Newbie help- Santa Monica/LA based

Published

  1. Career change to medical profession

    • 2
      Become an RN- nursing is the most fulfilling career
    • 0
      Choose an easier medical tech position
    • 0
      Don't do it--the stress will kill you

2 members have participated

I'm 33, female, and looking for a career change. I'm interested in nursing, but I'm trying to figure out if it is financially feasible and if I can find the time to complete the degree.

I'm married and likely going to have kids soon. (We are hoping to have two kids in the next 4-5 years). I graduated from UCLA BA and have none of the science pre-reqs, so I would have to start from the very beginning. I had a good college GPA and also graduated valedictorian of my high school class. My husband and I have bought a house in santa monica so I'm geographically bound to this area. SMC and UCLA are the two closest schools to me. Would love to get a feeling for how much time/money it would cost to become a nurse vs the pay/schedule of being a nurse. Is it too much to juggle having kids, taking on student debt, and changing careers in your 30s? Are there other jobs to consider? For example would it be easier to become an ultrasound tech?

Would love to know what the job prospects for nursing and other medical field jobs are like in this area, If I started now I'd likely finish school and have two very young children right as I'm looking for a job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Moved to Pre-Nursing Student area.

Hopefully some of the good folks here will chime in with helpful information.

Best regards!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

I think most people that you ask here will tell you go for nursing and for the most part it is very fulfilling. First off, I admire(d) the parents that are and were in the nursing programs. I'm only a 28 year old murse with 0 kids. I don't know how you all can do it, but you guys are awesome. My hats off to those also that worked full time jobs with families during the nursing programs. In regards to this, @ OP, it is definitely doable, but the nursing program will test your limits and push you to your limits. Again, I'm only a bro, but I would hold off on kids until after you get your license...less things to worry about I guess? In regards to debt, it depends on where you go. If it's a university or private school, you will have debt and you will need to prepare for it. There are plenty of age groups going back to nursing so I would not worry about age. If you do plan on going to nursing school, always have a back-up plan just in case it doesn't work out.

There are plenty of medical jobs to consider. But if you're thinking about that, then why are you doing nursing? Are you simply looking for a job in a medical field because it is fairly stable in this day and age? If so, you can definitely do CNA, ER tech, ultrasound tech, etc etc etc, the list goes on. Or do you truly want to care for people, physically and mentally, under the best and worst circumstances, and sometimes disregard yourself for the rest of your life? Just some food for thought. But otherwise, go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MSICU.

One option myself and a few other prospective nursing student career changers in our mid 30s are doing/considering is a concurrent enrollment program at a community college. More affordable route to get both an ADN and a BSN degree. Not positive about the area you are in but worth looking into.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Does anyone know more about doing ADN and BSN? I thought the ADN was being phased out since most hospitals will only hire BSN (I'm in california)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
Does anyone know more about doing ADN and BSN? I thought the ADN was being phased out since most hospitals will only hire BSN (I'm in california)

Not SO much as some people say. Magnet hospitals in Cali require a BSN though. Otherwise, I don't think you will have a problem getting a job if you and an ADN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MSICU.
Does anyone know more about doing ADN and BSN? I thought the ADN was being phased out since most hospitals will only hire BSN (I'm in california)

With a concurrent enrollment program you earn an ADN and a BSN at the same time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Where is a good place to find patient centered volunteer opportunities in santa monica?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
With a concurrent enrollment program you earn an ADN and a BSN at the same time.

What's the point of getting both degrees?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion