Carleigh

Nancy, Thanks so much for responding! It is a hard decision to leave a steady income and go into the unknown of a new career. It sounds like it was a good choice for you. Happy New Year!

For those of you that left your first profession to go into nursing, do you have any regrets? If you could, would you return to your former profession now that you have experienced the realities of nursing? I am considering switching from teaching to nursing and am having trouble deciding.Teaching is no longer fulfilling to me and I have achieved all that I can in that area. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)

Thanks for the advice. I knew that dark suits are usually the standard for interviews but here in the summer months, it gets sooo hot. Can't believe that someone would show up in shorts though!! Maybe I'll find a nice dress/jacket combo.

Congratulations!!! What a great feeling that must be. I graduate Aug. 19th and I had always thought, like you, that having 265 questions was not a good sign. Nice to hear that isn't so for everyone. The best of luck in your career as a registered nurse! :)

It's that time to start interviewing and it has been awhile! What advice can anyone give me on what is now the expected way to dress? What did you wear? Thanks!

I think most of us in my class felt some anxiety about going to our state mental hospital. It turned out to be a very good experience. Most of the patients look forward to having a new face to talk to. Many patients have had productive lives and are well-educated. Unfortunately their mental illness is a constant challenge to them. I find it very sad. "There but for the grace of God go I". It could happen to anyone. We were not allowed to dispense meds but interact and practice our "therapeutic communication" skills. Just remember to observe, observe, observe for any potential hazards and never turn your back on a patient or get cornered in a room. Some of my classmates actually decided to specialize in Psych nursing after our rotation. Good luck!

Heather, I want to add my sympathy as well for what you are going through. My dad had lung cancer with mets to the liver and died Thanksgiving Day a yr. ago. It is such a difficult thing to have to experience. Take good care of yourself, find someone you can talk openly to and tell your Dad how much you love him and what he has meant to you in your life. My dad was my buddy and I will miss him always. I hated seeing him suffer and he so much wanted to live. God bless you and your father.

You can definitely do it! I am a former high school teacher and will be graduating in August. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. Nursing can be very rewarding but as some of the experienced nurses on the board have mentioned, there are also some major irritants that come with the job. Try to surround yourself with positive people, make up your mind to not take abuse from anyone, give the best care possible and pray a lot. :)