Jumping the Nursing Ship to Follow My Dreams

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Hi all! I must say that I am a long time reader, first time poster. The great thing about this place is that I have seen nurses help other nurses and that is why I am here...I need help with a decision I need to make.

I have been a nurse since 2010, working primarily in nursing homes. Prior to nursing school, I thought about going to culinary school to become a pastry chef and eventually open my own cupcake shop. I love baking and making people happy with food is something I love doing. However, I decided to go to nursing school because at the time, I was set on that being what I wanted to do. I loved nursing school and getting my first job as a nurse. I loved it so much I decided to enroll in a RN to MSN bridge program, which I am now just 2 years away from completing.

However recently, probably for about a year, I have really thought about going to culinary school to pursue my dream of opening my own cupcake shop and leaving the nursing world all together. I have just become disheartened with the nursing profession. I thought switching facilities and working in a new place would bring back the passion I once had for nursing, but moving to a new place has only made it worse. I even tried working in the hospital for a period of time, but I quickly learned I did not belong there and went back to my comfort zone. Everyday I feel like a glorified "pill pusher" and I don't feel like I make any difference in the lives of my residents.

And that is why I have turned to you guys here. I am torn between staying in something that I know or starting over and doing what has always been a dream of mine. I don't want to regret any decisions because you only live once. I have already started researching culinary schools in my area and found one at the same community college where I attended nursing school. I am tempted to throw in the towel with nursing and start over and follow my dreams. I would appreciate any feedback and advice!

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I say go for it and good luck.

I might suggest staying PRN and working just the minimum requirement (if that option is available) so that you keep your hand in and can go back to nursing without difficulty if you have to.

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Specializes in Author/Business Coach.

Follow your dreams. You only live once.

All I knew was nursing for 11 years before I decided to change directions.

Do it!

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Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.

I think you should follow your dreams, but in this economy you have to be realistic. If your heart is no longer in nursing, I would definitely find a stopping point with the rn-msn program. No need in wasting more money. Maybe you just haven't found your niche in nursing. If I were you I would continue working as a nurse and start a small at home pastry business. You don't have to go to culinary school to learn how to bake. Start a website, print some business cards, and network. Drop off free samples at businesses along your business cards. People are always looking for sweet treats for all kinds of occasions. Start small and see how things go before you abandon your career and get in more debt pursuing another degree.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I think you should follow your dreams but in this economy you have to be realistic. If your heart is no longer in nursing, I would definitely find a stopping point with the rn-msn program. No need in wasting more money. Maybe you just haven't found your niche in nursing. If I were you I would continue working as a nurse and start a small at home pastry business. You don't have to go to culinary school to learn how to bake. Start a website, print some business cards, and network. Drop off free samples at businesses along your business cards. People are always looking for sweet treats for all kinds of occasions. Start small and see how things go before you abandon your career and get in more debt pursuing another degree.[/quote']

^Agree.

I know a few colleagues that are excellent in making treats, and are able to harness their talents as well.

I say continue to find your niche, put school on hold, and enjoy your passion :yes:

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Nursing could provide a steady income until your cupcake shop earns enough profit to pay the bills, including your own health insurance and money for retirement.

A few prn shifts during the off-hours can drum up plenty of funds, and if your business becomes profitable enough, maybe you can let nursing drift out of your life.

Who says it needs to be all or nothing?

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Specializes in Rehab, critical care.

Agree with RNperdiem. You can work while in culinary school, continue to work PRN or part time so you can have benefits until you're sure that you will have steady income and be able to provide for yourself in the culinary profession. Also, I wouldn't open a cupcake shop as those are trendy and will fall out of fashion in the next few years. I'm assuming as a pastry chef you'll be able to make things other than just cupcakes anyway lol.

Follow your dreams! But just do it wisely. You don't want to end up with a bunch of debt you can't pay off. Sounds like the program is reasonably priced (some culinary schools are very very expensive). Also research into how well bakeries are doing right now, and be willing to relocate to an area that doesn't have a specialty bakery so you can stay in business.

