Need to make decision soon re: Nursing vs other profession . .

[proudmomof3]

I have been officially accepted into the nursing program at my local community college next year. However, I am having second thoughts for many reasons and am hoping I can get some feedback from professionals currently in the field. I know nursing offers many options, benefits, good pay and ample opportunties which is the main reasons I chose this career and waited two years to get accepted into the program. I have been through a BS in business and cannot afford to waste any more time in school unless I'm 100% sure it's what I want to do for the rest of my life!

To make it short, my age and physical limitations are giving me serious second thoughts.

I am 43 (so I'll be 45 upon graduation), have DDD @ L4-S1 and cannot be on my feet for prolonged periods without sufficient back pain and definitely don't want to do all those night shifts/rotating shifts that I hear many, especially new grads, end up with. What other good career(s) in the medical field might be appropriate for someone like me that still offer good pay and good opportunities? I was thinking about X-ray tech, aka nuclear medicine might be better for me? My time is running out and I feel lost as to what, if anything, might be right for me.

Mom of 3 stuck in "occupational crisis"!!!!!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Your age and previous life experience are actually a 'bonus' insofar as a nursing career is concerned. However, any pre-exising back problems are a big red flag. Your message reveals that you are already aware of the fact that there is absolutely no way to avoid stress & strain on your back. Most acute care nursing shifts are 12 hours... with very little time off your feet. There is also absolutely no way to avoid 'off hours', weekends & holidays - nursing care is 24X7 - Day jobs are awarded to folks with seniority. 'Desk jobs' and those with less physical demands require some years of experience.

Have you considered other career options in health care? Most other direct care clinical jobs are very physical also but perhaps something in the operations or business area? Jobs in all phases of Informatics are in high growth mode - from Healthcare Information Management (formerly medical records) to hard-core computer tecchies. If you are leaning toward more clinical aspects, I would encourage you to explore laboratory science. There are multiple levels - with associated educational requirements similar to those in nursing & those jobs are always in demand.

[valdtess]

dude, if I found out that I got accepted into the Nursing program, I would be jumpin up and down right now. Please, your road is open, get your nursing degree!