quinnsite

Another Crossfitter here. Without regular exercise I'd lose my mind!

I love seeing other guys like me posting here! I'm 40 and finishing up my pre reqs for my nursing program (Fall 2011 start). I only have A&P 1/2 to complete and I can't wait to get them done and to start the program. Nursing is also a second career for me, after 12 years as an attorney. Over a year ago, before starting school, I posted my "story" on this site and rec'd alot of positive feedback. It was great to receive such encouragement. I now return to the site often to read about others like us. So to all you guys considering nursing, either as a young guy or older career changer like me, best of luck!

ABSOLUTELY NOT! I am a 40 year old father of two (7 and 4 years old) who is finishing up his pre-reqs for the nursing program. This will be my second career and hopefully last! My only regret is having not made the decision sooner! Good luck!

Darimom, Thank you for the encouragement and the additional comments. I assume, from your messsage, that you are relatively new to nursing(?) My only question is: Even with issues you mention, do you have any regrests about your decision to become a nurse? Would you do it again, knowing nursing (like life in general) is no "bed of roses" and that things/people will "get under your skin"? I get the impression that your answer is "yes", but I just wanted to be sure. Thanks! Chris

Great stuff all around! I sure hope I get a nurse manager that appreciates what I have to offer. At 6'2 and 195lbs and a face that has seen better days, I definitely don't fall into the cute and female category! Hopefully I won't fall into the clueless category when I finally hit the floor! I also appreciate the comments about self disclosure, including my years as a lawyer. Not that I ever intended make much note of it, but it may be best to actually be proactive in keeping it "in the past". Which at this point I AM HAPPY TO DO!! (Oh, I can't move on fast enough!!) Thanks again!

barbnicu: You have summed up very nicely what I hope will guide me as a nurse: treat patients with all the care, respect, and dignity I would ANY family member or dear friend. None of those things you mention strike me as cons; more like the things I look forward to helping patients with during their time in need. About 18 months ago I watched nurses care for my father for weeks in Cardiac-ICU following a cerebelum stroke he suffered while on bypass during scheduled valve replacement surgery. I was so thankful that most of my father's nurses subscribed to the philosophy you mention (or atleast left me belieiving they did.) While in the rehab hospital I had an opportunity to care for my father in a very hands on way, whether it was wiping his rear or shaving his face. And mind you, this was a very proud and strong man; a man reduced to a shadow of his former self at that point. Yet my experience, of caring for the man who brought me into this world and taught me to be a man was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I also thought about the level of attention and care I paid to my dad, that of a son. Of course, in my screwed-up mind, it was superior to any attention an overworked nurse or nurses aid could provide. I will never forget those days and I hope I can return to that time for motivation when dealing with my patients. The Golden Rule. Thanks for the reminder! By the way, I guess when I was asking about CONS I was talking more about issues outside of actual patient care. I was thinking more about beuracracy (sp) in hospitals; nurse/doc relations; nurse/management relations; paperwork; etc. Things that may detract from the caregiving role, I suppose?

Will be starting my prereqs up here in Bellingham this fall for ASN. Recently found this site and find it a great resource. I was hoping you experienced (or new) nurses could list the cons of nursing, as you see it, and based on your general experience. I have received plenty of positive reinforcement about my career decision but would like to hear about the other side of the coin. Feel free to respond with one word answers; short statments; etc. Whatever works! You can even refer to to a previous thread. I'd greatly appreciate any response. Thanks!

Thanks Tony! You mentioned "a lot of cons" with a nursing career. Could you give me some examples that you think I should weigh? I know you're probably really busy, but I'd really appreciate anything you have to offer. Thanks again! Chris

JJJoy- Thanks for your observations! I realized, even as I wrote my last post, that I'd receive a response like yours. I, fo course, recognize that many of the issues I point to apply to a wide range of professions. I will say this, though, the practice of law (in general; transactional work or litigation) is a unique animal. Ask any lawyer, they'll tell you. In fact, not many of them will EVER recommend that people they care about pursue law school and the practice. If they do with a straight face, well... To answer your question about various areas of law. You are correct, there are other practice areas. Unforutnately (or fortunately) I don't have much of an interest in pursuing these areas (like civil litigation; contract work; property or business law--much of this stuff would just run your soul into the ground!) Additionally, you're never really away from your work or clients. You always bring your work home, literally and figuratively. And while there is much one can do with a law degree, there are limited opportunities in the community where I live and moving is not an option. I can also say, after 12 years of being a lawyer (mostly as a prosecutor, but a few years in provate practice and as a public defender) I have had enough!! It just strikes me that the issues a nurse faces, as you mentioned, are to be expected. But in the end, as you mention, the end goal of providing care to a patient is worth the ocasional adversity. Also, I hate desk jobs!!!! THANKS for your input!

