For you 2nd career nursing students, when you decided to leave your last career for nursing, did you ever feel that you shouldn't give up that career because of the number of years you have put in? Did you ever wonder maybe you should stay so you don't have to start over and lose seniority? Or what if I don't make it in school and will not have a job to return to?
I start classes in 2 wks, 3 days and I am wondering all of these things. 2 weeks ago, I said I had cold feet, now I'm beginning to think I have "frozen" feet.
Someone said yesterday to me, "why would someone give up all their years and seniority" and of course then I began to wonder. (they were not referring to me, but it got me thinking) I have 13 years with the federal government and am comfortable with my job. Maybe too comfortable.
Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho, Hospice, Home Health.
originally posted by lpn,future, rn
any time someone steps out of their saftey zone, fear sets in. it can be a good thing but don't let it keep you from your heart's desire. we are here for you and when i post the same thing in a few weeks, just remind me of what i have told you! :)
i totally agree...and was getting ready to post the same thing!
any time someone steps out of their saftey zone, fear sets in. it can be a good thing but don't let it keep you from your heart's desire. we are here for you and when i post the same thing in a few weeks, just remind me of what i have told you! :)
ditto!! i was going to say the same thing! when i do quit my job, i will have only been there for 4 years and i still feel this way i can't even begin to imagine how i'd feel after 14 years! but the important thing to remember is why you chose to begin this adventure in the first place. this is what will keep you going strong and heat up those feet a little!
For you 2nd career nursing students, when you decided to leave your last career for nursing, did you ever feel that you shouldn't give up that career because of the number of years you have put in? Did you ever wonder maybe you should stay so you don't have to start over and lose seniority? Or what if I don't make it in school and will not have a job to return to?
I start classes in 2 wks, 3 days and I am wondering all of these things. 2 weeks ago, I said I had cold feet, now I'm beginning to think I have "frozen" feet.
Someone said yesterday to me, "why would someone give up all their years and seniority" and of course then I began to wonder. (they were not referring to me, but it got me thinking) I have 13 years with the federal government and am comfortable with my job. Maybe too comfortable.
Help, I think I am stressing!!!!
Lucky for me, I'm going from nursing to nursing, just changing species. Yeah, I know its a bit bigger a jump than that but so many of the skills should cross over that I only have the occasional twinge about leaving. I'm asuuming (correctly, I hope) that my veterinary skills will ease the transition and give me a unique persepctive.
I have questioned my decision so many times, that I am driving myself crazy. Change is a very scary thing. I know that my decision to go back to school is a good one, but some days I question my sanity when I think about what I'm giving up to get to where I want to be.
Now THAT is the part I can go along with. I have no regrets about changing careers, its what I'll have to put myself through to get there.
For the next 3 years I will be working EVERY weekend - 3 13's in a row (6p-8a Friday, Saturday & Sunday) and I work the shift alone. Plus I'll be in school full time durring the week. I actually have to schedule grocery shopping trips, a few hours per week for house cleaning, etc. This semster I don't have any Monday classes but I know it'll happen eventually. I'm not real sure how I'll hack that. After that long weekend, I can usually go until noon-1pm before I start getting droppy.
The only upside (aside from what I'll gain in the end) is that weekend overnights at my clinic tend to be rather quiet. I do critical care and we don't generally keep a huge number of patients over the weekend. (The vet has to come in at least once per day to check on the patients - she'd rather not be there longer than she needs to be.) I'm guesstimating in the 42hrs (39hrs on the clock + 3 lunch hours) I'll be in the building Friday evening through Monday morning, I should be able to study for at least 20 of those, likely closer to 25-30.
I am in a program where everyone has at least started studying in completly different fields, most even worked in different fields. All of us were nervous and in some ways wanted back to our comfort zone, but once you get into the whole nursing thing it can also become a new comfort zone one that may be more rewarding and enjoyable than that in your privious profession. I wish you the best of luck, and send you big hugs of support for those streesfull moments :)
Debi, as a Federal employee, you may be able to work out something via the senority, retirement stuff if you stay in government ala the VA. It's a shot in the dark, but worth finding out.
Studentdeb, There are many of us out there who feel exactly as you do. I have worked for same company for 13.5 years, earn over $40k per year, have no degree and benes etc are superb BUT as regards professionally fulfilling career - no I do not have that in any capacity in my current job.. The company has downsized tremendously over past couple of years and there is no other career path/opportunity(ies) available for me even if I do decide to stay and get a degree... SO I have wanted to be an RN for 10 years and next Friday (if I can keep up the courage) will hand in my notice and go to school full-time to get business degree first and then go for BSN (accelerated). I am just not happy and all the money and seniority in the world won't solve that - but different career will. I am nearly 41 and will be cashing in some of my pension plan in order to do this so so will be "sacrificing" in many regards but I just HAVE to do it. At end of my days do not want to regret not having tried. You will be fine - it's not an easy decision to make but you will survive.. All the best.
I think you post on nurseweek.com as well - am I correct?
i am in a program where everyone has at least started studying in completly different fields, most even worked in different fields. all of us were nervous and in some ways wanted back to our comfort zone, but once you get into the whole nursing thing it can also become a new comfort zone one that may be more rewarding and enjoyable than that in your privious profession. i wish you the best of luck, and send you big hugs of support for those streesfull moments :)
There have been several times I have had seconds thoughts, especially after reading a thread or two from the General Nursing forum about this horror story or that one. But after I stop to think about it awhile, I can't think of the last time I've been this excited about doing something. Going back to school is something I've wanted to do for so long but have always hesitated because I never had a real sense of conviction about what I wanted to do. Nursing just seems right to me. The big hurdle for me is going to be with finances and work. Since I'm the sole provider for my familly I have to work fulltime. Since I currently make close to 6 figures I have to make the transition easy for the family . So I won't be going cold turkey for awhile. I will definitely be keeping the first career going at least through my prereqs and then we'll have to see how to swing things after that.
there have been several times i have had seconds thoughts, especially after reading a thread or two from the general nursing forum about this horror story or that one. but after i stop to think about it awhile, i can't think of the last time i've been this excited about doing something. going back to school is something i've wanted to do for so long but have always hesitated because i never had a real sense of conviction about what i wanted to do. nursing just seems right to me. the big hurdle for me is going to be with finances and work. since i'm the sole provider for my familly i have to work fulltime. since i currently make close to 6 figures i have to make the transition easy for the family . so i won't be going cold turkey for awhile. i will definitely be keeping the first career going at least through my prereqs and then we'll have to see how to swing things after that.
good luck chris, i wish you the best ! man, wish i was making 6 figures, well guess i'd rather be nursing too. :)
Thanks everyone for your input. I really appreciate it. It really does help me get through these feelings to hear how others feel as well.
I bought my books today and it makes me excited but nervous at the same time. They seem so big and I am trying to figure out a study plan so I can stay on top of everything because I want to do well.
Good luck to all of you as well!!!! We can do this together.
, perk! all the best to you too!
studentdeb
364 Posts
Marie,
I sent you a PM. Thanks
Debi