Nursing as Second Career QUESTIONS!

arciedee · Mar 25, 2007

Welcome EmmyBear. Here are my opinions about your questions:

1. The best program is the one that works for you. I would say that if you're thinking of pursuing an LPN to look at the area where you think you'll be living and find out where LPNs are employed. Some areas use few if any in hospital settings, others don't. So depending on what area you think you want to work in that's something to consider. I'd say that if you can swing it, go for the RN directly. But a lot of people find it easier either financially or because of long RN program wait lists (esp. for ADN programs) to go for the ADN program first. But from someone in an accelerated program herself (direct-entry MSN), definitely take a look at the accelerated BSN programs. They can be a great option for someone looking to change careers.

2. I didn't find the pre-reqs that hard, but my first degree WAS in math. That being said, I think if you're a teacher and thus have to know how to study, how to budget your time effectively, etc. you'll do fine.

3. Communication and analytic skills are huge in nursing. Those will definitely serve you well. Most of the math I've used so far is pretty much basic algebra. It helps to put the pieces together if you have an understanding of chemistry, so I'd definitely recommend a course in that if it's not already required for the programs you're looking at (and that is a LOT of algebra). But you don't have to be a mathemetician to be a nurse.

4. Unfortunately I don't know anything about those programs. A friend went to Grand Valley's 2nd degree program, though!

5. I have to say that I find talking about stuff and seeing pictures of stuff a lot more gross than the real thing. Which probably seems backwards. But when I'm in a situation where someone is throwing up or needs a dressing changed or needs to be given their insulin, I mostly just want to do whatever I can to make them better. That said, I think every nurse has at least one stomach-turner. One girl in my clinical class the other day said that things never bother her, but she had to empty a commode from a patient with C. diff. and that almost did it for her. Of course she told us this on the way to the cafeteria! But in all honesty a lot of stuff you see and don't really think about it in any great detail beyond what you need to do to alleviate the problem (cleaning the patient up, getting a clean dressing on, etc.).

Good luck!

WDWpixieRN, RN · Mar 26, 2007

The prereqs are not "killer" or weeder classes (cute name, though)...I am 51 and avoided sciences like the plague through high school and my BS in Business...I was petrified, but if you're interested in this career, you will actually find a lot of it very interesting -- and relevant, so pay attention in class, lol!! I probably averaged a 3.8 for chemistry, A&P I and II, human growth and development, microbiology, etc.

As for which program to head toward, a lot will depend on what you're willing to give -- cost-wise, time-wise, and whatever else....I decided to go the ASN route as I really wasn't willing to (and didn't think I could) deal with the intensity of an accelerated BSN program....I wasn't sure if I would have to work and that was strongly discouraged; I have a grandaughter who lives with us and I figured I might not get the total peace I know that I need to study; the cost of this program was MUCH cheaper, and since I'm still paying for my bachelor's, just made financial sense. There is apparently not much difference in the wages between the BSN and the ASN/ADN. The additional time for the 2-year program at my community college (since I had completed all the prereqs and coreqs by the time I started) is maybe a semester overall. Small price to pay for my sanity and physical health!!

If you want to start a family before or during a program, that should be taken in to consideration, too. How much support do you have from your husband, family, friends? You'll end up doing lots of research before you make your final decision...the best thing I'd suggest is to start with an A & P or some other class that seems to be required pretty much across the board while you make your final decision -- you can't get the prereqs out of the way soon enough for a lot of these programs!!

Good luck!!

sweetbeet · Mar 26, 2007

Emmybear - if at all possible, go to a career fair sponsored by a hospital or a highschool. I went to one two years ago when I was still sitting on the fence about a career change (I'm 37 and have been a paralegal for 15 years). I talked to A LOT of nurses who choose nursing as a second career. I left with not only a good deal of first hand information about nursing and specialities within nursing from actual nurses, but also a fair amount of nursing schools had representatives on hand to talk about their programs.

Good Luck!

Heloisea3 · Mar 27, 2007

I also taught English for several years before deciding to change careers. I am still waiting to hear whether or not I have been accepted into the nursing program, but I do want to let you know that you shouldn't worry about the prereqs. I have completed all of mine with few problems, so I think if you study hard, you will do fine. I thought they were difficult, but they weren't too bad. I was really nervous and scared when I decided to change careers. I didn't know if I would be able to do well in my science and math classes. I also worried that I was making a big mistake by giving up my teaching career. However, after doing well in the prereqs and being away from the classroom for a while, I know I have made the right decision. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I'm sure you will be be fine. Don't worry.

Trophywife81 · Mar 30, 2007

EmmyBear, you are singing my song.

I too am a former English teacher (also taught for three years), and I am switching careers to become a nurse. I'm probably not the most qualified person to talk to, since I haven't even STARTED classes yet (will in June, yay!), but I thought I'd share my thought-process with you.

After investigated what seemed like dozens of different options, I decided to take the LVN course offered by a local junior college. Since I came from a firmly Liberal Arts background, I had NO science courses that would apply to my nursing pre-reqs, and so taking all those classes alone would have taken me about a year. Then I would almost certainly be looking at another 9 months or longer before I could take nursing classes; nursing classes themselves would take about 2 years to complete. Thus, I was looking at nearly another 4 years before I could begin working. Having a mortgage payment and student loans, four years without an income was just not feasible. Also, all of the accelerated BSN programs I looked at would also require a considerable time investment, and would cost 4-5 times more than the Associate program (which would've taken me almost 4 years).

The LVN program I'm starting on, however, will take only a year to complete. After I'm through, I can be earning a decent salary while working on my RN. Many community colleges offer bridging programs that will honor your LVN training and experience, so I'll take pre-reqs while working, then spend another year to earn my RN. Altogether, I'll spend about two years back in school, but I will also get to earn money in between. Many people will tell you that becoming an RN is the only way to go, that there are no jobs for LVNs. At least in my area, it seems that LVNs can work almost anywhere EXCEPT hospitals. That still leaves open jobs in LTC, rehab, psych, doctor's offices/clinics, hospices, etc.

Anyway, that is the path that I decided on, hope it might help you decide one way or the other. Good luck, whichever path you take!