I a 30 year old married guy with a 2 year old and one on the way. I have a BS in Biology and an MS in Bioinformatics. I have been working for the same company for almost 5 years now and I am seriously considering a career path change. I have found that I don't do well in the traditional office enviroment and nursing is very intriguing to me. It seems that nursing presents mental as well as physical challenges. It also seems that career specialization for nurses is very diverse.
I'm trying to find out if this is even realistic for me to consider. Family and financial obligations may make it impossible for me to make this transition.
Should I go through a CNA program and start volunteering or working part time at a hospital to get some hands-on experience before I take the next steps?
I know I may have a tough road ahead, but I want to start on that road while I am still young.
By the way what does ADN stand for? What is the difference between ADN and RN. How much schooling is required for an ADN? Does ADN mean advanced nursing duties?
Hey, original poster (that's some user name you've got)...I just want to make you aware of the presence of accelerated BSN programs. Since you have degrees, it can be the fastest way to get licensed as an RN. You also get your BSN to boot...very useful.
I went back to school at 31 with a BS and an MA that weren't doing me much good. I was working as a nurse one year later. My 12 month accelerated BSN program was fabulous. That was 20 years ago and I still think I had a terrific nursing education.
If you decide nursing is for you, look at all the options. For me, the opportunity cost was the driver. I needed to get back to professional employment ASAP. There are plenty of ways to get there however. Good luck to you!
Thank you all, this is great info to digest. Ha! My username...I was getting frustrated because every name I put in was being rejected...so I put in a bunch of random numbers and letters...you can call me 54 :)
In nursing there are five paths to becoming a registered nurse.
1. Diploma program-this is usually a hospital sponsored program where you go to school either 22-24 months full-time or 4 years part-time. You earn a diploma as a nurse and then you take the NCLEX test to become a registered nurse. The starting pay is the same as any other program and so are the responsibilities.
2.ADN(Associate's Degree in Nursing)- this is a 2 year program usually at a community college. You earn a degree in nursing and then you take the NCLEX test and the starting salary is same as any new registered nurse.
3. BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing)- This is a four year program where you take not only nursing classes but different electives, maths etc. You earn a bachelors degree and will be highly considered among others for a job because many hospitals are requiring bachelors degrees. I know that's how it is for Pennsylvania. Getting your Bachelors will also make it easier to get into a Masters program. The starting pay is still the same as the other two.
4. LPN to RN- This is a program offered at many colleges and diploma programs. If you are an LPN/LVN, (Licensed Practice Nurse), then you can enter a fast track program and they will apply your experience as an LPN with a few class requirements and you can earn a diploma if its from a diploma school, an ADN if its at a community college or a BSN if its at a 4 year college.
5. Second Degree BSN program- This is a program offered at a 4 year college which takes your 4 year degree no matter what type of degree it is and put you through a 12month or 18 month program to obtain your BSN. It is a very rigorous program because you are cramming alot in a little time but in the end you earn your Bachelors.
All nursing programs are extremely difficult because you have soooooo sooooo much to learn in a little time. I really like the school I'm in. The instructors do what they can to help you wherever you need it and they make learning fun. But then again I'm only in 100 and 101 so I know the fun won't last long.
I am 36 and was an accountant for 8 1/2 years at a fortune 50 not 500 company. I hated it. I became an accountant for the money and for the flexibility. Big mistake. I am a very nurturing person and I couldn't use my personal skills in the corporate world. My job was boring and very mundane. So decided to become a nurse. I am in a diploma program where all of the sciences are built into the program. However, I took alot of my prerequites at a community college previously before I enrolled in the diploma program. Let me tell you, if I hadn't done that it would have been alot harder for me. It's hard trying to take nursing 100, 101, Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology all at the same time. I didn't take Micro in community college and now I am regretting it. Also, I decided to see what the health field is about so I became a CNA at a LTC(Long term care ) facility. It is sooooooooooo hard that it's not even funny!!!!!!!! I go to school full time and I also work double shift every Sat and Sun. So I do 16 hrs every weekend. CNA work is not easy let me tell you but it does let me see what goes on in healthcare. The CNA work is not so hard at the hospitals I'm told, I don't know if it's true. At the facility that I'm at, they trained me to become a CNA and they paid for the test and then hired me. If you decide to become a CNA look for some places that will pay for it. You don't have to become a CNA to be a nurse but it does help. I was terrified to touch another person naked but now I can bathe, dress and toilet a patient like nothing. Like the previous poster said, definitely look on discoverynursing.com and just check out some of the posts on this website, this site alone can get you tons of information!
