jst10

Alright gotta check this out. I am applied for the accelerated BSN program and am knocking out some prerequisites. I have no concerns with the workload/responsibility/career change; that I can handle. However, I have to voice my concerns about taking out another school loan, paying for this $45000 program, and coming out on the other end with a degree and no experience, then looking for a job in this economy. I am an optimistic and hard working guy and will do what I have to do, but I need some nurses/managers to give me the real deal on this situation. I do not need comments about the "national nursing shortage" or "nursing isn't just about the money", I know times are tough, and I have more interest in the field than just making money, but the reality is that I will need to get a job and make a living so I can become independent and make some moves in my life that I am interested in. I already have a science background and 5 years experience as a hospital pharmacy technician but I need some real opinions on this situation and what to do to ensure I can get a job when I graduate school. Ideas/opinions? Any ACE graduates would definitely be a plus! Thanks.

I dig the road warrior mentality! I'm taking pre-reqs now to get into an accelerated second degree BSN but am honestly VERY NERVOUS about being able to find a job. A major part of the reason I am going back to school is because I want to be able to live independently, do things like travel, and this costs money! Dont get me wrong going back for nursing isnt all about the money but it doesnt hurt. Making enough is a reality to be able to function right now. I am just scared of getting out of school, with more loans, and not finding a job. I have hospital experience as a pharmacy technician (5+) years, and a science background, do you think this will help?

Thinking about going back for a second degree BSN to become a male nurse. I have been accepted into an accelerated program and am knocking out the prerequisites now. I just have to be honest with myself and would like to get some honest opinions of others on this situation. It wasnt until about 2 years ago that I started thinking about nursing. I have hospital experience, medical/science background in school, I am familiar with all of the types of care facilities in a hospital and have always been interested in science/medicine. I graduated in 2008 with a Bachelors in Health Science. I have 5 years experience as a certified pharmacy technician with 3 different hospitals experience and some great references. Now I've read other posts about "hard to find jobs" and "nursing isnt just about making money" and I definitely agree to an extent. I am not only interested in making money, like I said I work well in a hospital setting but would like to expand my career/options a little more and I think nursing would be a great field. Problem is I'm trying to balance demand/interest/money and I wonder if nursing is right. Looking for some realistic opinions on the opportunities out there and whether nursing is for me. The thought of it makes me kind of nervous because it would be very different. I am actually interested in doing traveling so that would not be a problem. Are all these negative outlooks on nursing just from people burned out in the profession or negative in general? Are people not finding jobs because they have no medical/science background or experience? Whats the real deal? Sorry for the length.