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Discussion

Nursing and Subordination

I am in the process of contemplating a career change to nursing after 25 years in the corporate accounting world. Most of my positions have involved accounting management. I have B.S. in Accounting and MBA degrees.

Someone close to me questioned how I would handle being constantly in a subordinate position to doctors and nursing supervisors. They also questioned whether I would view a nursing career as being underemployed based on my educational background and experience.

I don't feel I have problems with being in a subordinate position or feeling underemployed if I go into nursing. Has anyone, particularly career changers, had to deal with these issues?

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I did a career change, and I've actually never really felt as if I was in a subordinate position to a Physician. Essentially we have different roles and do different things. (I've got a MPH and a BA, as well as a BSN)...I don't feel underemployed with my paycheck.

I've found many times, the physician comes to me and asks me directly what I think is going on with my patient...we have a conversation. I suggest some things, the doc suggests some things and a plan of care is made. It isn't that way in lots of places, but everywhere I have been, its been this way.

The only trouble I have had, right now I am traveling, and I am going to some really rural hospitals. I find that I don't relate very well to some of the nurses who are great nurses, but very "local" people. They have told me "you read too many big books, use too many big words, and go to too many exotic locations (florida...)"

As I always suggest with career changers, try to do some volunteer work in a hospital or something related to healthcare before jumping in. I've met so many unhappy students who had an image of nursing that just didn't match with the reality....

Good Luck:)

Hi,

I have done exactly what you are contemplating doing. After being an accountant at a major corporation for 25 years, I had also had enough. I am now in my first year of nursing school and I love it. I am very glad I decided to go this route.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

  • Expert

It isn't any different in nursing than in business. As an accountant, if you worked in "big business", you have had to report to managers above you, or the finance people, or even if you had your own business, you were dealing with clients on a daily basis.

Just that our clients depend on us for their lives.:)

Nursing has definitely evolved from the old stereotypes of the past. You work in collaboration with other health care providers caring for your patient as part of a health care team. You will see Pharmacists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, etc. included in the care of your patient, along with the physician. We each bring something different to the table. It helps if you look at it this way.

Goodl luck with your new studies.

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