My name is John and I am in New Mexico. I just resigned from my job at Intel as a Technical Project Manager to go to school full time to get my RN. I am in my late 40's and decided that I wanted to do something more meaningful with my life than spend my remaining time in the workforce sitting in a cubicle. I spent a year taking my pre-requisite courses at UNM. Unfortunately, in New Mexico they have 2-3 year waiting lists for the BSN programs and for the ADN programs. I have my Master's of Science in Radiology and my undergraduate degree is in Biology. They made me take A&P I and II, and Patho I and II. I finally got accepted into an awesome program at Santa Fe Community College, it's their first accelerated program leading to an RN. I probably won't go back to get another BS degree since I already have my Master's in a Human Health Science. I am in my first semester and I am so grateful to have gotten in. I am working hard and I have to drive over 100 miles a day but the campus is beautiful and it has an awesome vibe. Best of all, the instructors and faculty are so encouraging and supportive. I know this is what I want to do for the rest of my career life. I want to work in ICU or perhaps go to CRNA school and volunteer with Doctors without Borders.
Anyway, I wanted to hook up with other nursing students and male nurses just to get support and encouragement and to learn from you guys too. Nursing school is going to be challenging but I figure if I worked and traveled full time with Intel AND managed to make good grades at our university in A&P and Patho, then I can do anything. Pathophysiology at the University of New Mexico was perhaps the most CHALLENGING and difficult course I"ve ever taken. It was far more difficult than Organic (in my opinion). I am so glad it's over! I think I am going to have fun in school.
Anyway, Just wanted to say hello and hopefully make some buddies on line.
I left a corporate job last summer to enter nrsg school, and so far it's been great! The tests have been tough, and clinicals were awkward and scary at first (given a pt to do a.m. care on and a 4 pg physical assessment with minimal supervision), but I'm glad I made the switch. I also got a job as a nrsg assistant, which will make clinicals seem like a breeze when class resumes in September, and it's a great experience to see actual nurses doing their jobs on a daily basis.
Count me in!!! I am in my 3rd semester of an accelerated program and carrying a 3.83; no bad for an old country boy!! I abandoned my HR career, sold my house in Ohio, and moved to AZ to go to NS; absolutely no regrets. I have wanted to be a nurse for 35 years and after a ton of life, I am able to go. Hey what do you mean older?? You guys are just "pups"!! Hang in there!!
I am a 66 yo attorney in California, retired and will finish the CNA course in Oct and start the LVN program in Nov. I have wanted to be a HCW for a long time and now I am going to be a LVN. I find that I am more excited about taking vital signs than I ever was about contracts, torts, and criminal law. I hope I can have an active nursing career for 5 to 8 years and then I probably will need my own nurse. Since I am single the female to male ration is also to my liking. In my CNA class it is 40/4. Congratulations on your decision John and I wish us both a rewarding new lease on life.
Well...I'm another tech refuge. I have a BS in engineering, survived flying to a client site on 9/11 and rode Nortel right into the toilet. I've had my EMT ticket since '92 and currently work in one of the busiest systems in the country. Went back to school this year for nursing and having a blast. It sucks to have to drive that far to school, but hey, it's NM, not NYC! Keep the faith bro....
How goes the program? I did the opposite commute for 16 months, SF to ABQ to do the program at UNM. Oddly, SFCC was waitlisted, but UNM took me right away as a second degree student and in 16 months I was done. I actually enjoyed the commute most days. Rode my motorcycle except for the few months when we get slush and ice on the roads.
I read your original post. I'm glad you're so happy at SFCC. I had heard there was some upheaval at the program, must be shortly before you went there.
Specializes in Radiologic Technologist, now in Nursing.
Hey! I am doing fine, hanging in there. About to finish Level II and start level III! I'd like to talk sometime and hear your perspective on things. What are you up to these days?
I work part of the time in the ED at St. Vincent. Usually Monday nights and alternate Sunday nights. I fly part time for Med Flight out of ABQ. We do fixed-wing, long range transports of all acuities. I've been a flight medic on the crew for a few years now, since before my RN. And I'm involved in some non-nursing community projects.
Specializes in Radiologic Technologist, now in Nursing.
WOW! I would love to meet you sometime and pick your brain and just interview you. Sounds fascinating!!!!!! I cannot wait till this summer when I graduate. I am applying at Pres to be a Nurse Extern, hope I get accepted!
Not sure how this thread escaped my attention when you first started it, but I'd just like to extend a "hello" to you as a fellow..older...male..nurse :)
I left a tech-sales position in 2004 and attended a full-time BSN program here in Chicago. Graduated this past May and work as an ER nurse in a level-one trauma center now.
I hope you're enjoying your nursing training/education. Nursing is fantastic!
Asklepios
94 Posts
Welcome aboard!
I left a corporate job last summer to enter nrsg school, and so far it's been great! The tests have been tough, and clinicals were awkward and scary at first (given a pt to do a.m. care on and a 4 pg physical assessment with minimal supervision), but I'm glad I made the switch. I also got a job as a nrsg assistant, which will make clinicals seem like a breeze when class resumes in September, and it's a great experience to see actual nurses doing their jobs on a daily basis.