Progressing from nursing to mortuary science

[*4!#6]

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I am going to do after I graduate (in May). I am just wondering if bedside nursing is really what I want to do. I have always been curious about mortuary science and a mortician. I have a lot of respect for the dead, and the dignity of all beings even after death. I am also an introverted person and it seems like a job that would be more suited to my quiet personality. I am also nocturnal and wouldn't mind the late-night calls. The problem is that I still have not been de-sensitized to gore/"not so pretty" deaths.

Does anyone know what the path from nursing to mortuary science would be like as far as education or experience? I feel like being a mortician is almost like a family trade -- is it an easy place for someone without experience to start out? Also, do you have to own your own business such as a funeral home, or are there other opportunities for work out there? What kinds of work do morticians do? What is the job like, and what are the hours?

Thank you for anyone who can help.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

When my paternal grandmother died many moons ago, I noticed that the owner of the funeral parlor had a BS degree in mortuary science posted prominently on the wall of his office. Perhaps you could look into earning a BS in mortuary science if you already have the feeling that bedside nursing is not suited for you.

Another seemingly nice perk of the mortuary science career pathway is the fact that dead people cannot complain, abuse you, lie on you, get you fired, or submit Press Gainey surveys on customer satisfaction.

[leilo0, BSN, RN]

Hi sagremus.

I'm from Canada so I don't know how applicable this information is to you but I've spoken with a funeral director at a career fair when I was in highschool and was told that in Canada, there is the 2-year college or 4-year university degree program. He was employed by the funeral home that he did his pregrad internship on.

I also am in the situation as you. I'm also trying to figure where I can go from here. I graduated in June, passed the exams but don't want to go through the anxiety of bedside nursing again. I found that some allied health profession (ie:ultrasound) will let you do a 2 year program if you already have a BSc in a health profession. Maybe there's a mortuary bridging program?

I hope we both find our paths and goodluck on this - mortuary science sounds fascinating! I am going to see a career adviser at my old university to review my options.