golightly8

Agreed. I had one of those jobs where I sat either in front of a computer or a person 8+ hrs/day w/very little physical activity... it made me more tired than past jobs where I had to be on my feet. One of the reasons I decided to switch over.

I am a non-traditional student, just getting ready to begin nursing school at age 35. I have a Bachelor's & Master's in another field and am changing careers entirely. Many of my colleagues at the job I just resigned from think I'm crazy to do it. But I've spent a lot of time thinking about & talking to my family & closest friends (who say it's a perfect fit for me). My only regret is that I hadn't done it earlier but my previous career (as a psychotherapist) may have helped me get to this point. I think most all of us who are making big decisions like nursing school feel pretty anxious and at times, unsure. Hoping that all goes well but worried that we may not be cut out for it or not enjoy it. It's worth thinking about what drives you personally to pursue this goal. I'm reminded of theories from ACT (Acceptance & commitment therapy). The more that our lives are congruent with our priorities & values, the more content we're likely to be. This may be helpful. http://media.psychologytools.org/Worksheets/English/Values.pdf I've noticed that while I love working w/patients on taking better care of their health, coping w/illness & adjusting to changes in functioning, I'm not well suited to sit in a little office all day, in session. I need to be much more active, w/opportunities for a variety of activities throughout my day. I still hope to use some of the aspects of my previous job in my nursing career. Especially in helping patients to actively participate in their own care, asking pertinent questions & advocating for themselves. Working with folks dealing w/chronic illness (as well as depression, anxiety, etc) has been very rewarding... particularly when you see them develop better self-care and confidence in themselves. Best of luck to you & remember, we sometimes may not know where we want to go in our careers in our teens & 20s. It's okay to re-evaluate our choices from time to time & determine if they continue to fit us. P.S. I'm a natural introvert too, don't let that discourage you! I've also worked Full-time while in school (even through grad school & externships). Surround yourself with your biggest supporters & spend less time w/the naysayers. They likely lack the courage to take these steps for themselves so your willingness to pursue your goal may remind them of their thwarted progress. I wish you the best!

Wow, this is a loong thread! I realized I'm joining the conversation a little late but wondered if anyone had heard if we would be called to interview for ABSN/MSN? I applied for Fall entry to BSN/MSN w/CR program (back in January) but have not heard anything. I checked JHU SON's website and it looks like deadline for applications is May 1. I wondered if any other fellow Fall 2013 applicants have heard back? I'm hoping that no response just means that they are still reviewing apps for the Fall. Had thought about calling in but I imagine they must get inundated w/calls every day. Good luck to everyone! It's refreshing to see such an encouraging tone to this conversation. Thanks!

True. This will be the first time I will have ever been in college & not worked at all... I did grad school PT while working FT for the State...at one time, I was doing FT job, internship & a class or 2... It'll be nice to completely throw that energy into my education... Again, congrats to you & I hope to join you! :-)

I have to tell you...your story gives me hope. I also have applied to both of these programs, NYU & Hopkins (as well as Pace). Sometimes feeling discouraged by everyone giving the impression that it is nearly impossible to be accepted into these schools (or nearly impossible to afford them). I'm considering applying to another school as a safety but honestly, feel pretty strongly about the ones I've applied to already. I haven't seen any that have really knocked my socks off like these. I am in my mid 30s, want a second career in nursing but have worked as clinician (in another discipline) for several years now. The thought of racking up more student loans is a little intimidating. However, I feel that nursing will allow me to grow professionally & personally. Thanks for sharing your story! You give the rest of us reason to hope...