After 13 years as a programmer, I'm about to start classes to become a nurse. There's just too many good reasons as to why this is what I want to do (more time with family, getting to help people on a daily basis...). Only negative is salary (my pay will get cut about 50% at the beginning), but my wife plans to join me in this, so that covers that.
My decision's made up, so don't mind answering, but let me ask you a question: For anyone who made a career change like this, was it worth it to you? Is there anything you would have done differently?
Looking forward to getting started - I haven't had drive like this in a long time.
I was a beach lifeguard for 14 years until I suffered a pretty bad knee injury that severely limited my ability to do my job. I'm about to finish my first year as a RN on a medical-oncology unit and I'm very happy I made the career switch. Not only do I have more job security, but the opportunities for advancement and learning are much greater.
Hey PhilaGuy, I am switching from 10+ years as a Graphic Designer for a engineering software company to Nursing. I just got accepted to Nursing school and start class in 5 weeks! I haven't been so motivated or excited for a job/school in a very long time. I look forward to being out of the corporate world.
Good luck to you. I don't know how competitive your programs are in your area, but it is always safe to shoot for A's in all of your classes. My head is still a little in the clouds, but my wife (who is a nurse) is helping keep me focused and grounded for the classes ahead. Good Luck!
I wanted to let it be known to the original poster as well that I am an Electrical Engineer and been in the Auto Industry for the last 8+ years, and I am also now going back to become a nurse. There is just no fulfillment in ENgineering for me, and I believe I was born to help people. I should have listened to this urge in high school, but I did not. I wanted to go for medicine at the time but didn't want to go through all that schooling, so I went to Engineering. Turns out now that I might as well have gone to be a doctor in the first place lol.
Started with 3yrs of law enforcement/security and have since made the change to nursing over 3 yrs ago. Will be graduating in less than 40 days and cannot wait to start. Have thought about going back into the security/LE arena while working as an RN but not quite sure as of yet. Best of luck to you and keep up the great work.
Congratulations to all of you who've shown the courage to take such a large leap from the comfort ( and perhaps boredom and lack of fulfillment ) of a long term career to do something your heart calls you to.
I started out in chemistry and computer science in the early 80's and got a Ph.D. in chemistry. That turned into technical software design/programming, which turned into systems architecture for retail and financial services. The interesting thing about that career path, to me, is that I repeatedly just took the next job or promotion, automatically. There was never a time that I stopped and said, "what do I really want to do?" or "what do i really care about?" When I finally did, 'Pow!' I knew immediately that it was time to take the career search seriously, and after some fair amount of study and reflection, I came to my current path: I'm entering a program toward a Family Nurse Practitioner specialty. I have not been this excited about a career move in about 20 years.
Since that decision, I've taken all my prereq's, spent a year working a couple of days a week as a CNA and have gotten my long-lost study skills back into shape.
Even with the significant reduction in pay in the future and the reduction in work flexibility that nursing will entail, the change in my mood, perspective and spiritual health are already worth it.
Congratulations to all of you who've shown the courage to take such a large leap from the comfort ( and perhaps boredom and lack of fulfillment ) of a long term career to do something your heart calls you to.
I started out in chemistry and computer science in the early 80's and got a Ph.D. in chemistry. That turned into technical software design/programming, which turned into systems architecture for retail and financial services. The interesting thing about that career path, to me, is that I repeatedly just took the next job or promotion, automatically. There was never a time that I stopped and said, "what do I really want to do?" or "what do i really care about?" When I finally did, 'Pow!' I knew immediately that it was time to take the career search seriously, and after some fair amount of study and reflection, I came to my current path: I'm entering a program toward a Family Nurse Practitioner specialty. I have not been this excited about a career move in about 20 years.
Since that decision, I've taken all my prereq's, spent a year working a couple of days a week as a CNA and have gotten my long-lost study skills back into shape.
Even with the significant reduction in pay in the future and the reduction in work flexibility that nursing will entail, the change in my mood, perspective and spiritual health are already worth it.
--thomas
Are there engineering boards where people feel the same way you and I do about a career change into engineering? LOL I couldn't imagine it! I absolutely cannot stand my field. I knew it half way through school but was too far invested into the degree to change, and there was no way I was going to change majors and have to go through even more school at the time.
