Scared to Death...Quitting job of 12 years.

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Hi, I'm the new guy. I'm going to talk to admissions at a "accelerated school" (Spencerian University in Kentucky). I can get my RN in 2 years, but it's pricey. My wife is just about done with the CVT program there, and seems to like it alot. Here's my deal.

I was working at a mental health hospital while I was waiting for fulltime @ UPS. I grew to love it. Well fastforward 3 years. FINALLY, after 12 years, I got fulltime @ UPS. $18/ hour...FREE FAMILY MEDICAL INSURANCE. And....I HATE IT! I "chuck" boxes for 4 hours (alog side high school kids), then I sweep floors for 4 more. I feel like such a waste. This was SUPPOSED to be the goal. What I waited for. I was wrong.

For the last 3 yrs I sat and debated about going into nursing. I was just too scared. I'm 30 now. My wife and i have discussed it for the past 4 months. I can't keep the job @ UPS because I work for Midnite to 8am. I'll have to be @ class @ 8...and have clinicals one day week @ 7 or 8am. I'm definately am not doing it for the $$$. I just know it's now or never. The head of the nursing program explained it like this...."UPS is a great JOB, but nursing is a great CAREER." What advice can you give a guy? Thank u.

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

If you hate your current job and you loved the mental health hospital and want to be a nurse then go for nursing. If you aren't happy in your job it will spill over into the rest of your life. Believe me, I've been there and gave up a very comfortable paycheck to return to school for nursing. It's not easy to walk away from the pay and benefits and take that scary step to go back to school, but in my opinion if you spend 8 or more hours every day working you might as well get some personal satisfaction out of it.

That being said, sock away as much money as you can while you have the job to ease the sting of school. Will your wife be starting a job where she will get benefits (health insurance, etc.)? If so that will ease the transition, too. Perhaps (not sure what the schedule for the nursing program is) you can continue to work part-time or seasonally when you have breaks.

Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.

Dude, take that leap! It will be well worth it. I once read somewhere that if you hate your job, it makes the rest of your life suffer because work is such a huge part of your life. Do what makes you happy. One day when I save up enough money, I'm going to learn how to decorate cakes. It's what I always wanted to do, besides nursing.

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I definately think you should do it but I'm wondering when you'll have time to sleep or study. Right now my classes are 8-2:20 and I am literally up doing homework and studying for tests until 11pm every night; and this is my first week. Can you afford to work part time eventhough you waited 12 years to get the fulltime?

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Specializes in PPS/MDS, Med/Surg, Ortho, HH.
FINALLY, after 12 years, I got fulltime @ UPS. $18/ hour...FREE FAMILY MEDICAL INSURANCE. And....I HATE IT!

If you hate what you are doing, you should definitely quit and do something else. At 30 years old, you are still young and have plenty of time. The best advice about choosing a career that I ever got was to pick something that you would do for free and thats what you job should be.

The head of the nursing program explained it like this...."UPS is a great JOB, but nursing is a great CAREER."

I have to agree with the Dean on this one. I believe that most nurses dont become nurses for the money, otherwise we'd all be doing something else. Most nurses are underpaid and overworked, especially with the nursing shortage that this country is facing right now. That being said, it is possible to make good money if you are a nurse, My wife works weekend nights in teh CV-ICU and makes around $40/hr...and she's only been a nurse for 2 years now.

Like all of the other ppl that have commented before me, I say go for it!!! Sock away as much as you can before you start school and maybe even see if the hospital will hire you back part time while in school...they might even have some tuition assistance if you agree to work for them after you graduate.

Best of luck in whatever you decide!

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Please go to the Ky forum and read from students that have and are attending Spencerian Nursing Program. Please check it out thorougly before committing to that school.

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I haven't committed to any certain school, yet. I know the "2 yr road" is pricey, but....LOL. She's finished with the Invasive Cardio Tech Program in Dec. There aren't alot of job postings in our state for CVTs. So, the insurance thing DOES weigh on my mind as my policy cover us both.

I DO agree about if you don't like your job, then it affects those around you. I'm miserable and I find myself taking it out on her.

I'm in a good spot finacially. Not alot saved (gonna pay off vehicle with majority of it to free up car payment), but only have about $250/ month of bills after car is paid off. I CAN work weekends back at Our Lady of Peace hospital. I wanted to try to keep current job and try school, 2. It's just that clinicals were one day during the week. Of course, after I get my LPN, I'd quit UPS to continue on for RN. Thanks for all the encouragement. Any advice on grants, assistance, jobs, ect?

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

I would also re-think Spencerian. I can understand you want to get it done but the fastest is not always the best. Would it be possible to work part time while you get your pre reqs? (I am assuming you do not have these done yet). I do not know how far you are from E-Town but, the cc there is cheap, & is a very good school. They also have a nursing program....top of the line! What about UL & JCC?

Assistance...check out your employment dept. they have a program which will help you pay for gas, books, classes ect. I think its about $5000.00 a year. I know I did it. Good luck!

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I worked in a factory for eleven years building cars. The pay and benifits were great, but I was miserable. I am 39, and starting over is scarey, but I feel it will be worth it in the long run. I would check out a local community college. The cost is usually a lot less than anywhere else. If you go the CC route, you should still be able to work part time. I would look for a job in the healthcare field that will work around your schedule. You can get this done just be patient. Good Luck

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm in a similar position. About to quit my cushy corporate job for this.

If you didn't have doubts along the way, then I'd say you ought to stop and think about it a little. Doubts and anxiety are a normal process that goes along with any major change.

Good luck to ya!

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I want to urge you to check out the other threads where Spencerian is discussed and really think long and hard about your choice of schools. Make certain that you research the other options for nursing around your area. I don't read everything on this bb but I remember the gist of the comments concerning that school, and would hate for you to make a mistake when you are in such a tight financial situation. Good luck in your decision.

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Congratulations on making a great decision!! I know it's difficult since you have a family, but in the end, if you like your job, you'll be happier and they will too!Kathy

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