planning second career... seeking general advice

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Hi everyone -

I am 44 year old and have finally decided to wind down my software business and try a second career for myself before it's too late! I have done pretty well in software, and I will continue to have some income from it but I'm just not that satisfied by it and I am seriously considering going into healthcare.

I am hoping for any and all input and feedback about this change, because I'm just starting to figure out what I want do and I really want to make a good choice that is balance with life/reality/reason.

A bit about me:

- a long time ago I was an EMT in Los Angeles, during the very busy 90's. I spend tons of time doing patient care, and in hospitals (although mostly ER) so while I was never a health care provider like the typical RN is, I think that I have 'some' insight into what patient care is like. For 20 years I have remember how satisfying it was to be in that position, although being in an ambulance during the LA riots was not fun.

- I have a real interest in biology, pharmacology, etc. and I've always found the academic part of this pretty easy. I went back to school in my 30's and got a BS Computer Science. As an adult with a business and his head on straight, it was a lot of work but I sort of enjoyed learning. So, I would be willing to go back to school for a while if need be.

- I am not sure I'd want to be a RN at a hospital with the heavy load that they have, and there seems to be quite a lot of pressure. I am not saying I wan't zero-pressure or frantic work needs, but I wonder if there is something a little more low key. There are some areas that interest me. For example, I am really interested in mental health (addiction, depression, anxiety) as well as sleep medicine, and I really enjoy working with kids. I have always felt comfortable dealing with people who are in crisis, to some degree, and I do feel like I have something to offer to those who are struggling.

- I am not being unrealistic, but I know that I'm just not a guy who wants to climb the ladder at a hospital and wind up being a high level nurse at a busy facility. I am more interested in having a career with a lot of people-contact, and comfortable pace. (please don't think i'm looking for some 'easy job' !!)

- I want to make a decent income, but this is actually secondary to having some flexibility. Owning my business for 20 years allowed me to become financially comfortable (not rich) so I don't need to make large amounts of money - just a solid income will do it. But, I have really learned the value of a flexible schedule and I wonder if I might keep that. I think this might be a tall order, but the ability to carve out a few days off here and there, etc. has really helped me over the years.

- My starting point is: really nothing. I have a BS in Comp Sci, and an EMT qualification that expired 20 years ago. But, I do have pretty good people skills and I think I can perform well in a nursing kind environment. I also am pretty confident that I can get through the academic/testing part without too much trouble, and can pay for it as well.

- I am not feeling like I need any glory these days, and I've already climbed the business ladder so I would love to get a credential and take a job and just settle into it for a few years. In other words, I am not looking for a lifelong career track like I might have been when I was younger.

With respect to all of your nurses out there, I hope that there is no misconception that I am looking for some easy ride, or that I have some glorified view of becoming a nurse to 'help people' without understanding how tough it can be. Believe me, getting to watch ER nurses for a few years gave me a good window into what this kind of work really entails.

I am a hard worker, and a reliable and intelligent person. I'm just not looking to take over the world :) I think maybe there is a place for me in the industry and I think I have a lot to offer.

I am looking for any insight into how I might enter the field, and what kind of a position I might look for. I am also open to any other input you might have.

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51 views and no opinions or reactions!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

If sleep medicine interests you- most polysomnographers are RTs, not RNs.

Sorry, that's all I've got. :)

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Why dont u shadow a nurse in a psych hospital ... Might be down ur alley.

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Have you considered public health nursing? I have several friends who became public health nurses and tell me how much they love the flexibility they have and that the hours are 9 to 5. Definitely not your demanding hospital gig.

I also have a colleague who works as an RN for the American Red Cross. It's more management and less clinical.

How about a part-time job in a clinic as a nursing case manager? I know that clinics can be demanding (depending on their clientele and location), but if you take a part-time job, that could give you the flexibility you need.

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I think you sound like you have it going on and have a good attitude. Go for it!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

The health care environment you remember from 20 years ago is long gone. Today's world is very different. Nursing school will be very different from those happy memories of your those brief encounters in that 1990's ED. I realize that your goal is probably ED nursing, but it's pretty difficult for a new grad to get ANY acute care job these days ... so there is certainly no guarantee that you would even be able to get into an ED.

You're in a much better place than the vast majority of potential students - in terms of maturity, stability, etc. So if this is your goal, and you can pursue it without jeopardizing other important aspects of your life then definitely, go for it!

Best of luck to you as you move ahead towards your goal

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