Leaving nursing for another career

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Specializes in BSN, RN, CCRN - ICU & ER.

I am at a crossroads in my career. I planned on pursuing an advanced degree in anesthesia or as a NP and I have worked hard towards gaining the education and experience needed to reach that goal. I have my BSN along with my CCRN, TNCC, ACLS, and PALS and have years of critical care experience. I was recently accepted to multiple NP schools, but now I'm not sure that is the path I want to take.

Before becoming a nurse, I graduated with a degree in communications and economics. I really like working in business, but decided to pursue a career in nursing due to frequent relocations due to my husbands job. I miss the business world and cannot see myself continuing to work as a nurse for the next 20-30 years. There are too many aspects of nursing I do not enjoy and that I unfortunately do not see improving. Examples include long shifts, poor staffing ratios, emphasis from management on HCAHPS without sufficient resources to address problems, etc... I am also currently separated from my husband.

I am considering returning to grad school to pursue my MBA in order to transition out of healthcare and open up more opportunities in business. I am 30 years old, so I feel I am still young enough to change career paths. I would be able to continue working full as a nurse while I attend grad school to pursue my MBA. I was hoping to get advice or hear the experiences of members who have done the same. Pros/cons/things to consider?

Thank you in advance :)

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I am in the complete opposite boat. I am 30 years old and have had my MBA for 4 years now. I can tell you that it has done absolutely nothing for me. I am now changing careers into nursing. Hoping maybe it will come in handy when I climb the nursing ladder. I don't know if your situation of getting your MBA will be the same as mine, but for me it was pretty much a waste of money. I don't mean to sound like a downer lol I really wish you all the luck and I hope that if you do pursue your MBA it turns out to be a positive experience for you.

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Specializes in BSN, RN, CCRN - ICU & ER.
I am in the complete opposite boat. I am 30 years old and have had my MBA for 4 years now. I can tell you that it has done absolutely nothing for me. I am now changing careers into nursing. Hoping maybe it will come in handy when I climb the nursing ladder. I don't know if your situation of getting your MBA will be the same as mine, but for me it was pretty much a waste of money. I don't mean to sound like a downer lol I really wish you all the luck and I hope that if you do pursue your MBA it turns out to be a positive experience for you.

DivaliciousMe85- Thanks for sharing your experience. May I ask why you feel your MBA was a waste of money? Did it not open doors for you that you assumed it would?

I hope you enjoy your career change into nursing, but I would greatly encourage you to shadow a nurse if possible. I feel many people are not fully aware of the realities of being a nurse prior to actually becoming one. Nursing does offer a lot of opportunities, but it also has its pitfalls.

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You are correct. It did not open any doors for me. I went on interview after interview for jobs that used to require an MBA, but I never got those jobs because I was "over qualified" or even the opposite, "had no experience." An MBA today is not what it was 10 years ago. Job interviews I went on that had MBA in its requirements were nothing more than sales positions. I even worked for a marketing firm while I finished my MBA and it did nothing for me. I know someone who received his MBA close to 10 years ago (he is about 2 years older than I) and found a great job right out of school working in finance. I, however, struggled. I continue to apply to marketing agencies, corporations, etc, but nothing bites.

As for the nursing aspect. My husband's best friend and his fiancee are both nurses. So I have heard every story you can imagine. It seems I'm actually surrounded by nurses almost every day - through friends/family. Not one of them has had a bad thing to say about their job. I plan to go into psychiatric nursing, which is very close to my heart.

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I just want you to make sure it's the right decision for you and that there are job prospects upon graduation. Much like I've heard about nursing, research the job market near you. You may be surprised that you can get a job without an MBA - or there may not be jobs available even if you have your MBA. Be cautious.

I do want to say that I loved my MBA program and really did learn a lot. I just wish the job market was better.

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Specializes in BSN, RN, CCRN - ICU & ER.
You are correct. It did not open any doors for me. I went on interview after interview for jobs that used to require an MBA, but I never got those jobs because I was "over qualified" or even the opposite, "had no experience." An MBA today is not what it was 10 years ago. Job interviews I went on that had MBA in its requirements were nothing more than sales positions. I even worked for a marketing firm while I finished my MBA and it did nothing for me. I know someone who received his MBA close to 10 years ago (he is about 2 years older than I) and found a great job right out of school working in finance. I, however, struggled. I continue to apply to marketing agencies, corporations, etc, but nothing bites.

As for the nursing aspect. My husband's best friend and his fiancee are both nurses. So I have heard every story you can imagine. It seems I'm actually surrounded by nurses almost every day - through friends/family. Not one of them has had a bad thing to say about their job. I plan to go into psychiatric nursing, which is very close to my heart.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you enjoy your career change to nursing! Best wishes :)

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Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you enjoy your career change to nursing! Best wishes :)

You as well! Follow your passion. :)

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Specializes in BSN, RN, CCRN - ICU & ER.

Anyone else pursue a MBA to open other doors either in nursing administration or away from nursing altogether?

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