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Discussion

Please help me to decide whether to go from social work to nursing

Hello everybody,

When I first went to college several years ago, I went to nursing school but quickly changed my major when I chickened out of some science classes. At that age, I was more interested in having fun at college than studying. I did end up getting a Bachelor's Degree and then more recently got my Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. I have worked in a few different career fields. Most recently, I have been a Hospice Social Worker and also worked as a Vocational Case Manager in the worker's compensation field. In both of these fields, I work very closely with nurses. I feel like a nurse more than a social worker and just really want to do nursing. I did go ahead and apply at three different nursing schools that offer the ADN. My question is I am 47 years old and if I go to school, I will be 49 years old when I get out. I am very healthy and most doctors tell me that I will live to be 100 years old. Also, I have longevity in my genes. When I way the pros and cons of nursing, the pros win out. I love everything about nursing and see everyday what they do close up especially in my Hospice job.

Anyway, do you all think I am too old to do this? And if not, do you feel my background will be helpful to me in becoming a nurse? Thanks for your help.

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    Do you want my honest opinion? Well, of course you do, or you wouldn't have posted this ;). NO, don't go to nursing school. Stay PUT.

    You're not a nurse, and "feeling" like one is way different than being one. Your career now seems to be great. Nursing isn't just something that you get into. I was 300% positive that I wanted to be a nurse and pursued nursing school aggressively.

    Even with all of my passion, I am still considering a switch in careers after I obtain my RN license. I'm considering Occupational or Physical Therapy. It all depends. I need more experience to come to a decision like that.

    I think it would be very wise of you to stay put. Enjoy the nice piece of pie that you have in front of you. Nursing pie takes many ingredients and a very intrinsic baking process lol.

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    I appreciate your response. One thing about my career now is that I have a Master's Degree and can't hardly make over 15.00 per hour. Social Work has been rated the most stressful occupation for the least amount of pay and believe me it is very thankless many times especially for the low pay and high education you have to have to be in it. Also, for my occupation, I am being asked to go back to school to get a Michigan license. When I compared the schooling for my job versus nursing (something I have always wanted to do) I think it makes way more sense for nursing because at least I could get paid for the stress and I really do like the nursing aspects. I work side by side by the Hospice nurses on visits and have helped do many not so pleasant tasks to assist the nurses. I used to work as a nurses aide many years ago with individuals with quadriplegia and at a nursing home and I loved that job, even though it meant giving enemas, doing cathetirs (internal and external),bathing, dressing, cleaning lots of crap, vomit, etc. I did not mind any of that work. I also have a great understanding of medications, and other areas that nurses need to know because of my Hospice job and my workers compensation experience working side by side with the nurses.

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