Is nursing school realistic

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm considering leaving my federal job of almost 8 years with decent pay and retirement to go to nursing school with the goal of working in Labor and delivery. But I'm really worried about the math and science classes. (Chemistry, biology, any math period) i have the memory of a gold fish so school was never easy for me. I put off going into any medical careers after high school just to avoid these classes but now I'm reconsidering. I haven't been in a basic math or science class since highschool (8 years). Is it realistic for me to make such a drastic move without knowing if i will even pass these classes to get into nursing school. And even then will i have any chance of getting in L&d as a male nurse?

What are you reasons for wanting to be a nurse and why do you want to leave the government? Please tell me something more than, it is something I have always wanted to do. What drives you to want to do it? How do you think the jobs will be different or a like? What are you trying to get away from by not working as a government worker?

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Well... L&D or pediatric nursing is something that's always been in the back of my mind. But after high school I started community college and this job basically fell in my lap and the pay has been to good to leave considering I only have an associates degree. And don't get me wrong I don't hate my job but it's nothing fulfilling or enjoyable at all. I sit in an office 6 days a week doing the same thing everyday and I'm unable to get time off. Maybe 2 or 3 Saturday's off a year for the past 8 years. And It's nearly impossible to move up or transfer as I'm in a fairly small town. So i think a nursing career would be much more flexible with the options of moving around as there are several hospitals in our area or just changing things up. I would not be going in expecting a perfect schedule by any means as i know how crazy hospital schedules are (my mom worked as an RN for years). But it would be more flexible than my current 6 days a week every week.

Anyway what really got my "nursing itch" back was witnessing the birth of my niece. I haven't stopped thinking about getting back in the hospital since we left. So I'm not going in for the pay (already making starting nurse pay) it's really just the job itself. I think experiencing that really put things into perspective and now I'm finding myself questing if i can sit in an office for the next 30 plus years.

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It sounds like you want more time off from work and some variety in your job. I want to advise you to really think this through. You have a job where you sit the majority of the day and make about the same money as a nurse. You will definitely find a lot of variety as a nurse and will be up and moving when you are working. Sitting will become a thing of the past. I am just being honest. Have you considered getting a bachelors to help you be able to get a different government job, something that will allow you to telework? Can you volunteer for the hospital to get some shawdowing type of experience? How many hrs a day do you work? Most government workers only work 5 days max.

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Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU.
I sit in an office 6 days a week doing the same thing everyday and I'm unable to get time off. Maybe 2 or 3 Saturday's off a year

Well, here's some motivation. I just finished 6 days on (12-hr days) and am now in the middle of 8 days off. Eight day weekends are the bomb.

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I'd be happy with 2 day weekends.

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Specializes in Neuro.

I say stick with your Fed job until you absolutely can't anymore, perhaps that would be when you actually are accepted into nursing school. I worked a government job and did my pre-req classes at the community college one at a time while working full time. It wasn't until I started nursing school did I actually leave my well benefited, well paying job. On the upside, there are always federal nursing positions you could apply for once you graduate, that way you can get good benefits and continue to contribute to the well established retirement fund you have started up for yourself. I know it easy for me to say this, but, don't rush things. Don't overload yourself with classes if you admit you struggle with certain subjects, get through them slow and steady and with good grades. I wish you luck.

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Thanks for responding. I'm with you. I have no intentions of leaving my job until I'm actually accepted into nursing school. I'm going to speak with an advisor next week to see what classes i will need so i can find out just how long pre-reqs will take.

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Just a little update. I spoke with my advisors Monday and i actually left feeling much better about this endeavor. I found out i will only need two more classes before i can apply to the ADN program next year. Neither of which are math. So I'm feeling very optimistic. Thanks again for all of your responses.

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Specializes in CTICU/ER/Dialysis.

I too quit my federal job to pursue nursing and haven't looked back ever since. You can always try to find a job with the VA or something when you're finished.

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I too quit my federal job to pursue nursing and haven't looked back ever since. You can always try to find a job with the VA or something when you're finished.

How long had you been working before you left to go back to school? Everyone looks at me like I've lost my mind when i tell them I'm considering a career change.

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I am significantly older than you and am hanging on to my part-time govt job while in nursing school. I did what most people are advising you to do--take night classes at community college, then get accepted into a nursing program. I will tell you that working while in a full-time nursing program is tough, but my job is low-stress. I will keep this job until I have a nursing job lined up. You will always regret it if you don't at least try. I personally think you are the perfect age for nursing school. Life experience helps a lot, as does maturity.

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I am significantly older than you and am hanging on to my part-time govt job while in nursing school. I did what most people are advising you to do--take night classes at community college, then get accepted into a nursing program. I will tell you that working while in a full-time nursing program is tough, but my job is low-stress. I will keep this job until I have a nursing job lined up. You will always regret it if you don't at least try. I personally think you are the perfect age for nursing school. Life experience helps a lot, as does maturity.

Thanks for responding. Leaving my job once i get into nursing school is slightly terrifying. But the program I'm hoping to get in is Mon-Thur during the day no night class options. And my job is usually 8-5 so i know i won't be able to stay once I'm accepted. Hopefully i can find a more flexible job somewhere as I'm single and have no other income.

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