LLP129

I am 43 and changing careers from teaching to nursing. I believe nursing is my calling. At this point, I am finishing up some requirements before I start my clinicals. The other day, I was reading a thread on AllNurses about "Why Nurses Are Leaving the Field" Some reasons were--Can't use the bathroom, not respected, horrible supervisors, long hours, and an imbalance of patient/nurse ratios. I was thinking this field sounds so much like teaching. After reading that thread, I started wondering if I was making the right decision. I have two children 7 and 11. I am sacrificing so much going to school full-time. At times, I feel guilty because we are a two-family income and right now we're down to one. Anyway, my passion is children. I am also a 6-year ovarian cancer survivor. So, I am familiar with cancer from the patient's prospective. I would love to work as a pediatric oncology nurse. I want to hear from the nurses in this field that love what they do. What makes your job wonderful as well as not so wonderful? Could those nurses, that seem to be so unhappy, have been general hospital nurses? I need to hear from those of you who are where I am going.

Hello, I too, pursued a degree in education 10 years ago. I love teaching but I have an empty feeling that needs to be fulfilled. I have decided to follow my passion and left teaching 2 years ago to pursue my nursing degree. I am 43 years old. My mother is a nurse. I have a sister that is a nurse but I am still getting questions of "Why do you want to do that?" Yes, at 43. My family is in a bit of sacrifice right now because we are used to two incomes but that is my story. If you are alive and healthy, go for it. It will only be too late when you are unable to understand and comprehend the nursing curriculum. :studyowl: