nursing as a career

[roadrunr]

I am a 46 year old man who has worked as an application's developer for many years and have thought about switching to nursing as a career. I have always liked the idea of caring for people (especially the elderly).

I have taken several of the pre-requisites for the accelerated nursing program (18 month to BSN with a previous degree) and have volunteered at a local hospital to try to get a feel for the medical field.

So far I have to admit to feeling a bit discouraged. In my short time of volunteering I have run into many unhappy nurses (you can see it on their faces). Some are downright unfriendly.

How does one know if something is the right choice? I am not really stresed at my current job but am bored alot and feel like I don't make much of a difference in the world. Also the layoff specter is ever present and I feel nursing would allow for some job security.

[Jules A, MSN]

Hi and welcome,

I also wanted something challenging and nursing fits the bill for me. The flexibility and job security are incredible. Like with anything there are people doing this job who are burnt out but don't seek out a different more satisfying situation. I wouldn't let them cloud your impression if you really think nursing is for you. I think they just stick out more than the pleasant nurses.

Its my experience that as a student and a volunteer we are kind of in the nurses way. Most are extremely generous with their time and knowledge but we are a distraction and rarely a help, imo, so I don't always think we get the correct picture. I am very happy with my choice. If/when the day comes that I am no longer happy I will find another place to work or another field to work in. Life is too short! Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Jules

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Well you can look around the forums and see some of our issues. We're stressed, tired and overworked. But we need you, so please hang in there. But you really seriously have to want it. :)

Be careful though not to judge our insides by our outsides. We get satisfaction in many different ways at the end of the day.

Good luck and Welcome!

[Bill E. Rubin]

Hi Roadrunr, and welcome!

I am a 45 year old man (46 in a few days) and have been a software engineer for over 20 years and am in a 16-month accelerated BSN program... so you and I are kindred souls. I have one semester to go to finish nursing school, but I can relate to your fears about making this decision. I am working per diem as a nurse's aide on a med-surg unit... I am hoping for a rewarding career as a nurse when I graduate.

I think you will find that there are disgruntled people in all fields and nursing is no exception. You have enough experience in the cut-throat corporate world that you may have a different outlook toward the downsides of any given nursing job. And clearly you know what it's like to be stuck doing something you don't like. So listen to your heart and try not to let negative people get you down or stroke your fears about whether or not you did the right thing.

Good luck to you! Feel free to PM me if you want to chat some more.