SAHM looking to enter medical field Help!

[edlung]

I'm currently a SAHM of a one and almost 5 year old. I've been at home for almost 6 years now and have a degree in Psychology. I briefly worked as a Case Manager before staying home which wasn't horrible but not my dream job. I would probably just go back to this type of work if I thought I could get a job but after being out of the work force for 10 years as I intend to stay at home with my guys until their in primary school, I doubt I'll be able to even find a job. So I feel that going back to school is probably my only option.

The quandry is what to do? I've been following job listings for several years now in our area and gather that nurses and medical assistants seem to be in demand. I'm sure for good reason, and I think I would probably be a good fit for either of these types of work as I'm a hard worker but caring by nature, I like to do my work and keep my mouth shut! I get along well with others and just like to be that solid person you can depend on.

But im also very critical of myself and fear nursing might eat me alive on the other hand. From what I've read there's a lot of office politics and I've never been much for any of that. It's such a hard choice, because we're talking 5 years of schooling just to get to the end game of long 12 hr night shifts for who knows how long. Maybe I'll love it or hate it, who knows? It terrifies me. Plus will I get to see my kids? Will I get to see their soccer games or school plays? I don't know, what's more important? A career which has a decent salary that could help provide all those nice things we'd love to have but currently can't on one income. Or could I go with something that maybe a little more in between? Medical assisting seems like a noble profession, would keep me busy doing a variety of helpful tasks, money is okay for a secondary income. It's less schooling, less money on schooling, maybe a little less stress, no night shifts, it's M-F. Plus as I get older maybe I could work in the office, or billing and coding? But in the back of my mind I feel like it isn't a full use of my potential.

Will my boys think less of me for not having a real career just a job? Will my husband who has extensive education as an Engineer never see me as an equal? I know these things all seem a little crazy but it runs rampantly in my mind daily, I just can't seem to decide which way to go. Maybe someone who's been in a similar situation can shed some light on the decision they made. Maybe someone who's been both a nurse and Medical assistant could lay out the pros and cons, I just don't want to make the wrong decision again!

[OscarTheOwl]

Office politics are going to be the same at any job, nursing is not unique in that regard.

From experience I will tell you that trying to get more education in order to be seen as an equal will not work. If your husband does not already see you as an equal, working will not change that (and he's a jerk).

Also, the kids opinion of you certainly will not change. I asked my son what he thinks I do at work and he said "mom stuffs like sweep all day" and he thinks I'm totally cool (I am not a professional sweeper BTW)

Edited to add: you like to work and keep your mouth shut? You have to have a back bone and stand your ground as a nurse.

I have not been a medical assistant but I have been a stay at home mom and went to school while having small kids. Don't tie your self worth to your profession, whatever it may be.

[HeySis, BSN, RN]

WOW!! Lot's of questions, I don't know where to start..... oh yes I do!

Start by getting your CNA and get a part time job and see how you feel about the hours and direct patient care. Some places offer a CNA class that can be completed in a couple of weeks. So minimum time and cost that may make your choice easier right there.

If not, you'll have personal friends that you can slowly pick their brains about nursing school so you can make a better decision.

Tiny bites rather then trying to swallow the whale whole.

Good Luck!