Seeking advice.... Would you go for an RN degree if you were in my shoes?

[nybsn]

I live in NYC, I'm approaching 30, not getting any younger. I've been working in the health field for the past 6 years or so, I started out in EMS and then moved into EKG/Phlebotomy. My job is under a union that will pay for your school as long as the degree is healthcare related.

So I've been in college for 3 semesters now, taking the pre-requisites for nursing. I thought about doing Healthcare Administration since I've always kinda had a soft spot for business admin in general, but based on my research, the job market is supposedly bigger for nursing (even though that's what many where I live are going for).

Is RN or Healthcare Admin what I *really* want to do? No. Those are my Plan B careers.

My passion, all my life, has been in making/writing films. Before you tell me that they have schools for this as well as Media Technology degrees, you don't really have the same opportunities one would have when graduating with a "regular job degree".

For instance, I can graduate with a bachelors in Nursing, go to XYZ Hospital down the street with my resume, and apply for an RN job. On other end, if I were to graduate with a degree in filmmaking or media tech, I don't have that same luxury. I can't walk into Warner Bros studios or Disney or Miramax with my resume and say "Hi I'd like to work as a Director for you guys, may I please have an application?". Nope, you're pretty much on your own with those degrees, it's more about who you know. If you can sponge up enough $$$ on your own to make your own film by yourself, if people in Hollywood like it, then you're in ("Paranormal Activity", anyone?). Totally different (and much harder) ball game than "regular degree jobs".

So if you're unfortunate enough to have a passion/dream in that field, it's an automatic MUST that you need to have a "Plan B" career in case all goes wrong or nothing works out. So for the past several years, I've been doing filmmaking on my own (I'm self-taught), I started with screenwriting and now I've begun making short films. I'm pursuing my passion while maintaining a Plan B route. But I'm trying to do this in the least stressful way possible for the sake of my own mental and physical health.

So I'm kinda lost on what I want to do next semester now. People keep on telling me how hard nursing is, I keep ignoring it, but then again I ask myself "If it's as hard as they say it is, am I really going to have time to study as an RN, go to work, have family time, and do filmmaking on my own time outside of that -- all while trying not to go insane?" or perhaps I should go with Healthcare Admin if the workload is a little bit less?

Like I said, I'm still in the prerequisites, I haven't touched any science classes like Bio yet, so I can still switch if I wanted to. Don't get me wrong, I love healthcare and I love dealing with patients, I'm not trying to undermine it in anyway by calling it my Plan B route. But in the event that my dream doesn't work out, I'd still like to live under the assurance of having a financially comfortable life.

What would you all do if you were in my shoes?

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I think that nursing would be a very difficult Plan B. Sure, you might make enough to support yourself and do your film-making on the side....IF you can get a job. Currently, there is a glut of newly-minuted and experienced nurses without jobs. But nursing school is taxing, and working as a nurse is even more taxing. You really have to want to do it.

[nybsn]

So I should go for Healthcare Admin perhaps?

[llg, PhD, RN]

As a previous poster said, nursing is the type of career that doesn't make a good Plan B. It's both mentally and physically challenging and most new nurses are too exhausted to do much else after working all day. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone whose heart was not in it.

I understand your reasoning about developing a Plan B career ... but why not choose something that will tie in with your movie interest? At least get a job that would put you in an environment in which you would be likely to meet people in the business ... make connections, etc. That would seem like a better investment to me.

Another thought would be to choose a career that would be in some ways similar. For example, you said you have worked in screenwriting. Is there a career that involves writing ... teaching writing ... journalism ... etc. that you could pursue? At least you would be honing skills that might help you get your foot in the movie business. Or perhaps some job in the business end of show business.

A final thought ... pursue a career that would make a good documentary subject. Do something really interesting that would be subject of your next screenplay or documentary.

Just thoughts ...

[nybsn]

As a previous poster said, nursing is the type of career that doesn't make a good Plan B. It's both mentally and physically challenging and most new nurses are too exhausted to do much else after working all day. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone whose heart was not in it.

I understand your reasoning about developing a Plan B career ... but why not choose something that will tie in with your movie interest? At least get a job that would put you in an environment in which you would be likely to meet people in the business ... make connections, etc. That would seem like a better investment to me.

Another thought would be to choose a career that would be in some ways similar. For example, you said you have worked in screenwriting. Is there a career that involves writing ... teaching writing ... journalism ... etc. that you could pursue? At least you would be honing skills that might help you get your foot in the movie business. Or perhaps some job in the business end of show business.

A final thought ... pursue a career that would make a good documentary subject. Do something really interesting that would be subject of your next screenplay or documentary.

Just thoughts ...

I see your point but the problem is whether or not my job's union will pay for it. It has to be healthcare related. That's the real kicker here.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

PP's are absolutely correct about using nursing as a Plan B.

I encourage you to look in to the 'technical side' of performing arts... one of my offspring is a theater costume designer (MFA). I have to confess I had a LOT of misgivings when she decided on her education/career because I didn't know much about it but She has a wonderful job with an endowed community theater & is offered a lot of part time work in other area theaters all the time. I now know that the technical folks like her are very much in demand - as opposed to actors. This includes lighting & sound engineers and set design/construction. They are involved in all types of performing arts - including film. It could be your ticket into that line of work.

I know that many parts of the country don't have many educational programs, but that certainly would not be the case in NYC. It may be worth a look.