Thanks Barbnicu! Every post I receive just gets better and better! I find myself checking back throughout the day just to get my fix!! And I agree, the idea of helping my patients on a daily basis sure will beat the heck out the frustrations and I currently face as an attorney, where even in my case, wearing the "white hat" as a criminal prosecutor (the supposed good guy in the system) I am often the target of scorn and unfair criticism -- just for doing my job! Top it off with the stress and animosity rising from the advesarial system! I get paid to fight, and I'm sick of fighting. I'm also sick of seeing the seedier side of society--knowing I'm not really helping. I'm just cleaning the streets. I am SO ready to move on!

Thanks man. I appreciate the encouragement!

It looks like my best option, for better or worse, may be pursuing my RN-BSN after completing my ASN and begining work. 1. Unfortunately there aren't any acceerated programs, that I could find, in Western Washington. Although I agree with the suggestions that even with travel considerations an accelerated BSN program would be the way to go. I wish circumstances were otherwise. 2. University of Washington offers the satelite RN-BSN program closer to home (20 minutes). Again, I suppose I could complete that while I'm working and contributing to the family finances. 3. In response to Freedom42's question... it's my understanding that there is no preference, per se, for BSNs by local employers. In fact, our local community college recently started the ASN program in response to the need for qualified nurses. I also have a friend who finished the ASN program an began working almost immediately thereafter. So my hope is even with the ASN, to start, I'll be gainfully employed while pursuing my BSN. (fingers crossed!) Just as an update: I'm meeting with a nursing school advisor tomorrow. I will discuss with her all these issues you guys/gals raised. Anyting else I should be asking? Thanks again all! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!!

To everyone that responded: Thank you VERY much! First, I appreciate you guys taking the time to provide the detailed and thoughtful responses you did. I'd like to think it's telling about the type of person who pursues a career in nursing. And that, of course, is an across-the-board compliment. Second, I found the comments very helpful. Both from practical and supportive standpoints. Again, thanks. Reading the responses have energized and affirmed me even more! I hope others will chime in if they have anything to add. Freedom 42: Regarding the accelerated BSN...I think your argument for is a good one. Here are some of my considerations. I don't have a school nearby, although there are programs within an hours drive. (I am north of Seattle, Washington in Bellingham.) Also, after receiving my ASN, could I pursue the advanced degree on a part time basis? I ask that because doing so would have less of an impact on my family finances. i.e. I'd be back working making money. After pre-reqs, how long does the accelerated BSN take? Would I be looking at 3-4 years? Again, I think your suggestions are right on. I will definitely look into figuring a way to getting a BSN or Masters level degree--for the reasons you suggest. Thanks!

Continued ( I accidently cut myself off) So here are my concerns: Am I too old to be considering this? I mean are there practical considerations? Will I be discriminated against in the hiring process as a male nurse in his early 40's? Physically I'm in very good shape, and intend to remain that way. Still, is age in any way an issue to consider? What else should I keep in mind when considering this decision? I realize that male nurses only comprise about 7% of all nurses. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I would imagine hospitals, etc. would like more male nurses on staff? True or false? I am very confident that I would be a good nurse. However, what don't I know about nursing? In other words, what are the 'dark little secrets' about nurses that you don't hear about? What do current nurses say they 'wish they knew' before getting into nursing? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks all!

After 12 years of practicing law (as a criminal prosecutor) I'm thinking about returning to school and becoming a nurse. After months of working with a career counselor, personal reflection, and research (on-line and otherwise) I'm feel strongly that this would be the right choice for me. (There's a local school that just began offering an AS degree in Nursing making one eligible to sit for the N-CLEX for registered nurses.) I'm fortunate to have a wife who supports my decision, and also works, which lessens the financial impact. Still, there will be a number of sacrafices to be made for the next 3 years (approx.) and we have two young children who also have to be considered first and foremost. I was happy to find this web site and particularly glad to find this board (Male Nursing Students). I'm hope that in reading the posts I will find: encouragement; positive stories; advice; etc. Any input/advise/encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Many people in my life think I'm crazy leaving a good paying career at this stage in my life. Fact is, though, that being an attorney so goes against my core as a person. I do not find the work fulfilling at all. To the contrary, the advesarial nature of the work takes it's toll physiacally and emotionally. The idea of helping people; caring for people has always been a large part of who I am. And in fact, all these persoanlity/employment/interest tests I've taken repeatedly reveal nursing as a strong match for who I am. Continued in the reply post that follows...