Other second career students?

DaniGrrl · Jan 6, 2010

I'm second career, without degrees. I've been working as a data specialist for more than 10 years, 8 of that from home. I've got three daughters ages 13, 8, and 2. Between how long I've been a WAHM and how long I've been out of school (15 years) I'm terrified of going back to school. LOL It's a good terror, though. Just the process of researching and applying for school has started making me feel like my old self. My husband is supportive of my decision, so that helps a lot.

I can't wait to start school *fingers crossed* and I'm even more excited about actually starting to work as a nurse.

Tikichic11 · Jan 6, 2010

Second career gal here too! Undergrad in bio with the plan to go to chiro school but got burnt out at end of undergrad and didn't do it. Went to work in higher edu. Got 2 advanced degrees in edu. Still working in higher edu after 14 years. No fulfillment in current job. Sciences and personal interactions are my passion. Time to pursue those passions and I've got a wonderfully supportive hubby who said go for it. Have a 3yo at home and will be working full time and doing school. Lot on my plate, but know I can do it. Taking APII this term and then applying for Fall 2010 admission. Good luck to all!

SerenePeach · Jan 6, 2010

I'm not really a a second career student (the career I have now is not really a career at all), but I will be receiving my second degree as well. I received in BA in Liberal Arts (focusing on Print Journalism and Environmental Studies), and I've been working for two years as an 'Online Editorial Assistant' at a travel company. However, I soon found out that 'Online Editorial Assistant' was a nicer way of saying 'Data Entry'. The job sucked, the pay was even worse, so I tried looking for other jobs in this field but realized I'm not really qualified to do anything. A Liberal Arts degree was essentially 'useless' for a decent paying job in this economy.

Started thinking about my future, 5-year plan, etc and realized I'm in the wrong field. I wanted to do something that was challenging, something I could use my intellect at while at the same time helping people in tangible ways. Talked to a couple of career counselors, friends, family etc and decided to go to school for nursing.

I'm taking my pre-reqs this semester and hope to apply for Fall 2011 entry.

mmgirlsmom · Jan 6, 2010

Second "career" for me too although I do not have a previous college degree. A long time ago I took a secretarial program through a technical college and graduated with a diploma. My first "real" job was in group benefits/insurance and I have have been doing that ever since, never really worked as a secretary though. This job as been good to me and the salary is decent considering that I don't have a college degree.

I have always, always wanted wanted to be a nurse. Right after highschool instead of going directly to college I worked as a transporter in a hospital in PT department and then as a nurse assistant in recovery room and loved it. At that time I spoke to experienced nurses about going to nursing school and they advised against going into nursing so I listed to them (wish now that I hadn't 20 years later). Alot changed for me in 2005 and 2006. I got divorced after 10 years of marriage and lost a very dear friend to an unexpected and tragic death. My friend survived for 10 weeks in the burn unit before passing away. I was there every single day and that is when I KNEW working as a nurse was what I should be doing. I applied for a PCA position at that hospital and finally got called back. I quite my job of 9 years and worked as a PCA on a med/surg floor and I absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, because the pay decrease the financial strain became to much and I had to quit the PCA job and return to the insurance industry.

I met with an advisor at a private univeristy in May of 2008 that offered a weekend/evening program and I started the next week. When I started I had 3 credits that transferred from an english class I had taken at a CC about 12 years ago. I now have completed 51 credits have 4 pre-reqs left and I am on the waiting list for the Fall 2010 nursing program. This is the best thing I have ever done. I really enjoy school, it has been tough but I have really pushed myself in a way I never thought I could. I work full-time and have two children 10 and 13. I cannot wait to be a nurse, the patient interaction, helping people. I know it is stressful and demanding but I thrive in that enviroment and can not see myself doing anything else.

Sorry this turned out to be so long, I am just so excited.

Good Luck to you all and if this what you truly want don't give up, it can be done.!!!!!!!!!!

jngnurse, CNA · Jan 6, 2010

Just wondering who else out there is going into nursing as a second career. I think I've seen quite a few posts from returning students. What made you decide to make the switch?
I've got a B.S. and M.S. in molecular and cell biology and I work as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. Job security is a big reason that I'm going back because I'm the sole income to support our family of five and there's a lot of uncertainty in pharmaceutical research these days. In addition, I've done this job for ten years and it just hasn't turned out to be the fulfilling career I had anticipated. I understand that the research we're doing to make new drugs can save lives and help people- part of the reason I picked this area- but I'm much more removed from the feeling of helping and productivity than I had expected.
The thought of going back to school while still working and having my three kids at home (ages 6,5 and 2) is a bit daunting. I've made it through some on-line and in class pre-reqs and I've got only one non-nursing course to finish (A&P II this semester). I'll find out in May whether I'm accepted and whether it's a Sept 2010 or January 2011 start. Four semesters, I can get through it and I'm sure it will all be worth it. Just have to get in.
Good luck to all, I look forward to hearing your stories.

