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.
I have also been a stay at home Mom who never went to college and both my husband and ex husband have lost thier jobs in the last year. (Im not even getting child support right now) Both were in very different fields and one with a Masters degree, one with no college. It seems like it doesnt matter what you are going to school for or what your chosen proffesion is these days finding a job is difficult.
Everyone has different reasons for going back to school, so I guess saying luxury is the wrong word. For me it would be if I could earn an income right now.
I have been a housewife for 20 years, so to me nursing will be a second career. I was engaged in high school, married when I was 20 and never attended college. I am hoping nursing will offer me the flexibility of working evenings and weekends so I can continue to homeschool my youngest two children, who are 5 and 8 now.
I graduated from the university of florida in 2004 with a degree in health science. I was a physical therapy major, but they changed it to a masters degree my junior year. I took a break and became a flight attendant so that I could see the world and decide what to do. I realize that nursing is the best career for me and I am applying to a college here in Georgia for Fall 2010. It is an ADN program. I would do the Accelerated BSN, but in Georgia it is still 2 years so this route is faster and cheaper. I did have to quit flying, but if I decide to be a flight attendant again, nursing is a great asset to have considering how many med emergencies I have had while working a flight. Good luck to everyone!:)
I am a second career student as well, BSBA in MIS, and have worked the last 8 years in IT as a programmer, system admin, pm, ba, and whatever else they tell me to do:D. I am taking the risk of leaving a fairly stable, well paying job to do this, but I just feel that now is my time. Just turned 30, no kids, and no husband. I have wanted to come out of the IT industury almost as soon as I got in it, but fear held me back. In the end I figured what have I got to lose, there is always health care IT. I am excited to get started. I know finding a job won't be a cake walk, but I believe in the long run this is the best choice for me. I am dying waiting to find out if I got into my program. Good luck everyone.
:lol2:omg!! i cant tell you how excited i was when i read this post!! i have been a dental assistant for the past 8 years... 3 yrs before that were spent as a cna. i attempted lpn school in 2001, for some reason it was just not the right time for me! recently, i have quit my job of 8 years and was accepted into the cna program here at our local community college. I am so very excited and nervous all at the same time! Yes, i have been a cna, but I needed some classes to improve my GPA from 2001. I am also taking a pre-nursing seminar class. I just really want my "old" instructors to say, "hey, she really means business this time!" I am trying to do EVERYTHING i can to get accepted. I have a VERY supportive husband, and hope everything falls into place for me! My mom always says... where there is a will there is a way! I have never been more determined to do anyhting in my life!! I just hope and pray I get accepted!
My job isn't stable either. I think the idea that most 2nd career students are doing so as a luxury is pretty presumptuous. I don't think there are many in this economy who would take the risk of leaving a stable job. My parents have been unemployed for over a year, I'm certainly not thinking about changing careers lightly.
:redpinkheI just left my "stable" job of 8 years making 16 dollars an hour, but there are more things in this life that are going to make me happy, and that job was NOT one of those things! i believe i was put on this earth to make a difference in other peoples lives, and that job wasnt doing anything but pulling me down!!! good luck! ithink we are all going to need it in one way or the other!!
Specializes in Interested in hospice & palliative care.
My job isn't stable either. I think the idea that most 2nd career students are doing so as a luxury is pretty presumptuous. I don't think there are many in this economy who would take the risk of leaving a stable job. My parents have been unemployed for over a year, I'm certainly not thinking about changing careers lightly.
My job is sort of stable until the elder of the two dentists I work for retire and then....??? Now my hours has been slashed because the one nearing retirement takes months at a time off. Yes there are other dental offices out there but none that would pay me what I earn now. I have been at this office 12 yrs and prior to this office have worked in others so I know I have it good where I am but if I am willing to roll the dice and stay in a semi stable job then I am also willing to take a chance on a dream! It has been a difficult decision and I lay awake at night worrying about the financail strain on my family. My husband is a school teacher ina charter school which means no tenure and no job security. He works two jobs and has done so for a long time. He has to even with my income, so trust me, this is no luxury. This decision has been torturous and he feels terrible that I can't just run out and grab my dream. BUT...that is life. We have been through many trials, job losses, miscarriages,etc and every has made us stronger than the last. We are plating the cards we are dealt, for sure. As many of you arew as well. As he said to me last night- your education is something no one can take away. Its rough out there and I wish you all the best of luck in whatever you chose to do! P.S sorry bout the typos. yikes!
