Leaving the music industry for Nursing

Nurses Career Support

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I was a nursing major in college about 12 years ago but got caught up in the music industry and have done pretty well for myself in this industry. Currently, I am a Record Label executive at a Major Label and have a radio show on a prominent New York City radio station. Although, I am doing very well in my field both financially and career-wise, I have always wanted to return to college and finish my Nursing degree. I understand the sacrifices that I will have to make to pursue my dream. However, after reading some of the negative posts on this BB, its making me re-think my decision. When I left college to pursue my music career, I had EVERY intention to go back. My thinking was, "School will always be there for you but getting into the music industry is a once in a lifetime chance." After 12 years of the music industry, I feel that I have done all that I can in this field. My other reason is that at age 30, I feel this is a good time to make a career change. I figuire that by the time I finish school, I won't be too old. My concern is that I keep hearing work conditions are very dangerous at the hospitals among other things. Also, I want to get into Nursing Informatics because of my various computer skills. I have many other reasons why I want to leave the music industry but the main reason why I want to go back to Nursing is it was my lifelong dream which I have never stopped thinking about. I'll probably still have my ties with the music industry but I want to know what to realistically expect going back to school and being part of the RN workforce. Thanks for your time!

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First, let me start by saying that there are a lot of career fields that can be dangerous. Take the music industry for instance. Performers over dose, get shot, killed, etc. It can happen in any job. I come from two generations of nurses and doctors. I spent my twenties not knowing what I wanted to be when I grew up and then I turned 30. I have been in the finance industry for 7 years and made a good living, but decided that its not what I want to do for the rest of my life. When I think about nursing, you know what comes to mind? For one moment in time, I can make a difference in someone's life. There are so many people who have no one to care for them or cares about them and I can make a major difference. I realize there are dangers, HIV, HepB, etc, but I am willing to take that risk. I truely care for and about people and I want to make a difference. I'm not in it for the money. I took a job for $10.00/hour less than what I was making just to get my foot in the door. I am willing to make the sacrifices because I finally know what is important. I hope this helps. Good Luck with your decision.

Originally posted by DJNurse:

I was a nursing major in college about 12 years ago but got caught up in the music industry and have done pretty well for myself in this industry. Currently, I am a Record Label executive at a Major Label and have a radio show on a prominent New York City radio station. Although, I am doing very well in my field both financially and career-wise, I have always wanted to return to college and finish my Nursing degree. I understand the sacrifices that I will have to make to pursue my dream. However, after reading some of the negative posts on this BB, its making me re-think my decision. When I left college to pursue my music career, I had EVERY intention to go back. My thinking was, "School will always be there for you but getting into the music industry is a once in a lifetime chance." After 12 years of the music industry, I feel that I have done all that I can in this field. My other reason is that at age 30, I feel this is a good time to make a career change. I figuire that by the time I finish school, I won't be too old. My concern is that I keep hearing work conditions are very dangerous at the hospitals among other things. Also, I want to get into Nursing Informatics because of my various computer skills. I have many other reasons why I want to leave the music industry but the main reason why I want to go back to Nursing is it was my lifelong dream which I have never stopped thinking about. I'll probably still have my ties with the music industry but I want to know what to realistically expect going back to school and being part of the RN workforce. Thanks for your time!

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I'm a 30 year old student. Many of us are pursuing second degrees, in fact. In my class, there is at least one social worker, one engineer, one person who worked with the Peace Corps on two different assignments, and one author of a children's book. There are probably many other professionals that I'm not aware of. Nursing is a great choice, in my opinion. You DO NOT have to do "floor nursing" with a BSN. You could work as a Clinical Research Associate with a pharmaceutical company (or CRO), work as a job recruiter for a temp agency (helping them fill "technical" or health positions), write a book (BSN,RN is all the title you need if you have something to write about), go into pharmaceutical sales, research, public/community health, work as a travel nurse and "see the country" (and the world!), teach, advance to MSN or PhD (with lots more opportunity), etc... There are lots of possibilities - explore the net!

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To quote a popular 80's canadien power trio, and you should know who i'm talking about, just "Follow your heart" and do what you feel is right. Personally i pretty much think it's a great career 8 out of 10 days, the other 2 i think, i'm a dumbass for putting up with this. Get your degree, knowbody says you have to get a job afterwards.

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Hi, I am in the music business also. I work for a major record label as well. It's been nearly 3 years for me but I am a little fed up with the politics etc that goes on. I always wanted to be a nurse because I would like to think that I am actually contributing something to the world and helping people. I am a little worried about all the things I've read on this site. I am also worried about the pay cut. Write me and let me know what you have learned. It's interesting to find someone in such a similar situation.

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