New Career, excited, scared and confused at the same time

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Mar 22, 2008

First, welcome to All Nurses!!! I think you'll find lots of encouragement and advice, and you'll make new friends.

Second, our stories are very similar. I'll be 51 at graduation next year, and I am more convinced than ever that this is the right thing for me. Being a mature student is especially advantageous because of the life experience and work ethic you'll bring to your studies.

I wish you all good luck and success. Stay on top of your lessons, be curious and enthusiastic, read read read, and you'll do beautifully!

Again, welcome, and much good luck to you!

Don

rholman · Mar 22, 2008

Thank you very much for your reply. Last year I was diagnosed with Diabetes and I asked to attend a Nutrition class. I enjoyed learning about how the body works and get excited when I talk about what I learned and how Diabetes and nutrition affect our bodies.

Thanks to the class I don't have to take insulin, just diet and excercise have served me well. My point is, it peaked an interest.

I can't wait to start school. I have submitted my application, taken the entrance test and will meet with a advisor next week. I am very curious as to how many pre-req's I will have to take and how long it will take me to complete going part time. SCC has a evening nurse program that I will apply for when I am ready.

GizmosMom · Mar 22, 2008

Hi, rholman - I can really identify with what you've said. I've also spent my first career in the business world - the law firm world in particular - and all the things you've said about it ring true for me. I'm also on the verge of making a decision about nursing school - sometimes I'm scared to death thinking I'm too old and slow to do it and that frightens me to pieces - but I also feel drawn to nursing and have since I was dumb youngun' . Anyway, I'm in my 50's and coincidentally, my husband and I plan a move to Lake County, Florida in a couple of years. I would really love to have a new career in place then. So . . . you'll find good support for your dreams here and also a place where others can acknowledge and share your fears and insecurities about such a big change. It's just a part of it.

You can do it :yeah:

Bayley · Mar 22, 2008

Hi Londi!

I went to SCC for their CNA program and it is a very good school and they seem to really care about you. Since they don't go off of a waiting list, they really encourage you to try and have all of the general ed. classes done before beginning the program. I don't remember what the pre-reqs were exactly, but their general eds. were: A&P I&II, Microbiology, Nutrition, General Psych, Developmental Psych, Freshman Comp, and Medical Terminology. They also have a LPN program that you can apply to, and that is sometimes easier to get into. If you go that route than upon completion you can apply to the LPN-to-RN Transition program. For the LPN program, the pre-reqs are Medical Terminoly, A&P I&II (they have an A&P class just for the LPN program, but if you want to go on to be a RN, take the 2 separate A&P classes), and Intro to Healthcare. You can also take the CNA course in place of Intro to Health if you want because then that will give you some first-hand experience in the nursing field. Before applying to the LPN-to-RN Transition program, however, you will still need to take all of the general eds. as you would for the generic track. When you meet with the advisor, talk over the different options and find out what will work best for you. Good luck and don't worry, you'll be fine!!

rholman · Mar 22, 2008

Okay check this out!

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine that's an LPN in St. Pete. We don't talk much and when we do it's usually not job related although, I know she loves her job. Well, today I wanted to get her advice and experiences on the pros and cons.

She started off by telling me that today was the worst day to talk to her, she had the week from HELL! and she proceeded to vent about the poor conditions of her work environment and the undue stress of all the nurses in her unit and the deplorable nurse to patient ratios. One of her co-workers even walked off the job this week. She began to cry as she continued to tell me her story. She absolutely loves being a nurse and currently very active in the union to fight for Nurses rights! However, she had a break down today. I am glad I called and she was able to vent.

If this isn't discouraging, what is! I am trying to say to myself that every career has its own specific set of issues. This is where my confusion comes in and I start to second guess my decision. Maybe I shouldn't read anymore negative post or talk to any more nurses.

Man, what a decision.

Bayley · Mar 22, 2008

I think every nurse will definitely have some days where they wonder why they wanted to go into this field and during this national nursing shortage I know it's far from being a easy job. Try not to focus on all of the negative posts though, I think alot of people just need to vent sometimes. Talk to your friend more, hopefully on a more postive day, and ask her what she likes about her job. Weigh the good and the bad and then look within yourself and decide whether it's the right decision for you.

rholman · Mar 22, 2008

As, I mentioned she absolutely loves her profession. Like so many good nurses her first priority is the care and well being of her patients. Because of the shortage of Nurses she feels powerless and frustrated that she can't provide the type of care and attention she knows her clients need and deserve.

She is a Union Stuart at her hospital and was just voted in as V.P to respresent Florida. She is a HUGE advocate for her fellow nurses and her goal is to make the working conditions better for all Nurses and patients. Hats off to her! I hope that if I choose to move forward in this profession that I have the passion and drive that she has.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Mar 23, 2008

I hope that if I choose to move forward in this profession that I have the passion and drive that she has.

You will have to if you choose to move forward. Nursing school is one of the toughest things I have ever done and requires a real desire to WANT to be a member of this profession -- the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I am graduating this semester @ 52 and am not unhappy I have made this change. I don't doubt that I won't love it at all times, but compared to the career I have left, I will have multiple options available to me to look forward to.

Additionally, should I ever need to transplant, I am confident there will be work in this field for me to find. That can't always be said of a lot of other careers!!

rholman · Mar 23, 2008

I agree 100% that it will offer more flexiblity, options and way more fulfilling that what I am doing now.

I work for a bread company and I said to myself, if this company shuts down what effect will it have on society? 1 less choice of bread to choose from. Wow! What a contribution to society. NOT!