ckranzle

I absolutely love the support and information on this site. I think it speaks volumes that so many nurses an future nurses are here to help each other and offer advice. So here's a little background on me: I'm 32, am a teacher, own a restaurant and two donut shops. I have my MBA and still am not feeling fulfilled. Teaching was by pure accident...I was asked by the principal if I could teach career understanding and computers because they couldn't find anyone. Little did I know that I would love dealing with the kiddos and the parents. I've been teaching for 3 years now, but I'm ready to break away. I've always thought of being a nurse and if life hadn't gotten in the way all the time I would have pursued it sooner... Now life has settled into a nice patter and I'm looking at this being my last teaching "gig" going to nursing school and becoming an RN. I love helping people and I thrive on stress...and I'm ready to do what I've always wanted to do. My question is what self-employment opportunities are out there for nurses? I've done some research online and it all sees vague. I want to be able to, eventually use my business skills in conjunction with nursing (I know that will take a few years, but I like to plan ahead)... Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks, Cindy

Still looking for some more advice...hoping to bump this thread to the top

Thanks for everyone's responses...I'm really not sure what path I want to take yet. This is the first time in my life that I have the ability to take time off of work and go to school so the nursing program has never been an option for me. The reason I was frustrated with the counselor is that she pulled out a magazine that wasn't even specific for Texas and gave me some numbers...very frustrating. I'm interested in being a nurse practitioner. I plan on applying for the accelerated BSN program if I decide to make this switch. I know I will have to pursue my masters in this area as well...my GPA for my masters was a 3.68 so I think I'll be ok in terms of grades. I understand that I will need to start at the bottom and will not be able to utilize my MBA anytime soon...I'm talking two to five years from working as an RN and getting some experience under my belt. I've always been self employed so it will be different for me to start at the bottom, but I love taking care of people, I thrive under pressure, and am looking for a more fulfilling career. Someone mentioned opening up my own business...what are my options there?

I recently visited with a counselor at A&M Corpus Christi about the opportunities nursing school would provide me with. I was very disappointed in many of her answers and I believe it was mainly because she did not keep up with current information. I asked her what opportunities I would have with my MBA once I completed my Bachelors in Nursing and she said it wouldn't make a difference?! I also asked about starting salaries in our area and she had to look it up! My biggest concern is being able to use my MBA in conjunction with a nursing degree and if the monetary benefits will be worthwhile (I know my heart would be in it, but would I be taking a pay cut?). What path would be most beneficial to me financially and what type of time frame would I be looking at?