Quitting a six figure job to become a nurse...am I nuts

[DrugReptoNurse]

I'm preparing to resign from my six figure job on Thursday. Im a pharmaceutical sales rep that is just totally burned out on the job. I've always wanted to be a nurse and am finally about to take the leap of faith. Im applying to accelerated BSN programs that start in the summer/fall. To make sure I get into these I have to finish up some prereqs which start today. I also have to take over a couple of classes that I got C's in 20 years ago to make sure my GPA is at least a 3.5.

I've saved money, paid off all of my debt and have a financial plan in place to make it through the next 4 years....I plan on going to grad school to get my MSN.

Am I nuts to pursue a dream? My exgirlfriend broke up with me over this. She said I was too old to become a nurse. She also thought that it wasn't a very manly profession. You can probably see why she is now an ex :)

[K_A_T]

DrugReptoNurse said:

I'm preparing to resign from my six figure job on Thursday. Im a pharmaceutical sales rep that is just totally burned out on the job. I've always wanted to be a nurse and am finally about to take the leap of faith. Im applying to accelerated BSN programs that start in the summer/fall. To make sure I get into these I have to finish up some prereqs which start today. I also have to take over a couple of classes that I got C's in 20 years ago to make sure my GPA is at least a 3.5.

I've saved money, paid off all of my debt and have a financial plan in place to make it through the next 4 years....I plan on going to grad school to get my MSN.

Am I nuts to pursue a dream? My exgirlfriend broke up with me over this. She said I was too old to become a nurse. She also thought that it wasn't a very manly profession. You can probably see why she is now an ex ?

You are NOT crazy, not too old to change careers. I'm also 37 and will be 38 upon graduation!! I will be done with my masters by the time I am about 42. No worries!! We need male nurses. Congratulations on the choice!

~Kat

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

On 1/23/2006 at 12:22 PM, DrugReptoNurse said:

I'm preparing to resign from my six figure job on Thursday. I'm a pharmaceutical sales rep that is just totally burned out on the job. I've always wanted to be a nurse and am finally about to take the leap of faith. I'm applying to accelerated BSN programs that start in the Summer/fall. To make sure I get into these I have to finish up some prereqs which start today. I also have to take over a couple of classes that I got C's in 20 years ago to make sure my GPA is at least a 3.5.

I've saved money, paid off all of my debt and have a financial plan in place to make it through the next 4 years....I plan on going to grad school to get my MSN.

Am I nuts to pursue a dream? My exgirlfriend broke up with me over this. She said I was too old to become a nurse. She also thought that it wasn't a very manly profession. You can probably see why she is now an ex ?

I don't think it's a matter of age. The main problem with nursing is the deliberate short staffing by hospitals and nursing homes. Couple that with the total disrespect and micromanagement shown toward nurses. Are you willing and able to put up with that along the way to getting your NP?

Of course, there would also be an extreme pay cut unless you live along the coast, major city, or unionized hospital.

When you get your NP you will be exchanging one form of micromanagement for another this from the govt itself along with the corporation you work for. Many doctors are burnt out from this. I think NP's are simply more used to an abusive work environment and better able to cope, just my opinion.

Go in with your eyes wide open. Avoid student loans if at all possible. Live frugraly, try not to burn thru your savings. I imagine once you quit the drug company job, you will have burnt your bridges and might not be able to go back. Even some nurses work as drug reps since it's seen as a cush, high paying job.