Quitting my $63K job as a legal assistant for nursing school

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Hi, I'm quitting my job as a legal asst and starting clinicals in the fall. While I'm excited about this new career path, I am scared to death about quitting my well-paid job and not being able to find a job as an RN. I have heard that this is an ongoing problem with new graduates. Also, what do RN's make in the State of Maryland? Does anyone know? I am approaching my 50th birthday in December and am not getting any younger, so I also fear my age might be a factor in getting hired against my younger counterparts. Although I'm not changing careers for the money, I do have concerns because I have a family that relies on my contribution. My plan is to find a part-time job while attending nursing school but think it will be hard to find an employer who will want to accommodate my schedule. Any feedback regarding these concerns would be welcome! Thank you.

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You are correct to be concerned. Not necessarily a desirable move for someone approaching retirement, but if this is what you want to do, then go ahead and do it. You might was well be doing what makes you happy. Good luck.

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Well, I'm not exactly facing retirement; I figure I have another 20 years of working in today's world. that's long enough to spend in a new career.

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Specializes in Infusion.

If you can't find someone who just got hired on as a new nurse to give you salary info, try a search like this:

http://swz.salary.com/SalaryWizard/registered-nurse-Salary-Details-Baltimore-MD.aspx

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Good luck!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

You have good reason to be concerned. Your assessment of the situation sounds pretty accurate. I wish you well with your chosen career path -- and hope that nursing really satisfies your inner needs -- because it's probably going to cost you financially.

If it's what you need to do to be satified with your life, go for it. But don't expect for it to be financially profitable. You'll not "break even" for many years -- if ever. By the time your nursing salary will compensate for what the education will cost (both in terms of direct expenses and in terms of lost wages while in school) several years will have passed. A lot can happen in the next 10-15 years -- with the world, with the economic situation, with your health, with your family.

Yes, you see nurses working well into their 60's -- but you don't see many of them working full time, earning the highest salaries. Nursing is a physically and mentally draining career and few nurses work full time in the highest paying jobs (usually the most demanding jobs) beyond age 60. Most nurses start scaling back to jobs that are a little kinder to their bodies and their psyches as they age -- sacrificing a little in salary inorder to ease the stress on the minds and bodies.

llg -- age 56

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well, i'm not exactly facing retirement; i figure i have another 20 years of working in today's world. that's long enough to spend in a new career.

while you state are not facing retirement, many will disagree. they will believe you are on the road to retirement. sadly, while it is difficult ty find jobs as a new rn, being older may be an added roadblock (whether anyone will admit this to your face or not). many feel those of us who are older have a toe in the grave or a demential facility.

you are starting the program this fall. that is great, but don't cut off your ties to your former career. see if you can't take on some part time work or per diem work. keep your legal skills up to date and make some extra money while studying. you never know, you may wish to link your legal skills with nursing.

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Hi, I'm half way through my first year as a student nurse after quitting my high paid job at the end of last year. I'm a couple of years older than you and I have absolutly no regrets - in fact I know I would have regretted not doing this. Not many nurses stay in their jobs for long nowdays, nursing is becoming a highly mobile workforce and someone who looks like they may stay around for the next five years or so is highly likley to find work. Just be the best nurse you can be and go for it.

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Specializes in Infusion.

I will say that everybody ages differently. Plenty of nurses don't take care of themselves or have chronic health problems just like their patients and some are in outstanding shape and could keep working full-time, running around, well into their 80s. I'll be hitting 50 in a year and-a-half and don't intend on finding desk work anytime soon. I like to run and I like to stay busy physically and mentally. Nursing is so perfect for that.

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.

are you sure you want to quit your 63k per year job? you might make less when you start working as a nurse. i know everything is not about money but like llg said, this job is physically and mentally draining.

it is a rewarding job but it's a love and hate for me like 50% love and 50% hate (due to stupid crap from management).

good luck!

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Specializes in Medical Surgical/Addiction/Mental Health.

If you don’t mind, I think I will respond to your concern from a differing perspective. First, I must ask if you are pursuing your ASN or BSN. If a BSN, is it an accelerated second-degree program? There were twelve students in my cohort. I pursed an Accelerated BSN for those who already held a Bachelor’s degree. Each student in my cohort secured employment within two weeks of passing boards with the exception of three of us. One decided to move out of state. After living there for two weeks, he secured full-time employment. Another gal has decided to travel a bit before applying for positions. I had a full-time position lined up, but it was placed on hold because of sanctions applied to my licensure. However, the employer is holding a spot for me and if I can get the restrictions removed, I will begin working immediately. I go in front of the board again next Thursday and my attorney feels confident that my license will be free and clear.

My background consisted of upper level operations management experience in a Director position. I was told my background was the driving factor in the facility’s decision to hire me. They evidently have plans for me (By the way, I worked for the same company for 17 years…my only job). Given your background, I think multiple doors will open for you. You could easily work for and insurance company or a nurse attorney. You may be able to secure employment in the legal department at a facility. Honestly, I think managers are hiring those with “life” experience whether nursing or in some other profession over new graduates who have never held a professional position. I also think facilities are hiring BSN nurses over ASN nurses as well.

I would like to see someone do a poll of those who recently graduated who are looking for jobs and who have secured jobs. In the research, the participant’s degree and experience should be asked. I bet there will be significant results favoring BSN nurses with nursing or other life experiences. This is only my opinion though. By the way, I left an 80K year position to go into nursing. I did not change careers for the money!

Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do!

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As a student with 3 AA degree, 1 bachelors, a former paralegal, and a LVN license who is enrolled in a BSN program, I do hope your assessment of our ability to obtain employment once we pass the NCLEX is correct.

I, too, would like to see a survey.

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