leaving a top MBA program for nursing? (Second Degree/Accelerated Nursing Program)

Nurses Career Support

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Hi Everyone,

I am currently a first year MBA student at Wharton, Upenn (4 months/1 semester into my program at one of the top MBA programs in the world). I have been questioning my career choices and going down the MBA path, I have always been interested in the medical field but since I am nearly 5 years out of undergrad and have not taken any of the science prereq classes necessary, I have always convinced myself from making such a radical switch. Now that I am in the MBA program I have seriously been giving thought to the option of a nursing career.

I have been agonizing over wether it is logical for me to continue doing this MBA. I can barely motivate myself to do any work (but I'm still passing) and feel no passion or call for what I am studying and can't even find a job or company I can imagine working in post MBA. The thing that gets me is I can't get past the pushing paper, cubicle 9 to 5 job.

My aim in life is not to make as much money as possible, so clearly I'm already in the wrong place. When I picture being satisfied in my career I think of high practicality, down to earth, high pressure, active but somehow still very hands on, the more to show for my work the better.

I know nursing is not for the faint of heart, and while I can't say I can imagine exactly what walking in the shoes of a nurse is like I've done my fair share of volunteering and most of my experience is in nonprofit down and dirty programs like AmeriCorps. I like to think if I can put up with being responsible for other people's lives 24/7 and sleeping in church basements all to be of service to small communities, I can hack it out in most jobs. Its my motivation that drives me, and I've lost it.

A couple of questions: Does it sound like nursing would bring that motivation back from your experience? am i crazy to want to leave a top MBA program people would die to get into? is really a logical and realistic option for me?

... i would already be starting out at a disadvantage since i'm 26, now in debt from the Wharton MBA (although better to stop now than a year in), and still unsure of the best path for me...

am i just soul searching when instead i should be sucking it up and stick through this? i must disclose, i seem to have unfortunately developed a track record as a habitual career hopper through this quarter life crisis.

any thoughts, guidance, feedback, personal experiences, recommendations, anything really, would be much appreciated!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Stay with the MBA, then do either an accelerated BSN or a direct entry MSN.

Nursing needs business minded nurses.

Hot degree option: MSN/MBA.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I agree - you are midway through a stellar program. Don't abandon this opportunity for what appears to be an emotionally driven an illogical change.

From the outside, nursing appears to be the "it" career that should provide a soul-satisfying and meaningful occupation for life. But the reality is very different. The day-to-day realities can trump lofty ideals in a very short time. If you really want to help us make a difference, use your Wharton MBA to change healthcare and give us a voice in policy decisions.

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I am a JD trying to go to nursing school. However, I've been out of law school for almost 10 years. There is a great need I believe for nurses with other experiences, as the person above me said, to assist in the changing state of healthcare and to bring that expertise to the field.

However, knowing how blasé I felt and feel about practicing law, I do understand where your feelings are coming from in that respect. I went into law because everyone seemed to think it was the next step after I graduated college and that it would provide me all these opportunities. Three kids later, I am failing to capitalize on all those amazing opportunities! :D And I still can't find the motivation to want to return to the field.

I have found an excitement and motivation to pursue this path than I never had with my law degree or even my BA before that. BUT, BUT it's something you really, really need to consider since you are currently pursuing your MBA at the moment. You will have to dig deep as to whether it's prudent to abandon that path at this moment to completely change tracks. Realize that you will have to take your science prereqs. And you will have to get accepted to nursing school. What's going to be your plan if you go through all of this and getting accepted to nursing school takes more than one or two times applying? Are you prepared for that limbo land if it occurs? How is all this timing going to work out for your finances, your living situation, etc?

And then, here's what I was talking about with my mom today actually. What happens if you do nursing and don't like it either??? That was an interesting conversation, I tell you. LOL

I did try to quit law school once and use my psych degree to work on a psych ward nights and teach dance (my passion). I pushed through, and even though law is not what I really want to do, I am glad that I stayed in and got my degree. Sometimes in the middle of things, it seems so sucky that you'd rather switch to something else, anything else. Take some time to really evaluate the consequences of each action and talk to people in your support system as well. Even talking it out with people who will play Devil's advocate with you can shed light on what the correct path is.

Whatever you choose, I wish you the best of luck, though. I totally empathize with how you feel, so know that you're not alone!

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Hi, I know my post is a little late, but I am currently in the same situation. I am considering leaving law school because I don't like it as much as I thought I would and nursing is something that I have always wanted to do. I went to law school for all of the wrong reasons and I don't think it is a good fit for me. I was just wondering what you decided. Thanks! :)

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Although I am not leaving a top law school, I just quit 2 semesters short of my Masters in Business. I also have an Associates & Bachelors. I loathe going to a cubical every day, fighting morning traffic during my 45 minute commute, 9-5, ANYTHING office related. I couldn't even get myself out of bed towards the end, I had no sense of motivation. People think I'm crazy. I've always been interested in anything Science but was talked out of becoming a nurse by my family members that worked in the Health field. My problem right now is that the area that I live in, is small. Only 2 ADN options, a few BSN and a few hospital programs. I've been waiting 2 years to get in and everyday that goes by makes me rethink my craziness! Fingers crossed! Good luck!

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Although I am not leaving a top law school I just quit 2 semesters short of my Masters in Business. I also have an Associates & Bachelors. I loathe going to a cubical every day, fighting morning traffic during my 45 minute commute, 9-5, ANYTHING office related. I couldn't even get myself out of bed towards the end, I had no sense of motivation. People think I'm crazy. I've always been interested in anything Science but was talked out of becoming a nurse by my family members that worked in the Health field. My problem right now is that the area that I live in, is small. Only 2 ADN options, a few BSN and a few hospital programs. I've been waiting 2 years to get in and everyday that goes by makes me rethink my craziness! Fingers crossed! Good luck![/quote']

I feel the SAME way that you do. I work full time in an office and go to law school at night and I honestly can't stand it anymore. I absolutely despise doing the same thing over and over again every day. I have always been interested in the medical field as well and was talked out of it. I have decided to start taking my prerequisite courses this summer and will hopefully be applying to a program for the fall of 2014. Good luck with everything and I hope you get into a nursing program soon!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Psych, Addictions..

I feel the SAME way that you do. I work full time in an office and go to law school at night and I honestly can't stand it anymore. I absolutely despise doing the same thing over and over again every day. I have always been interested in the medical field as well and was talked out of it. I have decided to start taking my prerequisite courses this summer and will hopefully be applying to a program for the fall of 2014. Good luck with everything and I hope you get into a nursing program soon!

Fyi_Doctors are in the medical field. Nurses are in the healthcare field.

Nursing can be fun and rewarding at times, but is very challenging! We stand and walk 8+ hours / shift day after day. We skip lunch and rarely go to the bathroom. It isn't as fun and nurturing as most people think.

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Fyi_Doctors are in the medical field. Nurses are in the healthcare field.

Nursing can be fun and rewarding at times, but is very challenging! We stand and walk 8+ hours / shift day after day. We skip lunch and rarely go to the bathroom. It isn't as fun and nurturing as most people think.

Oops, healthcare field is what I meant. Thanks for the honest feedback on the nursing profession. I have a few friends that are nurses and I shadowed a few nurses just recently and based on their stories and expeiences I can see how it can be very challenging.

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