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I agree with the nurse who said it doesn't have to be all or nothing. Often nurses can do part time with enough hours to retain benefits. This would allow additional time to pursue your dream. Having said that, have you considered the process of starting a new business? I recommend trying to network with those in similar businesses regarding pros, cons, regulations and legal issues. Also, there are a number of food service businesses on line that are successful. The internet is becoming a powerful platform for selling, marketing, etc. Knowledge is power, so learn what it takes to be successful in your new endever.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Oh Em Gee.. I just felt like I was reading my diary. I have been an RN since 2010 as well, but have worked in Med/Surg in two different hospitals in two different states. I too am at my breaking point, but yet I'm afraid to move on to something new. I LOVE taking care of people, but I don't agree with most of the medications I give and I have more of a holistic mindset when it comes to nursing. My dream is to have a show on Food Network and publish a cookbook for healthy foods that don't taste like crap :p I find it very interesting that I read your post after having the same discussion with my husband just this morning. I am considering starting the BSN program just in case my culinary dream doesn't pay the bills. My advice to you (and to myself) is to follow your heart, but be smart at the same time. I would quit your MSN program before you waste money that you could put towards your culinary degree. I would change to PRN if you are okay to not have the benefits. I would then start the culinary classes that you're talking about. Why can't you open your cupcake shop and work PRN? If you don't make the money you need from your shop, just pick up some extra shifts. If you make it big, then quit your nursing job. That's what I would do. Good luck to you! I would really love it if you'd keep me updated on your progress as I'm in the same boat as you! Feel free to email me sometime at [email protected].

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As a fellow nurse- baker.. Don't limit your self to cupcakes.. They are a trend and the next low carb diet craze rolls around you'll be out of beeswax faster than Krispy Kreme was in my state when Atkins hit the news.

You need a variety of offerings and skills to make it in the bakery biz... So hone up on cake making /decorating and learn a few other tricks and treats..something special not being offered in ur area.. cupcake only shops need to be somewhere that gets very intense foot traffic of ppl in a good mood to have a treat..like down town in a tourist area where hundreds of ppl are going by.. Think of how many $3 cupcakes u need to sell per day to operate a storefront and rent and utilities and other staff in a prime tourist spot.. .. That's a LOT of cupcakes..you'd need a few $500 wedding cakes a week just cover ur costs..not trying to be negative.. I'd like to do the same thing someday lol.. Just some practical thoughts I have had for my own considerations of having a small bakery some day.. Good luck : )

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Go for it with all your heart and soul. You'll never regret it.

Good luck and best wishes for a successful new life journey!

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Hi all! I must say that I am a long time reader, first time poster. The great thing about this place is that I have seen nurses help other nurses and that is why I am here...I need help with a decision I need to make.

I have been a nurse since 2010, working primarily in nursing homes. Prior to nursing school, I thought about going to culinary school to become a pastry chef and eventually open my own cupcake shop. I love baking and making people happy with food is something I love doing. However, I decided to go to nursing school because at the time, I was set on that being what I wanted to do. I loved nursing school and getting my first job as a nurse. I loved it so much I decided to enroll in a RN to MSN bridge program, which I am now just 2 years away from completing.

However recently, probably for about a year, I have really thought about going to culinary school to pursue my dream of opening my own cupcake shop and leaving the nursing world all together. I have just become disheartened with the nursing profession. I thought switching facilities and working in a new place would bring back the passion I once had for nursing, but moving to a new place has only made it worse. I even tried working in the hospital for a period of time, but I quickly learned I did not belong there and went back to my comfort zone. Everyday I feel like a glorified "pill pusher" and I don't feel like I make any difference in the lives of my residents.

And that is why I have turned to you guys here. I am torn between staying in something that I know or starting over and doing what has always been a dream of mine. I don't want to regret any decisions because you only live once. I have already started researching culinary schools in my area and found one at the same community college where I attended nursing school. I am tempted to throw in the towel with nursing and start over and follow my dreams. I would appreciate any feedback and advice!

Follow your dream. The years fly by and before you know it you will be in a position where you won't be able to open your shop, for one reason or another. Don't look back on your life with regret.

Now go make me a dozen Lemon Zinger cupcakes!

ETA: For the naysayers on opening up a cupcake shop: there's one in my area that's been around for years and is very successful, and it is cupcakes only.

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