I am a second career student as well! I have a Bachelors in a Social Science field, but have always wanted to be a Nurse. When I entered college though, I thought that it would be too hard for me, so I pursued something less taxing on my social schedule. I do regret not Pursuing it at that time in a way, but I feel like now, I am so much more motivated and driven. My first go-around, I just did the minimal to get done with all of the classes, graduate and get a job...I have never valued going to school like I do now. Now I look forward to getting off at work, just to go to class and learn something that I find interesting! It is going to be hard for me when I quit this job to pursue my full time Nursing Porgram, But I really look forward to it! This job I have is a great job, and I am blessed to have it, but in the end I know that it is not what I want to do, and it is not fulfilling. My parents don't want me to quit my job, they think that it is too big of a risk, and is going to be very expensive, however my fiancee is very supportive. I know it is the right thing to do, even if it is going to be super hard! I am waiting to here from a ADN program, and should know by the end of March (hopefully:)) Well Good Luck to all the Second Time students!! I know it's a little weird going back to school, but I think it will be worth it in the End! :)
I am excited for you. I am in the nursing program BSN here in Arkansas. I love it! Nursing 100 is just awesome! Make sure have all pre-requisites to be at least 3.5 GPA above since you will be applying through the ADN program (more competitive)!
I am a second career student. My first career has been full time mom, including homeschooling the kids some of the time. Two of my kids moved out to live on campus this year (one freshman, one commuted from home for the first couple of years of college), another graduates from high school this spring and the other two are moving into and through high school next year so my first career is nearing death due to natural causes :).
This is a second career move for me as well. I have been in the communications industry for over a decade and been laid off 4 (yes, that says FOUR) times and I'm only 28. After my most recent lay off my husband divorced me, I lost my home (he kept it, butthead), and my father died...my daddy always said when everything is going wrong you must be doing something right because someone is trying to bring you down. haha it always made sense to me! So while I was making more money in those positions than I will be I decided that with my 3 children I cannot take the risk of yet another unstable job. So I've taken several 2 week courses, summer courses, and a few fast track courses and have all my pre-req's done, except Chem which is kicking my tail! But it will all be worth it! And while some say the nursing shortage has abated due to the recent economic downturn I am convinced that with the rebounding of the economy there will also be a renewed need for nurses. I am applying this semester to be a part of the Fall 2010 class! I'm so excited I can't stand myself, so hopefully by the time I graduate the economy will have recovered and we will all be gainfully employed! :) Good luck to everyone!!
Another second career here- I have a Bachelor's in Sports Medicine, and worked as an ATC for the last 10 years, in different settings; high schools, PT clinics, hockey rinks, X-Games, gait analysis for runners/triathletes, etc.
As much as I love being an ATC, it doesn't afford me much time or flexibility to see my family, and I found myself getting burned out rather quickly. I took a little time off when I had my second child, and came to realize that I really do love working in health care, and thought that nursing may be that natural extension to something that I love to do. I took a cna class locally to "try it out" a bit, and have been working on an Alzheimers/dementia unit in a ltc facility ever since.....and love it!
I haven't heard back from the second degree accelerated program I applied for yet....I am trying to learn patience. Good luck to everyone!!
I am excited to get started. I know finding a job won't be a cake walk, but I believe in the long run this is the best choice for me. I am dying waiting to find out if I got into my program. Good luck everyone.
Anne36, LPN
1,361 Posts
I have also been a stay at home Mom who never went to college and both my husband and ex husband have lost thier jobs in the last year. (Im not even getting child support right now) Both were in very different fields and one with a Masters degree, one with no college. It seems like it doesnt matter what you are going to school for or what your chosen proffesion is these days finding a job is difficult.
Everyone has different reasons for going back to school, so I guess saying luxury is the wrong word. For me it would be if I could earn an income right now.