Nursing as a second career

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I've made the big decision to go back to school and follow my dream of becoming a nurse. In my position as a HR Manager I take care of people (my employees) but I really don't feel I am truly making a difference. I know as a Nurse I can make that difference.

I currently have a BA in Business Mgmt with a minor in Human Resources.

Just a couple of questions I hope some of you could help me with:

I've looked into a couple of programs but not sure what route to go, what has worked best for those out there in similar situations?

SCAN program ( seems like most if not all are full time)

ASN (go to commity college and take necessary classes to get into the Nursing school) I think I have to take Sciences and Math classes over since its been around 10 yrs (yikes!).

Accelerated BSN program? (not sure what this is)

What are my other options? Unfortunately, I have to continue working full time. However, I'm willing to go full time evenings and weekendds. Once I get started will go full force. I have full support from my husband and family.

My other concern is that once I become an RN will I have problems getting a job since I don't have medical experience? I have lots of Mgmt experience working with people (I hope thats a plus). I've always been on the other end (hiring).

Thanks so much, I look forward to your feedback.

Sonya

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You won't be able to go to nursing school part time unless you're already licensed. It just won't work that way.

ASN or LPN to RN would be your quickest options.

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Are you sayiing my only option is quitting my job and going to nursing school full time? or do you mean only for one of the programs?

I thought there were evening and weekend programs? I'm still checking around to see my options.

Thanks

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Specializes in ICU, Education.

once you get your RN license you won't have any problem getting work. As for the schooling, i went BACK to school several years after i had my license, andif that's the case, sure you can go part time, nights etc. However, to get into an approved nursing school to start is difficult in many places and there are waiting lists at many places (II only know this from the threads and listening to people. It has been over 20 years since i started)Maybe if you took all your pre-requisites first, you could slow it down a little. When I went straight out of highschool, i took it all together and it was extremely tough, but fast. What I did was to get my ADN and then went back later in my career on apart time basis. This might be a good idea for you as you can get your RN license quicker then can advance your degree at your own pace.

Doris

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Thanks for your reply Doris,

I agree I should probably focus on getting my ADN/ASN. However, are there schools that offer that partime or evenings and weekends.

Take care,

Sonya

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Thanks for your reply Doris,

I agree I should probably focus on getting my ADN/ASN. However, are there schools that offer that partime or evenings and weekends.

Take care,

Sonya

Hi Sonya,

There should be schools in your area that offer night/weekend ADN program. The school I attend does, and I know of several others in my area that also do. Each night/weekend program is different. With mine, the clinicals are held every other weekend - friday for 8 hrs and then sat & sun for 12 hrs each for 4 semesters. I'm taking all of my pre-req's at night and/or on the weekend..wherever and however I can get them in! :)

Best of luck!

Kelly

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

Sonya....I agree with what Kelly has written. There are schools out there that offer evening programs. My school doesn't have that option right now but they're starting it next year.

What state are you in ???

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Great, thanks Kelly and Good Luck.

I hope I can do this after being out of school for so long. Not to mention I hope I can find a job.

Sonya

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Hey there, I do not know how it is where you live, but I have checked out community colleges and universities. To get a two year degree I was told that you have to go to school full-time. I was also told that it would be very hard to hold down a full-time job with all the course work, and clinicals. However, I have talked to people who have done it, so it can be done, it's just really hard. I would think you would also have to have a really flexiable work schedule. The other option for you, since you already have a Bacholer's is to see if you can enroll in a accelerted 12 month program to get your BSN. I don't think you could work full-time, but it would only be one year, and you would have a BSN right off the bat. I haven't found a college yet that has a part-time program unfortunately. Best of luck to you!

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Thanks,

I'm in Southern California.

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Great, thanks Kelly and Good Luck.

I hope I can do this after being out of school for so long. Not to mention I hope I can find a job.

Sonya

You can, you will, and you're going to be a great nurse!!:)

I went back and forth for a long time - I want to be a nurse - I'm just scared of change - I've always worked in "the corporate world." As many times as I tried to talk myself out of nursing, I just couldn't get the thought out of my head. So I know that this is what I'm supposed to be doing. It's going to be a long road, but so worth it in the end! And you'll have tons of support from the great people here!

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I've never heard of being able to do nursing school part time. Clinicals were always weekdays.

Can anyone show me a link to a progam like this?

Thanks.

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