Quitting job to go to nursing school

tracyk430 · Aug 12, 2010

I am in a similar situation, but with no kids, so I give you a lot of credit. I have been working in a professional setting for about 5 years and have been very unhappy. About 2 years ago I started taking pre-requisite classes to pursue nursing. I am starting my program in just a few weeks.

I have had freak-out moments too, thinking "what am I doing?" "what if I dont like nursing!" "What if I am not good at it" ect. The best advise given to me is that 10 years from now you can look back and know what your options are, rather than wondering what could have been if you went to school. And no education is wasted.

I think it will be a challenge but well worth it! Good luck.

my3suns · Aug 12, 2010

I am in the same situation. My last day is actually tomorrow. I know that I have had second thoughts but it definatley going to be worth it. My husband is my backbone he is basically the one talking me through this. I have 3 boys at home right now and they are watching me and they understand the sacrifice and they know things are real tight but they are also proud of thier mom.

Dont doubt yourself. You can do it and it will be hard but in the end it is worth it.

Chapis · Aug 12, 2010

my last day at work will be august 20th. i am excited but nervous, i really hope me and my hubby can make it with just his income, if not, i will find me a job that will do nights or wkends.

good luck to all of us!!

2bnurseskip · Aug 12, 2010

I'm a single parent, so it going to really be a challenge. Thanks for the encouraging words :-)

doublehelix · Aug 12, 2010

If it's your dream, you can do it! Nursing school is tough on its own, nevermind throwing kids into the picture. If you can afford to, it's great your putting nursing as your first priority rather than work. You'll be able to concentrate more on class and seeing your kids... and those few years will go by quickly!

If you find you have additional free time, you could always try to find some part time work. I'm not sure how it works in the states, but in Canada, after your second year of nrsg you can work as a Health Care Aide.

I have 5 shifts left in my position... I think we all get "cold feet" and wonder if it's really worth it, but if you enjoy it, and it's what you really want to do, it'll totally be worth it! And in your case, your working hard not just for yourself, but for your children also.

2bnurseskip · Aug 12, 2010

Thanks so much Doublehelix!

doublehelix · Aug 12, 2010

Thanks so much Doublehelix!

Np, I wish you the best of luck... And enjoy nursing school! :)

StudentNrseMcFarland · Aug 12, 2010

I'm doing the same thing! I've been in the Corporate world since college graduation- almost 11 years!

I think it's great that you have some work experience under your belt, though and it will probably help you succeed in school- it will help you with prioritizing work, scheduling, dealing with difficult people, handling stress, staying on task, etc. and will give you a different perspective to school, studying and patients.

I think what I'm most nervous about is an entire shift in lifestyle- pulling all nighters again, not going out for lunch every day, not wearing a suit, the different kind of stress, making new friends.

The best advice I received was, if you can afford it, to take a little time off than two (2) weeks notice. That way you have time to transition, prepare and relax.

Best of luck!

RNDreamer · Aug 12, 2010

To be honest, I think that with this economy and not knowing how the market will be when you graduate, it would be wise to keep working as many hours as you can while in school. If you can't keep this particular job, try to get a job that is more flexible with your school schedule.

You do not know how long it will take to find a job after you graduate. Many of my classmates maintained jobs throughout our tough program and were able to complete the program with no problem (with and without kids).

CrazziiRN913, ADN, BSN · Aug 12, 2010

I have one daughter and im a fulltime nursing student i have a husband but i still manage to work at least 30 rs a week...ti takes alot of planning though even with my husband there...but when there's a will there is a way. I know you can do it Best of luck to all of us in a similar situation!!!

doublehelix · Aug 12, 2010

I know there are some cities that say there is no work for nurses, but mostly, it's just about the opposite. At least here in Canada, within the next ten years there are going to be so many retirements they predict jobs will increase dramatically. We always have a shortage here, no matter where you live, and its only going to increase with all of the baby boomers retiring.