I've posted before but for those of you who don't know me I am 49 and about to finish my level 1 in an accelerated RN program at a community college. One has to have a previous degree (BS) in something to get into the program. I had a very successful career with a large microchip manufacterer and was making well over 140K a year plus stock and benefits but the job TOTALLY and absolutely lacked any meaning. I sat in a sea of cubicles and spent my weeks attending useless corporate meetings, listening to people pontificate about how great their accomplishes were, etc, etc. I felt completely empty. My wallet was full but my soul was empty.
In first semester Nursing school we studied Erickson's stages and I realized that I actually fell right in line with his stage for older adults. I had reflected upon my life and determined that money and prestige and stock benefits and all the trappings that go with that type of life are really not worth it if you have a sense that your life needs to have some meaning. I felt compelled to contribute to society in a somewhat more meaningful way then being a middle manager for a microchip company. The thought of sitting at a desk watching the pages of the calendar fly by really made me sit up and take notice.
So, I went to our local university (the University of New Mexico) and started taking A&P, Pathophysiology, and other courses at night and sometimes during my lunch hour. I studied all weekend, formed study groups, studied at night, I even booked conference rooms when it was quiet at work and would do assignments during work hours (beats sitting at my desk). Long story short I am in nursing school now and in a year I'll have my RN. My goal is to work in an ICU and perhaps get my CRNA after a year or so working in intensive care..........then I may volunteer to work with DOCTORS without BORDERS. I believe that every American should have healthcare as a RIGHT not as a privilege and I hope I live to see that day. Until then I am going to try to work in underserved economic populations.
Nursing school has not been easy and it's a lot of long hours. I am also commuting 100 miles a day to the campus and back but it's all worth it. I saved up money to do this and I'll have just enough to keep me going until the program ends. I've read a lot of postings about the contribution men can make in nursing. I think it's rediculous that people even worry about the role men can play in nursing. That's a very sexist attitude that women would not permit. For example, nobody questions a female doctor if she needs to do a procedure on a male. Of course not, women are just as capable and professional as men so it shouldn't matter in nursing either.
I think that comportment is critical and that men should carry themselves in a professional manner at all times. There is nothing "sexual" about a medical intervention.
With a CRITICAL nursing shortage looming, and with the aging baby boomers retiring and more nurses "graying out" of the work force, it is essential that more men consider this as a career option. Pay is increasing, responsibilities are increasing, and it's a job that confers a great deal of job satisfaction. As far as I am concerned I am glad I got to spend 25 years in corporate America. It was fun traveling around the world and carrying a briefcase and "pretending" I was an important cog in the wheel. Now I feel like I am doing something GENUINE. Something REAL.
This is just a shout out to all of my brothers out there. Regardless of age, race, national origin, religious background, economic background, etc, if you think you may want a meaningful career, consider nursing. It's a great career and will open many doors. It's a way to significantly contribute to humanity and when you drive home from a shift you'll feel like you really made a difference.
Nursing school is a long, hard road. There are lots of sacrifices to be made and lots of long hours but it's worth it. I am attending a great school in Santa Fe, New Mexico with an excellent faculty and in a beautiful setting.
If anyone wants to know more or would like to exchange emails or talk on the phone, send a shout out to me.
