2nd Career - Are you happy with your decision to become a nurse?

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Hi - For those of you who went into nursing as a second career, are you happy you did or do you feel you made a huge mistake?

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Specializes in Government.

Overall? I'd say it was a great decision for me. I changed careers at 32 and went through an accelerated BSN program (2nd degree). That was 21 years ago.

The positives? Career options, mobility, better pay than I was making in my first career. The portability of a licensed profession may not mean much to some but it was a huge thing for me.

The downsides? Being a newbie at 32 was hard. I think it it probably easier now with so many career change nurses but it was very odd when I did it. Nursing tends not to respect anything degree-wise outside of nursing. Also, you lose career momentum when you change. I have less time in for pension, seniority, etc than someone who knew what they wanted at 20. I'll definitely be working until 65 while my old friends from my first career are retiring now.

Best wishes to you in your plans!

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Yes, I definitely made the right decision. :)

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Specializes in PICU.

It was absolutely the best decision I have made regarding my career. Nursing opens a lot of doors. If I had it to do again, I would probably do it the first time around. Al things happen for a reason, though, and my path led to nursing as a second degree. Go for it if you have the desire!

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This advice was very encouraging for me, as I am a nursing student. I worked in the business field for years until I found my true calling.:heartbeat

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Mistake.

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Specializes in PICU.

I worked in business for years before I went to nursing, as well. Good luck in your nursing school endeavors.

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

Yes, I made the right decision.

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Overall yes..but on the bad days, I question it...Nursing is a lot different than banking... :)

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

Good decision. I love what I do.

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Like my work, like my patients, like my paycheque, hate the shift work, hate the family events I miss, hate the way we are overworked, hate the way we are treated.

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Specializes in LTAC,LTC, Med Surg.

I've only been a nurse since May but have come to regret it. Its just so stressful and I want to give quality care to my patients. But each day is so busy and can be quite chaotic to the point I can't be the kind of nurse I want. Also, your needs are put last. Some days I've gone without eating, going to the bathroom and taking my own asthma meds because theres just too much to do. I knew early in nursing school that maybe being a nurse wasn't a good fit for me. Also, I didn't want to let my family down. I knew I should've listened to my instincts early on. Oh well, I'll try to make the best of my education even if I'm not happy. I do wish you luck as you make your decision to attend nursing school.

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