Leaving the Law

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 28, 2004

Welcome to you!!!! I made a career change from career military (systems analyst) to nurse and NO REGRETS. Yes, I make less than I probably would if I had stayed in to rise to the ranks I would have as a career military person. I however, wanted a career that allowed me flexibility to be home with the kids when needed and also that I felt I was DOING something meaningful. OB was my goal, and 7 years after graduating, it's what I do and still love.

As a lawyer, I would think you would bring MUCH to nursing with your background. You would be welcomed with open arms.

I advise you examine carefully and honestly why you wish to become a nurse---- perhaps follow a few of them in their day to day work, and then decide if it's right for you. MANY here at allnurses.com are 2nd -career nurses raising families, etc. and I read a statistic that the average age of the graduating RN is 34. SO, you can SEE it's never too late to make a change in your life that makes you happier and more content.

Life is NOT a dress rehearsal, after all, but the real thing. If you want to do something that makes a difference, and touches others, nursing offers you a really unique opportunity to do so, as a professional. The pay is not HUGE, but it's not bad, either, depending on how you work and for whom. Nursing is a BIG field and there are entepreneurs here who work for NO ONE but themselves, pulling in 6 figure incomes each year. It can be what you make it.

I hope this helps you some. Best wishes to you, whatever you decide to do, and again, welcome to the boards!

CSLee3, ASN, BSN, LVN, EMT-P · Jul 28, 2004

Wow, congratulations on your decision. I work with TWO (2) RN's who were/are lawyers. They are excellent nurses and I think one still holds her bar active in the county. Both left law for the same reasons: felt it wasn't for them and saw a lot of politics, corruption, injustice, etc...

You will be able to do so much with that background. Good Luck To You

November · Jul 28, 2004

Thanks so much for your quick posts.

I have been unhappy as an attorney for the past few years. So much of what I do is contentious - and often destructive, and I no longer have the heart for it. I work constantly and I am expected to be available 24/7. I know that nursing is very hard - but it seems that your own time is truely your own. Also, I want to connect with other human beings on a more positive and more intimate level.

I have not yet been able to tell my employer (or most of my co-workers who are also my friends) that I am leaving - so sometimes I feel like I'm out there alone. Your kind words are very helpful and supportive.

leslie :-D · Jul 28, 2004

hi november,

if nursing is a career that you have been contemplating for a long time, then i encourage you to go to school.

although i made a good salary in my other 'business' career, my heart was never into it. i started nursing school when i was 33 and it was by far the most fulfulling decision i've ever made. much personal satisfaction. i suggest you explore the nursing issues at hand so you won't be disillusioned. depending on where you're nursing, salaries vary. i'm quite content with the salary i've made, here in boston. to stay in a career soley for the money can obviously resolve any financial concerns but to be true to oneself, go where your heart is leading you. much luck and peace.

leslie

Katnip, RN · Jul 28, 2004

Hi, November, welcome. I made a change from the travel industry to nursing in my 40s. Although it's hard work, I don't regret it one bit.

Best of luck to you.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2004

Many have done what you're contemplating, November.

Do suggest you consider volunteering at a facility and trying this new career on for size before taking the Nestea plunge. That way you may be able to learn how you relate to it and how others in healthcare might relate to you. (That's what I did last year before committing to the switch and hitting the prereq's.)

Good luck in however the experiment turns out!

leslie :-D · Jul 28, 2004

Many have done what you're contemplating, November.
Do suggest you consider volunteering at a facility and trying this new career on for size before taking the Nestea plunge. That way you may be able to learn how you relate to it and how others in healthcare might relate to you. (That's what I did last year before committing to the switch and hitting the prereq's.)
Good luck in however the experiment turns out!

the nestea plunge....as larry would say:

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

hypnotic_nurse · Jul 28, 2004

I too made a career change, although it wasn't really planned. :) I went back to school at 40 for nursing (47 now) and it's been a goooood thing. IMHO, most people benefit from a career change at least once in their lives.

zenman · Jul 29, 2004

IMHO, most people benefit from a career change at least once in their lives.

Only once?

Just think...when a patients family gets mad at you and threatens to call an attorney, you can say, "But I am one."

Sadie04 · Jul 29, 2004

Good for you November, I think you should go for it :) I was a teacher before I became a nurse and I agree with a previous poster - career changes can be good. You will bring much to the profession.

Destinystar · Jul 29, 2004

i have been in nursing ever since i was 16. i have no regrets. however i am fascinated by law. you sound like a very ambitiouse person. i am in favor of you doing whatever your little heart desires:) :rolleyes:

i am new to allnurses.com. i have been lurking around for months, and have just recently taken the plunge and registered. in reading the posts from allnurses.com i have learning so much, and have great admiration for you all.
i am a 41 year old lawyer that has been practicing for 17 years. for many reasons, and with great internal conflict (and a severe identiy crisis) i have decided to become a nurse (something i have had wanted at various times throughout my life since i was a child).
i am currently working and taking pre-reqs, which has been very difficult. i plan to leave my job and attend dominican college - for its bsn program, in may. i am so scared that sometimes i can hardly breath.
i have a few questoins :
has anyone made a significant career change for nursing and been disappointed?
what about those of you that have made the change and consider it the best decision of you life?
while i don't make a great deal of money, i will make less as a nurse. has anyone taken a pay cut to pursue a career in nursing - but even with hindsight - consider the decision to have been the right one anyway?
advice any of you might offer may help with my anxiety.