Quit my job! Wah .... advice?

ChiaLing · Dec 18, 2004

Yikes ... I finally took the incredibly frightening step of leaving my job so I could fully devote myself to becoming a nurse!

I am excited, but also scared out of my mind! I still a nagging voice of doubt in my head that tells me I'm insane. I have a B.A. in molecular and cell biology (was pre-med, but chickened out) and have been working in biotech the last two years. While I didn't actually hate the job, I just kept thinking about how I had always wanted to be in healthcare and not at a lab bench or torturing mice, and I kept wondering, "Shouldn't a job be more fulfilling than this?"

Someone a while ago suggested nursing, so I've been exploring it. The past semester I've been juggling work, volunteering, and taking an evening anatomy class.

I've been mainly looking at acc. BSNs and MEPN programs, but now I'm wondering if maybe I should just start with an ADN program at a CC first before trying to get into NP programs...

Some more personal background: I'm of Chinese descent, though culturally American through-and-through ... and my family is not making it easy for me to choose nursing over something like medicine (or even molecular biology, for that matter).

Have people here been in a similar situation, where they've become sort of disillusioned by working in research and decided to switch to nursing? I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance that I'm not making some huge mistake.

Any other advice or suggestions from anyone are also much appreciated!

Thanks so much for reading the rants of a nite owl ... (whoo whoo)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2004

Good luck in whatever you choose to do. Since you have some college under you're belt, I would go for the BSN, which afford you better jobs, and might also please your family more.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2004

Good luck in whatever you choose to do. Since you have some college under you're belt, I would go for the BSN, which afford you better jobs, and might also please your family more.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Dec 18, 2004

Just keep going, ChiaLing! Best of luck to you :).

(I might add, I've met a number of Asian-Americans whose parents place a great deal of pressure on them to do (whatever) in school. The stress of trying to please while doing something you actually want to do manifests in a number of ways - often somatic symptoms including fatigue, stomach problems, headaches and more, which are more often just signs of depression and anxiety.)

Much better to be happy with yourself and your choices, IMO :).

Nurse Ratched, RN · Dec 18, 2004

Just keep going, ChiaLing! Best of luck to you :).

(I might add, I've met a number of Asian-Americans whose parents place a great deal of pressure on them to do (whatever) in school. The stress of trying to please while doing something you actually want to do manifests in a number of ways - often somatic symptoms including fatigue, stomach problems, headaches and more, which are more often just signs of depression and anxiety.)

Much better to be happy with yourself and your choices, IMO :).

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2004

Congrats on making that decision for yourself! I don't think exploring your options are ever a mistake. Do what makes you happy. :)

I'm starting an ADN program because of the much lower costs of tuition ($90 Vs $218 c.) and travel time. Later I will go on for my BSN.

Good luck!

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 18, 2004

Congrats on your decision.

I have a BS in another field and have been in managment for some time. I am quitting my job too as of Dec. 30th to start nursing school. Sometimes I feel like I might be a bit crazy with this decision but you only live once.....

I did manage to get a really good part time job that I start Jan. 6th at the NICU. Though the pay is going to be horrid for now, it's experience, some money and insurance for the family.

I wish you all the luck!!!

Ingrid m · Jul 27, 2006

Congratulations to you.

I just quit my Flying career, on Monday, after 18 yrs of service, to be a nurse!

I know EXACTLY how you feel. I still think I'm insane and feel that that is part of this fabulous change in my life. I have never been happier.

Be positive and trust your heart. I found I was better off not over analysing it all. I trusted my choice and now I have to be happy with it.

You'll start feeling beter after you have committed yourself.

Good luck

ingrid

LA,T-BONE · Jul 27, 2006

Be true to yourself. Their are so many options in nursing. Who says you have to stop with ADN or BSN. There is always opportunity to continue education. Best of luck to you. Once you get into nursing you will never be bored. There are so many areas and specialties.

Christinmomof3nrs2be · Jul 28, 2006

Congrats. Go with what you heart is telling you! Good luck!

bullcityrn · Jul 28, 2006

I have a classmate with a B.A. in Biology who is leaving her career in research for the same reasons -- she wants more to do with actual healthcare. Her last day on the job is the end of next month and then she will be a full-time ADN student.

Whatever decision you make there is always someone ready to tell you why it isn't the right thing. Trust me, go with your heart and do what YOU feel is right for yourself.

Good luck!

Edited to add: Oops, just noticed that the original post was from 2 years ago! :rolleyes:

Hopefully these newer responses will help someone else who may be in the same boat!