With those degrees you are so much qualified for medical school! O.O Nursing is still close to medicine but instead of diagnosis, we care for our patients and to make sure they go home with happy faces and satisfaction.

You will do well! Good luck!

Jasgop

MiahMSN, MSN, RN · Jan 6, 2010

Hi guys!

Second career for me as well! I have a B.A. in American Studies from UC Berkeley and a M.A. in Communication Management from USC, with a PR Certificate from UCLA Extension. I've been working in communications, PR, and Marketing since 2002. I'm currently a marketing communication specialist for the largest public health care HMO in the country. But after much soul searching, research, talking with many of the doctors and nurses within my company, and prayer, I've decided to fulfill my dream of becoming a neonatal nurse pratitioner. I'm hoping to start a MEPN program in fall 2010, which will give me my RN and a MSN as a Clinical Nurse Leader. I then hope to work in a nicu for a few years and then do a part-time post-masters certificate in neonatial nurse practitioner. I'm excited, anxious and nervous about what this next journey of my life holds. I'm single with no kids, so I figure now is the time to really make that move as I know it's harder when you have other obligations and commitments such as a husband/wife and kids to provide for - but I applaud those of you that are doing it and wish you all the best! Heck I wish all of us luck - we will definitely need it! I've come across some AWESOME nurses, as well as some that make me wonder "how in the hell did you get through nursing school??" LOL.....I'm sure all of us will be on the AWESOME side!

mmh2 · Jan 7, 2010

I am considering nursing but need to work full time (4-5 days) to help support my family. I have 2 kids (8 1/2 and 2 ). I am currently a dental assistant which I learned on the job and was somewhat satisfied until I realized recently that I dislike it and can't do it for another 20 yrs! I will have to start pre reqs in the summer and am scared as heck! I really screwed up when I went to college after high school and dropped out after 2 semesters. I have spent the past 17 yrs beating myself up and feeling deep shame for my poor choices when I was younger. I am out to prove to myself and my family that I can and will do it. And I am obsessed with setting a good example for my 8 yr old daughter. I always secretly wanted to be a nurse but let fear hold me back. So...there's my story. At least the beginning...good luck to you all!

DaniGrrl · Jan 7, 2010

I really screwed up when I went to college after high school and dropped out after 2 semesters. I have spent the past 17 yrs beating myself up and feeling deep shame for my poor choices when I was younger.

Oh boy, can I relate to that! when I was writing my essay to apply for NS, I realized that my kids got me over my college drop-out guilt. I realized that I would never want one of my daughters to sit around stagnating because of a mistake she made as a young woman. I see this as my opportunity to show them how to move-on from the past and make something better of the future. Good luck to you, mmh2!

mmh2 · Jan 7, 2010

Thanks Danigrrl! Good luck to you as well!

Summers_Off · Jan 7, 2010

Count me in! I have a BS in Biomedical Engineering, an MBA and graduate certificate in Project Management. I work in telecom and am in sheer misery day in and day out. I have decided that the money isn't worth it and I want to do something meaningful with my life. I want to make a career of caring for people. I want to be a nurse! I've been seeing those "discover nursing" commercials every day (well, almost every day:)) and when they sing that part "you're a nurse....make a difference" I nearly cry. That is what I want! My ultimate goal is to become a RN, get some experience, become a NP and volunteer with Doctors w/o Borders (or something like that) when I retire. I have a 18 month old son and an incredibly unsupportive husband (no, that's not a typo), but I am forging ahead. I plan to start my CNA class in Feb and will be applying for Fall 2010 nursing school. I have taken zero prereqs, so if I don't get straight in (*fingers and toes crossed*) I will start prereqs this summer. Hopefully, hubby will get on board as things get closer.

frodo-dog · Jan 7, 2010

this will be my third career! i started out with a technical certificate in mechanical and production engineering, working as a research engineer for a tapered roller bearing company.

that led to becoming a computer programmer\analyst\project manager for many years. my last job at the credit card company (it was not visa or mastercard or discover card) was to organize a project to cut everyone’s credit limit to below their balance without telling them, so that they could charge overdraft fees. i am not kidding you here. i left, disgusted.

like df77, the carpeted walls, the corporate ethics and overwork became sheer misery day in and day out and likewise i decided that the money isn't worth it: i also want to do something meaningful with my life. i want to make a career of caring for people. my co-worker and i used to take a coffee break and he would tell me about his wife’s journey to becoming an rn and i knew that was for me.

again, like df77 my ultimate goal is to become a rn and volunteer in impoverished urban areas or with doctors w/o borders or something like that. (thanks again df77 for the information). i have spent the last year saving my money to pay for college and thankfully got accepted starting in jan 2010. i want to make a difference.