ConsideringBSN/MSN

barkscotty and PMFB-RN, I'm definitely not thinking about going in to nursing for the money. I'm currently a lawyer. If I wanted money, I would stay put.

Thanks, AggieNurse2B! Embarrassingly, I didn't even know TWU had a nursing program in Houston. Hopefully, between TWU and UTHSC, I'll be able to find a nursing program in Houston.

Thanks, Annaiya!

NeoNurseTX, That's interesting about the judge, but it doesn't surprise me. The practice of law generally is not very emotionally rewarding. Would you mind taking the time to answer some of the questions in my original post? I'm looking for all the input I can get. Thank you.

Cleopf01, Question related to pre-reqs for UT: how strict are they on fulfillment of the non-science pre-reqs? I never took Texas history, American history, introduction to philosophy, government, etc. in undergrad; however, I took a history class, multiple philosophy classes, and multiple english classes. Do you know if they waive the non-science pre-reqs if you have a suitably diverse educational background?

Thanks, arabianeyez83. Very helpful.

Cleopf01, As to why I want to quit the practice of law: I'm bored, I spend very little time interacting with clients, and I can't see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I could hack it for another few years but I want to quit soon before I have a child and a mortgage and I get dependant on the money (although it seems that NPs' salaries are competitive with those of young associates). I had no idea UTHC was so competitive. Do you know if they have information available regarding gpas, test scores, etc. of their admitted students? I've poked around on the website and seen nothing. I need to see if I should look around for safety schools. I was hoping to stay in Houston. I'm planning on taking my prereqs at HCC to save money. Do you think I should try to get those credits at UH (because it may look more prestigious on a transcript)? My undergrad is from a top tier private university (where I did mediocre) and I went to law school at UH (where I did very well). Also, did you have any prior healthcare experience? Is that an unstated requirement? When my wife was applying to her graduate program the first time, she got to the interview stage and they told her she needed at least a year of experience in the field before they would accept her.

Thanks PMFB-RN! That was a very comprehensive answer and I appreciate the effort. I'm really drawn to critical or emergency care and am glad to hear your positive comments. Do you work with any NPs? If so to what extent to their duties/responsibilities differ from your own?

Congratulations on your acceptance, Cleopf01! I hope to enroll there in Spring 2012 after I get my prereqs done. I don't want to give any personal details as I need to remain employed for at least a year. Do you know any RNs or NPs practicing in Houston that you can direct to this thread to answer my questions? Do you have any advice on getting the kind of information I'm asking for? I've considered contacting UTHSC to see if they would put me in contact with alums, but I'm not sure if they can release contact info. Any thoughts?

Hello, all: I have been considering a career switch to nursing (I am currently a lawyer). My ultimate goal would be to pursue a MSN, but in the meantime I need a BSN. My wife is currently in grad school, so I won't be applying to a BSN program until she is graduated and employed - fall 2011 at the earliest. Since I have decided that my first career choice was the wrong one, I would like as much information as possible before making a second career choice. The problem is this: how do I get real world information about the day-to-day practice of nursing, about specialties, about what to expect working in a hospital versus a doctor's office, etc.? I am in Houston, Texas and would plan on staying here, so although I would like any input regardless of location I would particularly appreciate any Houston RNs or NPs answering any or all of the following questions for me: - Are you an RN or NP? - What is your specialty? - What are your hours? Are they flexible? - What is the salary range for your specialty? - What are your likes and dislikes about your specialty? What daily do you find rewarding/stressful? Are you happy? - If you have experience in another specialty, are there any contrasts between the two that you think are important to know? - What skills/personality traits do you think are vital to success in your specialty? - Anything you wish you knew before becoming a nurse? Anything else you want to tell me/any other questions I should be asking? Again, I will appreciate any information I can get. Thank you.