Congratulations to all of you who've shown the courage to take such a large leap from the comfort ( and perhaps boredom and lack of fulfillment ) of a long term career to do something your heart calls you to.
I started out in chemistry and computer science in the early 80's and got a Ph.D. in chemistry. That turned into technical software design/programming, which turned into systems architecture for retail and financial services. The interesting thing about that career path, to me, is that I repeatedly just took the next job or promotion, automatically. There was never a time that I stopped and said, "what do I really want to do?" or "what do i really care about?" When I finally did, 'Pow!' I knew immediately that it was time to take the career search seriously, and after some fair amount of study and reflection, I came to my current path: I'm entering a program toward a Family Nurse Practitioner specialty. I have not been this excited about a career move in about 20 years.
Since that decision, I've taken all my prereq's, spent a year working a couple of days a week as a CNA and have gotten my long-lost study skills back into shape.
Even with the significant reduction in pay in the future and the reduction in work flexibility that nursing will entail, the change in my mood, perspective and spiritual health are already worth it.
--thomas
:yeahthat:
It is always great to meet others in a similar boat. There have been times since I started on this path when I've been hounded by headhunters for software jobs (the software industry has rebounded somewhat since I started this) when I had moments of self-doubt. But I am already feeling much happier and more spiritually fulfilled.
I am 33 years old, male, just got out of CNA school and went right to a job in home health care. I will be applying to go for the BSN very soon at a local university, just have to get the pre-reqs out of the way first. I knew I wanted to do something to help people, and still make good money and nursing more than qualifies. I also find my being a Male CNA puts me in demand since I am the only Male CNA in my company at this time. So I'm never at a loss for clients, even only a week in to the position. Once I'm an RN I may stay with Home Health or I might decide to find something else as a specialty.
I managed restaurants for 8 years, then managed commercial/industrial construction for 8. Maybe 3rd time is a charm for me? Can't wait to start, 3rd year BSN.
I was in Aviation, climbing the technical mgt ladder at a big airline. Aviation mgt wasn't fun -- it was definitely a job, and then 9/11 happened, causing massive layoffs in the industry. My first choice was Physical Therapy, which had the exact same pre-reqs as Nursing since I already have a Bachelor's degree that'd xfer in to start postgrad study, but the DPT program was full so I went for my ADN.
I really like Nursing in the job where I'm at. Very hands on, moderately gratifying w/ lotsa career opportunities, and some great co-workers. Out of 11 other regulars and x number of floats/prn's that work the night-shift on my unit, there's one person that really sucks to work w/, and another that likes to argue and complain a lot, but asides from them, I look forward to going in to work, helping/caring for patients, and seeing my new coworker-friends. It was almost like that in Aviation when I first started as a mechanic and was working the line, but changed when I stepped into Mgt. I hope that its not like that in Nursing, but even if it is, I could probably stomach to be a floor nurse for many years, changing up into specialty areas if I start to feel unchallenged.
Nursing > Aviation. Not so sure about PT, but I have the definite feeling that I'd either get really bored or really complacent and lazy after a few years... which could be good or bad. I'm dismayed that I have to get another Bachelor's degree (in Nursing) to start on a Masters but... I'll live, and I again have a job that I enjoy doing.
Graduated with a CS degree in '91. Started a pool cleaning/repair business to pay the bills while in college, grew it up to where a job in the computer world would've meant a cut in pay. Grew tired of the busy summers/slow winters so my bro-in-law and I started a local ISP which grew into a regional operation.
Eventually gave up pools and later sold the ISP when the big telecom boys with really deep marketing pockets came to the area. While we had the ISP, I earned an EMT cert and worked as a volunteer FF and safety scuba diver.
I finally went back to nursing school after some time off from real work.
Ditto on not letting anyone know about your computer skills. The cat got out of the bag on my first nursing gig because it was on my resume.
socalpca
60 Posts
I was a beach lifeguard for 14 years until I suffered a pretty bad knee injury that severely limited my ability to do my job. I'm about to finish my first year as a RN on a medical-oncology unit and I'm very happy I made the career switch. Not only do I have more job security, but the opportunities for advancement and learning are much greater.