Amee200

Thank you all for the great advice. I think what I'm realizing is that if I were younger (with the drive that I should have had but that is another story), I would suck it up and go for the psych nursing, because I also have an interest in the meds along with the counseling part. That being said, with a family and a part time job, the MA in counseling would be a better fit. I have it in my head that although an LMHC is respected, they tend to be at the bottom of the chain in the mental health field where salary and job opportunities are concerned. At least I guess that's how I see it- i have an APRN and an MD as in laws, and have so much respect for the nurse. But I know a counselor can have a varied and successful career too, I think it is the individual, not the license and have to remind myself to see it that way. A friend in the field thought I would do well in the field but would have a hard time in school without the proper support system. At this point, that is probably what the final decision should be based on!

Hello all- I am a 43 year old career changer with 3 children who has a BA in psych but never entered the field. I was a stay at home mom and an assistant to a doctor in a hospital and never been satisfied with my career choices. So, to finally make the change I've been taking classes for the last 2 1/2 years for counseling as well as nursing (really the pre req's for admission to nursing school). I want to do counseling and work with the mentally ill, particularly children, but cannot make up my mind as to which career to enter, and don't want to waste money on classes that won't count toward a degree (being an RN/BSN or master's in counseling psychology). One thing I do know is that as an RN finding a job would never be an issue (especially I;ve heard as a psych RN) and they make more money than LMHC's. My main fear is the med/surg aspect of nursing. I am terrified of it and only want to do psych. I understand you need to be well rounded and feel I would be able to grasp necessary knowledge, but don't know that my personality would be a good fit. I am soft spoken to some degree and sensitive, but also direct and calm and collected in times of crisis. I'm not saying you can't be low key and be a good nurse, but it seems that both careers require different personality types and I'm not sure which one would be the better fit. Nursing is still a draw as it seems so interesting not to mention marketable and slightly more lucrative. On the other hand, in counseling I may have more direct client contact and less acute/crisis situations. As a whole it does seem nurses may garner more respect in the field thsn counselors even at a master's level but that could be my own bias. At the age of 43 I think I need to be more practical in my choice since going to school with 3 children is a big commitment...I am an INTP if that is any help to anyone who can offer advice :)

i have history of depression and anxiety, which i will never call my self cured, but defiantly managed. i hear your fears, since i also have anxiety and depression issues with a history of wanting to pursue something but then giving up. you have made it this far and have a job to start you on the right path, so don't give up. i can't stress how important it is to take care of yourself in all this. with this kind of stress especially, the anxiety and depression can creep up now and then and you say it's managed so that is great. just don't let that part go in all this stress that you have. l really believe in the importance of a (good) professional helping through times like this - they are the best ones to teach you the skills that keep you from reverting to the self sabotaging habits. i myself see a therapist, and i was talking one day with him about how i feared my own anxiety or depression issues would impede my job performance. he simply said, "we all have issues, that's why we get into the field of psychiatry in the first place. you just have to have your s**t together when you begin treating people" it might sound harsh, but it's good basic advice - this is an excting and great opportunity and i feel for you that your closest family member isn't supporting you - but don't let your husband bring you down! if you must move on without him, then so be it. you and your family will be better off in the end.

I'm sorry it's been so tough for you, but I appreciate you sharing your experience. I was trying to take advantage of "articulation agreements" community colleges here have with the state (and some private) 4 year schools, meaning automatic acceptance upon completion of the AN degree. I thought it might save me a headache w/ the competition of acceptance, but learned, as you've experienced, some schools need one year working as an RN (in acute nursing no less) before acceptance into the BSN program, but then you can't find a job! And some of the 2 yr colleges are even tough to get into in the nursing dept. I live in Boston, so our teaching hospitals are Harvard/BU affiliated, so I imagine that has to do with this too. Highly competetive I've noticed...lots of adult's with 4 year degrees changing careers to nursing; or like you said, RN's trying to move up. Very confusing with all the options. I want Psych nursing, so I'm hoping the demand is a little higher than the other specialties but I'd doubt it...Thanks again- it's been tough getting a straight answer from anyone! Kind of discouraging and I wonder if it's worth it?

I can speak from some experience on this. My husband left 2 years ago, came back (reluctantly on my part) because he missed the kids, was lonely and we were low on money. Well, I decided after being an admin assistant (no disrespect but there is a salary limit in the field) and stay at home mom for 6 years, decided I wanted to get further my education, either in grad studies for social work or as a psychiatric nurse. I;ve talked about it over the years but he's always said it's too expensive and that would be it. So I signed up for a class anyway, he refused to ever acklnowledge it (and it was on loan from family- he didn't even pay)....and that was the end of the end. Now that I changed my path to nursing, he was even angrier. It's selfish, it will inconvenience him (no more free time at night), etc. I couldn't believe his attitude, and after asking many married women, had never heard anyone say their husband wouldn't support them bettering themselves and the family. So, if after a long discussion, he still won't support you, rethink being with a person who wants you to be dependent, or feels threatened by the idea of financial independence, or even happiness, for his wife. He may just be scared and come around- I wish you luck...

I am returning to school for as a career changer (from unrelated field and staying home with children for 6 years), to earn a second bachelor's degree in Nursing- with a specialty in Psych Nursing. I originally considered Social work and took a grad class. But as a single mom of 3 young children (1 with Asperger's) and a part time job, the time and field work requirements seemed to be unrealistic. I have a BA in Psych from 1991 but no pscyh experience. I do work in a hospital now but as an administrative assistant. My question is, is it worth getting an RN and then going the RN-BSN or RN- MSN route? OR is it quicker to complete more prerequisites and then apply to a BSN program? While working I'd finish the masters. I've begun my prerequisites at a Community College and then considered going on for the RN at the community college and transferring to complete the BSN while hopefully working n. I am in the Boston area and work at a teaching hospital and was told it is really hard to get a job with just the RN, that most hospitals require the BSN. I'm trying to maximize my ability to work, earn more money and continue my nursing education- psychiatric reasearch is something I'd love to do also. I also don't want to be in school untl I'm 47 (I am 41 now)... it seems like a terribly long road. The accelerated programs are great but I've been discouraged by more than one advisor due to my hectic lifestyle and lack of help from the ex husband. Given my ultimate goals, does going for the RN seem like a practical path? I know any career change - and into a demanding profession at that- takes time and I wish I thought of this when I was younger! I just am afraid I'm making illogical choices. Does anyone have experience with this issue and know whether a BSN program saves any time? Financially the community college is cheaper, and you need fewer prerequisites, but I want to be able to get a job so I can finish the degree! I hope this is clear- thanks for any input! Thanks! Aimee