assistant. I have gone back and forth about nursing for many years, but finally decided to do it. I will be continuing prereqs in June and hope to get accepted to nursing program that starts January 2008. I realized nursing is where I need to be. Good luck to everybody. I look forward to helping each other through.