Looking for some advice on Career Paths

[jlmatthews]

Ok, I am 26 years old, I spent 8 years in the army as an intelligence analyst.

In short, I hated my job.

Once I got out, I decided to try something completely different. I got a job at a nursing home as a Developmental Technician (This is apparently is like a Occupational Therapist Assistant, with little or no training.) Basically my job consists of getting patients up in the morning, getting them showered and dressed, getting them to breakfast, then doing treatment until lunch, we try and teach them life skills (setting the table, writing, reading, washing cloths, cooking, ect.) Most of these patients are mentally handicapped with most having some speech and or physical handicaps.

Even being the bottom rung of patient care. I am really enjoying this new job, helping the patients brings a fulfillment to my life that I was seriously lacking before.

The problem is, I make peanuts. I am not afraid to tell you, they pay me 7.50hr.

I am really interesting in making myself more marketable, making some more money but staying in the same kind of field. The LPN that supervises our floor told me today she would write me a letter of recommendation to any program that I want.

However, I am not sure what to pursue, should I go nursing? if so, LPN, RN, BSN? Should I go Occupational Therapy? I really have no family who have medical related jobs and really no one to go to for advice. If anyone has any, please let me hear it. If you have any questions please ask and I will answer promptly.

EDIT: Oh if it matters, I am male.

[tfleuter, BSN, RN]

The great thing about nursing is that you can take it as far as you like. Perhaps in your situation it would be beneficial to go for your LPN first, and then if you think you would like to continue your education, then consider a LPN to RN bridge program and after that a RN to BSN program. Or even a LPN to BSN program if you want. It doesn't have to be a one or the other situation. Start as an LPN and stay with it as long as you like. Can't speak for the OT aspect though. There's quite a bit of info out there that can give you an idea of what a typical day as an OT vs. a nurse would be like.

Best thing to do is shadow a LPN, a RN and an OT for a day and see which perks your interest most.

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

Which of the job functions you listed do you enjoy the most? Do you enjoy teaching the life skills part or the “taking care” of the patient? I think once you answer this question, it will help you to decide which avenue to take. For example, if you enjoy teaching life skills, then perhaps the Occupational Therapy route is the way to go. If you enjoy the caring part of the job (ie baths, dressing, personal hygiene) , then maybe nursing is the way to go. Occupational Therapists are in great demand. I think it is amazing how a person designs and builds assistive devices to help those with disabilities.