Deb38

I left because I never felt connected or engaged in the work. It was never a good match for me personally but I stayed for so long because that is all I knew. After caring for my mother through hospice care and volunteering with nurses on an oncology floor at a teaching hospital in NC, I knew deep down that I needed to make a change. You only get to live once and I knew I didn't want to spend the next half of my career in HR. In no way am I'm complaining about the profession, it was just wasn't a good match for me professionally.

3 Patch, I am going into my second quarter at Rasmussen College and do not regret it. I did a ton of research, spoke to nurse alumnists in my area and also employers. I already have my bachelor's degree and will be transferring to the BSN accelerated program this fall. I too started out with prereqs at the state school (2 different ones, had to relocate to a different area). Yes state schools are cheaper but you get what you pay for. For example, the state school I attended had broken models in my AP class, no technology and after researching found out that the employers do not hire nurses from there because they are ill-equipped and cannot critically think. Not to mention my professor never even taught Anatomy before so it was a struggle. I obtained my bachelor's degree in another field from a state university years ago and my experience at Rasmussen has been much more pleasant than that. Guess where the three major hospitals in my area hire graduate nurses from? Yes, Rasmussen and do you know why? Because of their high tech simulation lab set up like an actual ER and medsurg unit which students can practice in before students entering their clinical rotation. The employers I spoke with all said Rasmussen students come out more prepared than the state colleges. I can only speak to this In my area though. In addition, for me I'm a career changer and a bit older than most students and do not have the luxury of sitting around waiting to become a nurse on a wait list. I had 2 prereqs left after leaving the state school, tested for the TEAS exam and Rasmussen worked the final two in the nursing program. In my opinion, state schools are doing a disservice to the shortages we have right now in nursing. There are many people who would make great nurses but because of long wait lists or inability to have straight A's or high test scores don't even bother. You have to way your options and do what is best for you. Diligently research, talk to employers in your area and ask what type of nursing students they hire. Additionally, talk to nurses who are paying back those loans and how they have managed financially. I have a friend who is graduating from the New Port Richey campus this December with her BSN. She does not regret it either. Research wages in your area and determine if you can repay your loans with your nurses salary. By the way....in my former career I worked in HR management and for the hospital I worked at, they too hired Rasmussen College graduates as well as graduates from other private schools. Do what is best for your situation and have a positive attitude. With any school, nursing school will be tough but you can do it. Best wishes to you!

Cathy, If you have a desire in your heart to be a nurse, be a nurse. Follow what is in your heart, what path works for you both financially and emotionally. It will be difficult but what goals in life aren't? Anything you want in life is difficult! Will it be hard to find a job? Yes, it's always hard to find a job in ANY Field or area. The biggest factor to ask is what is it about nursing that attracts you, how will you get to that goal and what are you willing to do to get it. I've learned in my life that anything I wanted required hard work,but in the end it was worth it. I am like you and changing careers after working in human resource management for 20+ years. I've heard so many opinions, that I finally had to stop listening to opinions and make decisions that were the best for me and my family. I researched, discerned and prayed for 2 years before deciding that I wanted to be a nurse. I am fully aware of the challenges from working with nurses, and counseling with close nursing friends. Some who have encouraged me about this decision and others who have been negative. You have to listen to YOU and not others! YOU are responsible for your own goals, your own dreams and the outcome of your decision. Do your research, talk to schools, gather data about programs in your area. Consult with your husband, family for support and move forward. Be aware of the challenges of the profession but do not let your age stop you. Best of luck to you and remember if you have the will, strength and passion for nursing you can accomplish it! Blessings to you on this new journey.

HR is the same in any industry. I volunteer through my church at a local hospital. Try to find some sort of volunteer opportunity where you can be around nurses to ask questions. Take it one day at a time, and focus on the end goal. Good luck!

MM, I started my pre-req courses this past January and have worked in HR for 20 years. For most of my career I have worked in health care HR - around nurses, counseling nurses, etc. but never thought to become a nurse until I had to assist in my mother's care. Don't have any regrets on your decision. Become of nurse because you want to care for people and their families. Stay away from the negative as every job / career has negatives, and focus on the "why" of your decision. I'm an older student and it will take me a while to complete my prerequisites but I'm determined to do something different where I am focused on the healing aspect and problem solving in a different way. Once I leave HR, I have no intentions of returning even if nursing doesn't work for me. I just can't see myself being the company police anymore. Best wishes!