[nybsn]

PP's are absolutely correct about using nursing as a Plan B.

I encourage you to look in to the 'technical side' of performing arts... one of my offspring is a theater costume designer (MFA). I have to confess I had a LOT of misgivings when she decided on her education/career because I didn't know much about it but She has a wonderful job with an endowed community theater & is offered a lot of part time work in other area theaters all the time. I now know that the technical folks like her are very much in demand - as opposed to actors. This includes lighting & sound engineers and set design/construction. They are involved in all types of performing arts - including film. It could be your ticket into that line of work.

I know that many parts of the country don't have many educational programs, but that certainly would not be the case in NYC. It may be worth a look.

So you're suggesting Media Technology, right? Is there any way I can sugar coat this to my union as healthcare related so that they would pay for it? Like maybe jobs filming health education videos or something? I don't know. Or should I just forget the union and do it the traditional way (take out a loan)?

This is what my school says about the media tech degree:

"One of the fastest growing fields today is Media Technology (MT). The entertainment field—broadcasting, television and films—is only a small part of the possibilities for trained media specialists. Major corporations, government agencies, businesses, hospitals and educational institutions use media to train, educate and communicate information."

[The_Optimist]

So I should go for Healthcare Admin perhaps?

Do the nursing, if you can. Yes, it is possible to combine nursing with another degree and make it work for you. You are more versatile and yes, you will find a nursing job. It might not be your first option but you will find something. Stay positive and in faith.

But whatever you do decide to do, stay fully committed to it. Eyes on the goal.

[beckster_01, BSN, RN]

Honestly it sounds like healthcare admin might be closer to your cup of tea. Having healthcare experience will help you in an admin position, and some administration/leadership/business experience might help your chances in the film career. It might give you a "taste" of both worlds.

That being said, these are the reservations you should be thinking about.

1: Learn about job availability for administration positions in your area. Don't get me wrong, there is no nursing shortage, however where I live it is MUCH easier to find a nursing job than a job in any other career path. Period. So while you may not be able to walk into a hospital and leave with an RN job like some May want you to believe it is easier to find an RN job than a job in teaching, engineering, or even something like accounting. When you get into a specialized field like healthcare administration it might make it even harder.

2: It may be difficult to "make it to the top" if your heart isn't in administration. You will love it or hate it. At least in nursing I know many nurses who see it as a job, not a career, and they still manage to be good nurses. Yes, the nursing profession needs some champions, people who will keep on pushing it to be the respected career that it deserves to be. But it is totally possible to go to work, take care of your assignment, and go home at night.

3: How did you like EMS? If you found that fulfilling then you might find yourself really enjoying nursing. The hardest part of transitioning from nursing school to real world nursing is learning practical skills. Between EMS and phlebotomy you already have a lot of the skills that will make it easier to transition into nursing. Just something to think about.

I'm just not sure what you are going for. Your plan B needs to be practical and enjoyable. Bedside nursing is difficult if you have your sights set on less patient care, but it is probably a "safer" option for regular employment and can be more flexible than a 9-5. And of course, all if my advice is based on the fact that in MY area finding a nursing job is not guaranteed but certainly not impossible, and that once you find a job it is pretty easy to keep it.

[ArtClassRN, ADN, RN]

My passion, all my life, has been in making/writing films.

Go make/write films. I work with too many nurses who hate their job already.

[nybsn]

Well I live in New York City if that helps.

ArtClassRN,

LOL, I wish it were that easy. The problem is they cost money to make. So unless you have good connections or you're making enough at your job to supplement the film's budget, then even making a cool and professional short horror film set in one accessible location with small crew/cast is going to be pretty difficult to accomplish unless you want it to look like a home movie. This is all due to the unfortunate reality that the support system for young filmmakers in this industry sucks big time.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Here's a thought--all of your choice classes (or your optional liberal arts classes) I would take in film-making, that type of thing. Get your degree (and I am not 100% sure where a health care administration bachelor's you can work--it may be area based, it may be that I am just familiar with one being an RN, then a masters in health care admin, or then moving to a master's level MSN....

In any event, before I would invest a lot of time into nursing or health care administration, I would see what kind of jobs are available for either one in your area. If you are making a decent wage as an EKG/phebotomy tech, then stay where you are, research other options for scholarships and finish your degree in film making. OR, finish your degree where you are confident you can obtain a job--whether that be as an RN or an administrator, and get a masters in fine art.

Film-making then can be something that you do on your off time--there are TONS of adult ed film making classes in major universities evenings, weekends. Attend workshops, get involved with theater and film-making groups/clubs. Look at some of the film festivals, (and there are tons) online and see about submissions, workshops. Film making has an entire culture of its own, and it would be cool to be involved in the culture, and see where it could take you.

With that being said, the bills still have to be paid, you have a regular job-maybe finish out with a biology degree, then test for medical technologist? Higher paying, perhaps you could stay where you are currently employed, make more $$....

OR if you can make it work, a degree in education...masters in filmaking....

Final thought is that many high schools have a film making department, have a local access TV station, making and showing films. If you are more artisitic in nature as opposed to clincally inclined to be an RN, this may be the way to go.

Research all of your options before you decide to spend time and money on a health care management degree that you may not be able to use, or an RN if there's not a huge job market opportunity.

Good luck in your endevours!