Nursing or Stay with the current Finance Job?? ADVICE!

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 28, 2009

Unless you are in average health, you should be able to handle it physically. Millions of women do. Yes, our bodies ache and suffer from all kinds of stress as we age -- but unless you have something special going on with your body, the case for you shouldn't be all that different from that of other women.

The real question is: Do you really WANT to do nursing work? Does that type of work appeal to you? Are you willing to make the personal (and financial) sacrifices it will require to become a nurse? Will those sacrifices be worth it to you?

I find it interesting that you focused on physical fitness (without saying you have any special reason to be concerned about that) -- and ignored the other issues.

Look around ... you'll see lots of nurses who aren't very athletic.

DSantosNJ · Oct 28, 2009

I am perfectly healthy, other than my shoulder. For as long as I can remember I have had a "snapping scapula" and it hurts every so often where I can't lift my arm because of the burning. I have had xrays done and nothing is protruding, no fracture.. etc.

Overall, It doesnt hurt each and every day but I have been to Massage School and I dropped out.. and I blamed my shoulder for it.

( I truly just had a misconception of massage school and possibilities, etc. )...

I am terrified to step out of comfort "desk" zone... but I am 22 and I already want to rip my hair out.

-- back to nursing, I originally went to college for nursing... slowly but surely I have nearly completed the pre-reqs... and like "usual Dara" I am backing out due to fear.

I just wish I could make a decision... and know what I would be getting into.

Thanks for your response by the way!!

Look forward to hearing from you

Dara

rbytsdy · Oct 28, 2009

Nursing is a physically demanding job. Sure - you could probably get a job in a doctor's office or something like that where you wouldn't be lifting but you won't have a choice in clinicals. I was lifting an 80something year old man from his wheelchair to his bed the other day. He wasn't a tiny guy. Also, you have to do simple things like turn and reposition patients in beds.

Beyond the physical, do you really want to become a nurse? Are you interested in the work? Apart from the physical work, you'll be giving meds (a LOT of meds to patients) and filling out all kinds of forms and care plans for them. I'm still a student so take my info with a grain of salt. But I am really enjoying this work. I see other students who are rather shell shocked with the amount of work, reading, hospital work, etc just to get the degree. Nursing programs are very structured. If you are failing or have a family issue, etc, they will give you another shot the following year but if you decide to drop out just because you don't want to do it anymore, it will be a while before you'll get back in the program.

fawnsternurse · Oct 31, 2009

I would stay in finance. Nursing is a physically and emotionally demanding job. Few to no breaks. High nurse-patient ratio and there is alot of abuse. from patients, doctors and other staff.

Yes, it is rewarding on many levels, but nowadays with all the realties I encourage people to go be a physical therapist, or occupational therapist. It is rewarding but not as backbreaking, more money and defintely more respect.

Sorry that is my two cents.

If I could do it over that is what I would do.

enh4life · Nov 3, 2009

In pretty much the same position, left finance for nursing... graduated in May and still unemployed:cry:

DSantosNJ · Nov 3, 2009

In pretty much the same position, left finance for nursing... graduated in May and still unemployed:cry:

I am seriously taking a huge step back from the Nursing idea at this point. I don't think it would be a safe move financially... I also am considering Teaching or Accounting... I am all over the place at this point. Thanks for all the advice everyone!!!

Best Wishes!!

Dara

DaddyO · Nov 10, 2009

Trading, Unit leader in an investment firm and now pricing annuities in an Actuarial Dept. been in finance for 18yrs and its time for me to move on. Currently in a nursing program at BCC, midway thru semester 2.

Experiencing clinicals last semester sealed the deal and I know this is where I belong. many options and avenues to go down. Heck, you can even combine the Nursing and Business and fill a void in the Admin area of the hospital.

My experience in the Finance Industry may not be yours, I am tired of dealing with the cut throat personalities and would prefer to deal with regular, ordinary people that don't value Brooks Brothers suits and $200 dinners for two.

karenchad · Nov 13, 2009

WHat makes you so sure nursing doesn't value brooks brother suits and $200 dinners and don't have cut throat personalities. That sounds just like nursing today. The powers that be/ those that controll the nursing world are just that and a lot worse- their bad budget mistakes end up 6 feet under not just on a piece of paper in someones office trash can. the money people who control nursing don't give 2 poops about a patient- they will shove customer service down YOUR throat but they themselves could care less- look at their decisions- cutting staff to such a level that it is impossible to do nursing the way it's taught to do- working a nursing shift in a hospital is like driving over a partially open draw bridge- you are trying to cross, being very cautious and hope the God you make it- sweating bullits the entire way. You go home physically exhaused but your mind is still racing, and you get to get up and do the whole thing all over the next day. with the nursing manager breathing down your neck and not so much as a Thank-you. Patients will tell you thank you but the boss will not- a job well done will only **** them off- an average evaluation. I like what another poster wrote- a good nurse- one that stays out of the office- don't look for praise- it's not in their vocabulary, srew up and they really get mean, and screwwing up is very subjective on the managers part- and always on some kookoo bird "behavior" issue not on a genuine practice issue- nothing as black and white as practice. as for the manager- those that can do-do, those that can't lead!9 most managers have very little bedside experience- they struggle and complain for 2 short years at the "icky stuff" and find an empty desk and squat. That's Nursing in a nut shell

DaddyO · Nov 13, 2009

WHat makes you so sure nursing doesn't value brooks brother suits and $200 dinners and don't have cut throat personalities. That sounds just like nursing today. The powers that be/ those that controll the nursing world are just that and a lot worse- their bad budget mistakes end up 6 feet under not just on a piece of paper in someones office trash can. the money people who control nursing don't give 2 poops about a patient- they will shove customer service down YOUR throat but they themselves could care less- look at their decisions- cutting staff to such a level that it is impossible to do nursing the way it's taught to do- working a nursing shift in a hospital is like driving over a partially open draw bridge- you are trying to cross, being very cautious and hope the God you make it- sweating bullits the entire way. You go home physically exhaused but your mind is still racing, and you get to get up and do the whole thing all over the next day. with the nursing manager breathing down your neck and not so much as a Thank-you. Patients will tell you thank you but the boss will not- a job well done will only **** them off- an average evaluation. I like what another poster wrote- a good nurse- one that stays out of the office- don't look for praise- it's not in their vocabulary, srew up and they really get mean, and screwwing up is very subjective on the managers part- and always on some kookoo bird "behavior" issue not on a genuine practice issue- nothing as black and white as practice. as for the manager- those that can do-do, those that can't lead!9 most managers have very little bedside experience- they struggle and complain for 2 short years at the "icky stuff" and find an empty desk and squat. That's Nursing in a nut shell

Dsantos asked for those that made a huge transition to jive in.

I gave my opinion and my thoughts. Not sure of your question on what makes me so sure than those in Nursing are not concerned with Brooks Brothers.....please explain.