I am wondering what one can "do" with nursing school and clinical credits if he/she decides nursing is not for them.
I had a career change in my 40s, and dove head first into a ton of nursing pre-reqs, and then I got accepted into an ASN program. I am now finding myself very unhappy with the choice. Please don't tell me to stick with it. I have given it fair and thorough thought from the heart. Nursing is just not for me. I wish I had discovered it earlier on... but this is it.
My question is what is a natural transition from nursing? What careers lend themselves to utilizing the experience I have gained.. and, more importantly, which college tracks will take some of the many, many credit hours I have paid and worked so hard for?
I look online, but I cannot seem to find any ideas for what career would "flow" out of nursing if one decides NOT to be a nurse.
I am wondering if psychology is aligned to nursing? Or, any, all, ideas and thoughts are welcome. Please. Thank you.
Get that RN!!!! It will open so many doors that are not at bedside!!!! My friend went on to get her MBA and directs palliative care.... And a lot of other amazing things. It's a license that will open more doors of you stick with than if you don't.
and for the love of God- stay away from medical assisting. It stinks in every way possible and pays $13.00 an hr... If you're lucky in CA. You might even check out clinical trials- you e got the science down...
If you like the socializing and education aspect portion of helping patients especially the advocating, maybe consider social worker, health advocate, or a patient advocate. You definitely will have more years of schooling, but completing your ADN will significantly cut down how much more schooling you need and probably significantly help you to get a better job with an upper edge as a patient advocate. It seems smart to just finish the nursing program and then pursue a bachelors for patient advocacy. If you really want it you will make it happen. Here is some info below:
A few patient advocates had only high school diplomas, and some had associate degrees. Most, however, held bachelor's or master's degrees. Some respondents were nurses (with RN degrees being popular credentials).
If you have an interest in becoming a patient advocate but have no experience in healthcare, volunteer with a nonprofit service agency or medical facility. You'll learn how to help patients and explore the ins and outs of the medical system. Volunteering will help you gain experience and help determine the type of advocacy positions you prefer.
Also, consider a certificate program in patient advocacy, healthcare or health administration to gain a strong credential you can use to present your talents to future employers.
You have fallen into the trap that so many do. You probably shouldn't have been in a FULL TIME program, they are not kind to adult learners who are going back to school. You needed to be in a part time/weekend nursing program. It's meant for people who can't dedicate themselves full time. They demand SO MUCH of you in full time programs, regardless if you are at a community college or in a BSN program etc.
I am a returning adult learner but I have NO KIDS or obligations so I am powering through a full time BSN program. It consumes every second of my life. My brother who is a parent of 2 children, wants to go to nursing school but will only seek out part time programs because raising a family while taking on a professional program like Nursing school or Medical school are nearly impossible today. Nursing school is no different than Medical school, law school, Engineering etc, they are all professional programs that require 100% commitment.
If any part of you wants to go on but in a slower pace find a part time program. If you are done with nursing but still want a career in healthcare, consider a career as a:
1.) Respiratory Therapist
2.) Ultra Sound Tech
3.) Physical Therapy
4.) Nutritionist
5.) Registered Dietitian
This is very helpful. Thank you. I too have wondered what all healthcare choices I had if nursing doesn't work out for me. I just made up my mind to go back to school so I'm a ways away from the nursing program.
I would love to get into a slower pace program, but in Alabama there doesn't seem to be any or none at the local community colleges around me. Alabama changed its curriculum this Fall 2016 semester. It's a state wide thing apparently.
I'm sorry to hear about your frustrations with the program. Nursing is a rewarding career, but it's definitely not for everyone. Have you looked into Laboratory Medicine? These folks (depending on where you reside, are called Medical Lab Scientist, Clinical Lab Scientist or Medical Technologist), contribute to patient care but are more behind-the-scenes. You already have a Bachelor's Degree and have taken science courses like Human A&P and Microbiology that may qualify as pre-requisites for the program. The program takes about a year to complete and some of them offer a monthly/quarterly stipend during the training and if lucky, get a job offer by the training hospital following graduation (and certification/licensure).
We had one person quit nursing in her 2nd semester and switch to social work. I do not know if she ever graduated since I saw her obituary in the paper about 3 years later (cancer). I know my school actually allows pre-nursing students to earn associates of science with one or two more classes.
Lovemysugar
30 Posts
Get that RN!!!! It will open so many doors that are not at bedside!!!! My friend went on to get her MBA and directs palliative care.... And a lot of other amazing things. It's a license that will open more doors of you stick with than if you don't.
and for the love of God- stay away from medical assisting. It stinks in every way possible and pays $13.00 an hr... If you're lucky in CA. You might even check out clinical trials- you e got the science down...