I am a 40 year-old married mom with 2 kids (11 and 14). I, too, am seeking a second career in nursing. (I was formerly a teacher with a master's degree). I start an LPN program in 3 weeks. The program is 15 months, and will net me an associate's degree (often unheard-of--many times it is just a certificate and no degree).
One of the reasons I decided to go for an LPN is that I need to get some education, get some work experience and save $$ for my kids' college. I am finding out how competitive nursing programs are and how long the waiting can be to get into a program. I didn't want to wait to be able to be a part of the health care team. I plan on taking classes for a "bridge" or "transitional" program to get a 2 year RN degree in a couple of years.
My hubby has a good job with health care benefits, so we can take the loss of my income and are just cutting back on a lot of extras (and taking out student loans!).
You must do whatever you feel comfortable with. I've read the rest of this thread, and these folks are giving you good advice with the shadowing and volunteering.
Maybe only partly relevant...upthread someone mentioned pre-requisites. Oh baby! I came from an arts background and had to take it all before my accelerated program. The one thing I didn't take before hand that I wished I had? Pharmacology. The people in my class who already had pharmacology had a much easier time. My program didn't require it as a per-req but did honor it if you already had it. I'd check that out if you are scouting programs.
We have a sub forum https://allnurses.com/forums/f283/ about the differences in degrees. As far as age........only a number. I was 17 when I sarted nursing school and finally finished at 29. Since you are already in a scientific mileau (sp?) perhaps you already know someone who can direct you to a CNA course. Good luck with this, you sound like you have a good career potential. Oh and http://www.salary.com may be able to give you a rounded figure for pay in your area.
We have a sub forum https://allnurses.com/forums/f283/ about the differences in degrees. As far as age........only a number. I was 17 when I sarted nursing school and finally finished at 29. Since you are already in a scientific mileau (sp?) perhaps you already know someone who can direct you to a CNA course. Good luck with this, you sound like you have a good career potential. Oh and www.salary.com may be able to give you a rounded figure for pay in your area.
This thread has gotten me excited at the potential of embarking on this rigorous path. Please keep the info coming...you folks are great.
I am now thinking volunteering at a hospital is a good first step...at the same time going through the process of applying for an Accelerated BSN program. I just need to take some pre-reqs I think...There is one at the school I received my MS from...
I need to look into scholarships and financial aid options as well.
Hi 54! I'm in the same boat as you ... I have a degree in Graphic Design, but in my 30's decided to pursue a RN degree. There are lots of people my age in a class of 100 and although money is tight .. don't forget about Student Loans & Grants they give me about $7,000-$,10,000 on top of paying for my school- per year. I work part-time as a CNA, but the money is really low ... think of that as more of a learning experience and not so much a money making venture, also don't judge Nursing too much on a CNA position, it's very different!! ; ) Good Luck!!!!
Since you already possess a bachelor's degree, you can take advantage of an accelerated MSN program. In about 18 months you can earn a generic Master's Degree in nursing as well as sit for the NCLEX and become an RN. Programs of this nature are generally at large state universities. In Illinois (Chicago area) University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola, Rush, and I believe DePaul have the program. Check in your area.
PS: I decided to change careers at 40 with 4 kids and many financial obligations. Since I didn't have a Bachelor's degree, I started from the very beginning. 3 years down, 1 to go :))
Re: CNA courses- Many local American Red Cross organizations and Community/Adult education centers offer CNA programs. The one I am getting ready to enroll in costs $350 and it lasts about 3 weeks.
Wow, it's amazing how many people opt for nursing as a career change. I'm one of them. I completed my BSN at 27 as a second degree. My first baccalaureate is philosophy with a Certification in Professional Education so that I could become a licensed elementary teacher.
I have worked for two years as a school nurse and elementary teacher in one of the private schools here in Cebu, Philippines.
Nursing is indeed exciting and full of surprises, intellectually and physically demanding in a lot of ways.
want 2 be a nurse
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By the way what does ADN stand for? What is the difference between ADN and RN. How much schooling is required for an ADN? Does ADN mean advanced nursing duties?