I was on my way to becoming a professor in physical geography, when, during my first year in a doctoral program, I realized I was miserable and wanted a career that really meant something. For me, academics wasn't it. It's not that my grad programs were difficult--they really weren't. I felt that I was never really challenged, except during a biology course I took as an elective in my master's program. Actually, I worked harder as an undergrad than I ever did as a grad student.
I left the program several years ago and I've had time (lots of it) to try out different jobs and think things over. I've had okay jobs but they all felt for a lack of better words-- blah. Now, we've moved to Louisville, where I've had a difficult time finding a job-- any job. It seems like all the jobs are in the medical or manufacturing field. A friend finally helped me land a very part-time gig helping a little girl with CP. We work on her independent living goals. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my little gal. But I'm basically a glorified nanny, and I want more.
Ever since I was little I'd thought about being an RN. For some reason, I would just push it away. Toward the end of my master's program a very dear friend died in a car accident, and it was very tough on me, since I my 18-year-old uncle died the same way. I was talking to my grandma about it, and she told me that she had recently spoken to the girl who was my uncles fiance. She became a nurse because she wanted to help people who'd been in accidents. That stuck with me.
I've been researching prerequisites, nursing school, advice, jobs, etc. I'm thinking about becoming a CNA to get some experience and see if this is for me. I have a friend who said she can get me a position where she works. Then, if it's a fit, I would apply for U of Louisville's Accelerated BSN program. I'm so excited about the thought of all of this. I haven't been this excited about something in a very, very long time.
I know what a tough job nursing is. I know about tough jobs-- I worked my way through undergrad at an emergency children's shelter. Besides seeing horrific injuries to children, I've been--among other things--pooped on, peed on, thrown-up on, almost stabbed in the back, overwhelmed with paperwork, exhausted, and over-worked.
I read the CNN article about nurses not being able to find jobs. Is it really that terrible?? I'm willing to work in nursing homes, whatever it takes in the beginning. I'm not the sort of person who thinks anything is beneath them.
My husband is worried that I'll go through all of this (time and MORE student loans) and nothing will come of it.
Advice. Thoughts. Anything is appreciated. I apologize for the length of this. But it feels so good to type all of this out.
I decided to go for the CNA training. I started last weekend, and I really like it so far.
My only concern about becoming an RN, especially during those first few years of working isn't so much the hours but being able to take time off. I'll admit, I am spoiled when it comes to that. Being under-employed/unemployed means that I can just leave and travel with my husband whenever I want.
However, the flip side of that is that I'm bored most of the time. I also feel pretty useless and I can feel my brain turning to mush.
I've volunteered some, but most organizations in my neighborhood aren't even accepting volunteers because they have too many. Even the library turned me away. Ahhhhh! Now that made me feel awesome.
I know I won't be able to make up my mind until I actually start working with patients.
sh1015
14 Posts
I decided to go for the CNA training. I started last weekend, and I really like it so far.
My only concern about becoming an RN, especially during those first few years of working isn't so much the hours but being able to take time off. I'll admit, I am spoiled when it comes to that. Being under-employed/unemployed means that I can just leave and travel with my husband whenever I want.
However, the flip side of that is that I'm bored most of the time. I also feel pretty useless and I can feel my brain turning to mush.
I've volunteered some, but most organizations in my neighborhood aren't even accepting volunteers because they have too many. Even the library turned me away. Ahhhhh! Now that made me feel awesome.
I know I won't be able to make up my mind until I actually start working with patients.