Second Career Nurses

I am also beginning my nursing program as a second career. I have a degree in Paralegal Studies. I, too, had a father that was VERY opposed to my taking time off after high school. Although I didn't live under his roof, I did love on his dime, so I had to comply for the most part.

I initially wanted to go into a medical field, but after making some very bad choices and telling lies that I couldn't dig out of about classes I was supposed to have taken, I looked at my options and chose Paralegal Studies for the high rate of pay in what was supposed to be a short amount of time. Obviously, that was not a good reason to choose a career path. I knew after about one year into the program I wanted to go into either nursing or physical therapy, but I was to afraid to switch. (Even though I was on my own dime at this point.)

Well, I worked as a paralegal for nearly five years, then a freak hip problem made me lose my job. I saw that as my opportunity to do fulfill my dream, so now I am working on my supporting courses for the Fall 2012 ADN program.

I am so excited about it! I know it is going to be ridiculously hard, but nurse in my area are generally happy because there are a couple of WONDERFUL hospitals nearby that treat their staff very well.

Good luck on your endeavor!

You're not alone. Just about everyone in my class is a second career student, some like me are looking at their third career. We go to school at night, so most work some sort of day job. Many of the ladies are in a health related field, we have dental techs and assistants, medical office assistants and a smattering of ex and soon to be ex military types as well. I'm good friends with a lady that is currently a high school teacher.

As for me, I'm looking at a third career. Started out as a Navy officer then worked as an IT specialist government contractor for the longest time, got fed up with that and now am in the 4th term of a 6 term evening and weekend program. When I graduate, I'll be 55, so don't feel like you are old. If I had any regrets, I wish I would have started this journey ten years ago, rather than sitting in a cube staring at a screen. You've got the lions share of your life ahead of you to persue nursing or whatever you choose. Good luck on getting into a good program.

Bob

Second career for me too. I currently have a decent paying management job, with very flexible hours. I'm 38, and have two kids, one who is 20 (I started young, thus never made it to college). I have always wanted to go into nursing, and now with my kids near grown, it's my turn. I'm scared to death though, to give up the known for the unknown. I literally have no medical background whatsoever. I have one more semester of pre-reqs, then should enter the program in the Fall of 2012.

I drove a tractor-trailer over the road. I've been everywhere. I always hated the work, but I had to do something to make ends meet.

A few years ago I took the plunge, quit - got my CNA license and got a job at a nursing home. I decided I could tolerate the work and sometimes it was even rewarding. So, I decided to go to nursing school and here I am.

I hope to work in an ED when I graduate.

Second career for me too. I currently have a decent paying management job, with very flexible hours. I'm 38, and have two kids, one who is 20 (I started young, thus never made it to college). I have always wanted to go into nursing, and now with my kids near grown, it's my turn. I'm scared to death though, to give up the known for the unknown. I literally have no medical background whatsoever. I have one more semester of pre-reqs, then should enter the program in the Fall of 2012.

Yep, it can be intimidating at first, but once you get into the swing and find your stride I bet you'll do fine.

Retail manager, insurance claims adjuster, full-time mom. I really looked up to nurses especially when working with nursing consultants in my insurance job. They could do their 9-5 job during the week and work in the ER at the local hospital every other weekend to keep up their skills and then they could do short-term mission trips every year. Seemed like a dream that would not come true for me. After giving birth to my first child, the desire to go into nursing struck me and then after the second child was born, I started making plans to go back to school once the kids were both in school. Years ago, I avoided biology like the plague. When I started taking my science classes, I absolutely loved it..... maybe I needed to grow up a little. Anyway, I'll be starting year 2 of nursing school in 2 weeks.

Hi there,

I, too, am I second life nurse-wannabe. I couldn't say second career because I have had many. Got my BS in Human Services to follow in the footsteps of my mom and sister who are social workers. Decided after three internships that while being in a helping profession was what I truly wanted, having my hands tied as to how I could help my patients was not. I currently am waiting to hear if I got into an ABSN program after starting my prereqs two years ago, one class at a time. I am the mother of two children and 34 years old.

Honestly, I always wanted to be a nurse but refused to pursue the career in my early life because I listened to some bad advice someone gave me a long time ago.

I agree with the previous posters who stated that it is very unusual for a teenager to know what she wants to do with her whole life and have the responsibility to pursue it. I am excited to finally be pursuing my dream.

Went to engineering school; had one year of school left when I stopped going. Worked as a Statistician for seven or so years. About a year after my son was born, I was bored, wanted to feel like I was contributing to humanity in some way, always loved the sciences and anything health related, so I decided to go into nursing.

I am currently in an ABSN, so everyone has a bachelor's already and we're headed for a 2nd one. We have a varied and interesting group. I for one come from the legal profession (yes, a lawyer), and my classmates come from business, technology, and educational careers (to name a few) who are switching over. One of my classmates is even an opera singer! There are also several that just graduated last May and jumped right into this. Guess they knew right away what they wanted. Figures it took me 20 years to get it right ... but then again, I rather have my work experience going into nursing than none ... it will make me a better nurse!

I went to college also at age 17, graduated with BS in EECS, then worked in the semiconductor industry for 17 years.

The two big corporations I worked for second sourced their manufacturing to Asia.

Welcome to the new economy or whatever the talking heads will call it.

Starting nursing school next week.

There is another thread as well in the Pre-nursing student forum, similar to this one. Second career changers connecting with one another.

I'm one of them too. I have a BA. I was thinking about graduate school, but not in my field. However, the opportunity arose to pursue nursing instead. I'm half way through my ABSN program. I will graduate with my BSN at age 30, which is a good age for me to start a new career. My "tentative" plans after getting my RN is to work 1-2 years, and then go back to school to become an NP. At the end of school and having some real work experience, I will know if I want to pursue the NP route. My journey so far has been tough, but exciting.