Server here looking into career switch!

Penny8611 · Sep 18, 2008

...was leaning on going back to get a Masters in Edu until someone bought up nursing.Its flexible, fulfilling and the salary is alot better than as a teacher in Philadelphia.

The math concern aside, if you're getting into nursing because of the pay, you likely won't make it through your first couple of semesters of school.

jenni82104 · Sep 18, 2008

flexible, fulfilling and the salary is alot better than as a teacher in Philadelphia.

She didn't say it was just about the salary.

jenni82104 · Sep 18, 2008

flexible, fulfilling and the salary is alot better than as a teacher in Philadelphia.

She didn't say it was just about the salary. To the OP, I am not great at math either, but I still got accepted to nursing school. The math that you need to know to do drug calculations is very basic. If I can do it, anyone can!

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2008

If you study and practice the math..you can do it. It makes up a small part of what you need to know overall. I would give consideration to it, but know that it is more than just a paycheck.

Kevin RN08 · Sep 18, 2008

Not to step on Penny's toes because she's right.

But as far as your math worries, if you passed the physics class you should be ok (easily). We're mostly dealing with ratios and elementary algebra in my ADN program.

As for prereqs A&P and Microbiology are pretty straight forward; Chemistry is math heavy and may or may not be a prereq for you (BSN yes, ADN maybe); I would presume you have Ethics, Psych, Sociology, and other prereqs with your prior degree.

Also, you may look into the accelerated BSN programs. You have a prior degree and it sounds like you had a great GPA. Many of these programs are 18-24 months (or less), they are intense but they get you back to work pretty quickly.

dancergalhue · Sep 18, 2008

Perhaps my post is being misunderstood...

In my post I did say that it wasnt JUST about the salary...I want something fulfilling...a job where I make a difference in someone life...I want my life to have purpose. I am a very nurturing and caring person...I like to "fix" things. My bf who knows me extremely well thought this to be a great route for me to take.

Im not silly enough to EVER think that nursing is easy money or will ever make me rich...that would not be my purpose for pursuing this. I was just stating salary as ONE of the reasons I am looking into making that career switch. I would be foolish NOT to consider this as I am a single woman living on her own...its just reality.

Kevin RN08 · Sep 18, 2008

As you also say you had an interest in education I will add ...

1. There are several "non-traditional" nursing positions that you may turn to if "floor nursing" isn't for you. Off the top of my head Insurance companies, Drug companies, Legal firms, Manufacturing plants all employ nurses in various capacities.

2. One of the major reasons contributing to the nursing shortage is qualified Nurse Educators (right back to teaching).

3. I can't say what's going on there, but where I am there has been a push over the last few years to go to year around schools ... no summers off for teachers.

4. Teachers have to deal with A LOT of BS, parenting where parents choose not to, dealing with beaurocracy, poor funding, and teaching the same lesson plan year after year would get old quick. Nursing isn't lacking in BS, but atleast the subject matter isn't the same every day.

5. Portability, if you wake up and decide you want to move to rural Montana chances are that you will be able to find work in pretty short order. Maybe not your dream job or dream wage, but a paycheck just the same.

6. You have an Arts Degree, the big push in education is for Math and Sciences. With arts taking a backseat and in some cases being eliminated.

Both are rewarding and noble professions that offer and require a great dedication. I had considered teaching as an option also, above were some of the things that tipped the scales toward nursing. Best of luck in your decision.

ToxicShock · Sep 18, 2008

I think it may be beneficial for you to see if you can shadow a nurse. If you're not too familiar with everything a nurse does, I would hate for you to bust your butt in pre-nursing, only to get into the nursing program and realize it wasn't what you imagined it to be.

Best of luck to you - it's a long road, but worth it (I hope... I'm not there yet!)

penelopelp · Sep 19, 2008

I was an educator, and I've decided to move to a nursing career. Job shadowing is a great idea--so is volunteering. If you are still interested, you could look into training that would get you in an entry-level job in the hospital. A lot of hospitals offer tuition reimbursement. Plus, it will give you lots of experience and help you know if that's what you really want to do. I figure that if I want to go back into teaching, I will get my MSN and teach nursing.

Regarding the math, I think you can do anything if you want it bad enough. You may need to get a review book. I'm using a GED review book on the suggestion of someone one allnurses.com. It goes over step-by-step all that math stuff that you might have forgotten. You'll need some math background to get through the Chemistry classes.