pattylee1122

I think there can be more exposure for the younger generation about RT, OT, and other specialized fields you don't hear much about. Thank you for the info.

I think most people are more educated in nursing as a career than OT. I gave up on nursing as an undergrad and regret it. I have to do what I can handle. I appreciate your realistic advice. I have read numerous posts on this forum and the pros/cons of nursing with back issues. Do all ENTRY level nurses have to start with acute care?

Hi Everyone, I am doing extensive research on the nursing career. Making a career change is not easy the older you get. I have a back problem and I just don't know how bad it will get in the future. I have considered OT and Speech Therapy, but for some reason I am still set on nursing. I am looking into nursing specialties that may not be as physically demanding although I am aware nursing school will be demanding. Does anyone know about the mental health field (I have a graduate degree in counseling and studied Psych for undergrad) and if they hire entry level nurses? Any info would help at this time! Thanks!

I have been out of the forum for a while. But I got your message and I can't respond or inbox until I become more active. I hope this works. I am still researching OT, nursing, Speech Pathologist, etc. due to my back problems.... I took a 5 wk course on General Chem in the summer but had to withdraw. I have to start on the pre-req's again and maybe do Chem last! haha! I really don't like having doubts about nursing - I want to go for it IF I know I can handle acute care physically as an entry level nurse - I know many nurses with back issues have done it. People warn me how physically demanding nursing is and it's true.... However, teaching younger children is demanding too.

Oh no! Sorry to hear that... someone suggested to me to review the BLS and BON here in Dallas, TX area close to where I live. I saw how there were over a 1,000 unemployed.... I am sure there are more teachers unemployed right now since I resigned two years ago and can't seem to go back with too much competition. So I am hearing how nurses need to get acute training when they are NEW grads, right? Or is it just highly recommended? Reading your post, I am surprised how hard it is to get into a hospital especially after you graduated! A cousin in law who is a nurse informed me how retired nurses are returning to work due to their husbands getting laid off....I just hope there is HOPE for you and the rest of us. I can't wait til the job market grows.

You may have to start a new post in this forum so you can get more responses. I would think you can possibly retake some courses to boost your GPA?? I am sure an advisor of a nursing program can help you. I did not do too well on Human Anatomy over a decade ago in college and I hope retaking it will boost my GPA. I don't know if age would matter though... I wish you luck as you pursue nursing!

I don't know what your situation is but my husband and I were not happy with our old district. Plus I don't think teaching is my primary calling... I am actually seeking a career coach to consult with and my coach refers to "Do What You Are" book. It combines Myers Brigg personality traits with matching careers. There aren't many nurses who have my personality traits but I am learned to be more factual rather than a feeler from my personal medical problems. I am also attracted to people helping professions versus corporate jobs. Anyways, I hope you find confirmation if nursing is the right path for you!

Hi Nanerz13! I am looking into TWU in the future.... I have pre-reqs to work on since my degree was not a science degree. Do you know if TWU recommended taking pre-reqs with them to raise the student's chances of being accepted into their program?

To RunnerRN2b2014: Wow! You certainly have taught a long time - probably long enough to retire! May I ask why you decided to change into nursing? I think I want a job security and be in a career where there is a demand as well as a decent salary....I only taught four years in the public school and after taking two years off, all the public schools are on budget cuts. Did working as a CNA confirm whether nursing was a good fit for you or not? I also want to have a realistic view of what nursing is like without glamorizing the nursing field. Thanks for wishing me luck! Best wishes to your new career!

Hi Ummnasim! I am in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and teaching positions will be limited again this coming new year. I have been job hunting for other jobs since I feel like I won't be able to get into teaching with no job fairs coming up....Funny how our situation with finances and children and teaching are similar! I think I will try to finish a CNA program while looking for other jobs. I am highly attracted to nursing compared to other medical fields I have researched such as sonography or speech therapy. I read other forums and some LVN students volunteered at the hospitals but it was still hard to get in when they graduated. Right now I will have to slowly take my pre-reqs one course per semester if I can handle it with my almost one year old son. BSN routes for online or a weekend second degree program would be my best option in the future. Thanks for connecting with me!! I don't feel so "alone" in this job change. Please stay in touch and I will try to follow up on you also! -- Patty

Did you immediately pursue the RN/BSN program instead of PCT/LVN route? Thanks for your response! I really appreciate it!

HI All! I am making a career change as I have been contemplating on becoming an RN for two years now after I resigned from teaching in 2010 for family obligations. The budget cuts in teaching here in DFW Texas area makes it harder to find teaching positions...I want a stable career and nursing was my original major back in college anyways except I wasn't mature enough to study back then. I know one of my nurse friend stated how the economy is limiting nursing jobs too; however, I see more jobs online for nurses than teachers (maybe those nursing positions are competitive though). My husband and I are in need of insurance and additional income since we are surviving from my husband's family business with his parents. I also have a little eight month old to take care of. I would ideally like to attend an accelerated program for a BSN in 3-5 years. I don't think I have the energy to focus right now with my little one. 1) How did you make a career change to nursing and get by financially? 2) Will becoming a CNA although it's a low paying job, be worth it in the long run? I was also considering LVN through a community college program but other nurses seem to discourage it if I want to be a RN anyways. 3) Getting my foot in the door as an Unit Clerk/Health Unit Coordinator without any hospital experience seems virtually impossible too. I feel stuck trying to find entry level hospital related jobs at this point. If I can't find any entry level jobs then my last option would be to find other jobs to get by until I am ready to be a full time student. I would appreciate your help and advice! Thanks!