Shoeing horses to Nursing????

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Hello to all,

First post on the board. Looking for advice, tips, things to consider, and don't forgets.

I am a 36 year old father of four. I have been shoeing horses for ten years. Early on I was in College (University of South Florida). My major was arts related and I left school without graduating, and 100 credits. At this point in my life, the shoeing is affecting my body tremendously, and I have decided for more mental stimulation and to complete my degree. I want to be in the medical field and have decided against being an MD for time and money issues.

I believe that a nurse or PA would be a much better fit for me. To that end, I am gathering information to try and make sensible choices for course study. I have researched some of the pay, and some of the disciplines.

Post on my thread! Let me know what you do, how the pay is, why you love it, why you hate it, etc. etc. I would say that I am a sponge, but a black hole is probably more appropriate. Educate me!

Thanks for all advice!

Jason

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nursing is a physical job as well as mental

be confident that this is the job that you are going to be happy with before you spend time and money

it is not a job for everyone but very satisfing if you arfe really in to it

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I feel really good about the choice!

I am trying to get through the learning curve. There are so many different facets, you know? It isn't just "a nurse" or "a physicians assistant", it could be vastly different!

I figured I would start getting to know others in the field. Learning abbreviations, terminology, disciplines. By doing so, I figure I will learn more about myself and where I might belong in the field.

I think I got the physical part licked, just want my head higher than my butt for a change.:D

Thanks!!

Jason

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I wouldn't recommend nursing.

I do my horses feet myself and I do nursing and nursing hurts physically and is very stressful. Because of nursing, it hurts to do my horses feet....so you can imagine the other way around. I know how hard it is to do horses feet and I know what nursing has done to my body as well as the stress. I wouldn't advise it.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

It sounds like you are up to the intellectual and physical challenge of nursing. The nice thing about nursing is that there is much flexibility in it. You can start out in the ER, OR or ICU, etc, and then move to a management or less-demanding position later if you need a physical break. Keep browsing the different forums, and you'll get a great idea of what it's all about.

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Thanks for the advice.

brokenRNheart, I don't mind the physical labor involved with my current profession, but I am getting pains now that feel more permanent, if that makes sense. If I do more than fifteen horses I really feel like my back has been folded in half, and it stays with me. I guess it is the difference between hurt and injured, for lack of a better analogy. Seems like you should look for a less stressful position. The whole field can't be THAT bad?

Steve, I hope so. I am learning as much as I can to make a good decision. PA is an option as well, I really love kids and thought I may take that route too. Trying to complete my "due diligence", as it shapes all my other choices (coursework etc.)

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Until you get experience under your belt as a nurse, jobs that do not require strenuous physical activity are difficult to come by. In general, in order to get those less strenuous jobs, more employers are requiring a BSN or MSN in addition to clinical experience.

Most nursing jobs require hours at a time on your feet. Bending, stretching, and lifting. Often you will be the only one to try and lift someone in and out of bed or up in bed. As a man, many people think that "you're strong and can do it" and they will expect you to help with all lifting and many will not do their fair share when they lift with you. If you are simply looking at getting away from the physical activity that is hurting you, you are looking in the wrong direction.

Even clinic and doctor's office work requires a lot of physical labor.

Nursing is full of b.s. and the money alone is not worth the responsibility, frustration, and injuries to a nurse's physical and mental health. You can do it for a while, but few nurses keep going for the long haul when they are just out to make a buck or trying to get away from another job.

I recommend you seek out a career counselor. Get some testing to decide what you like/don't like and what your strengths and weakness are. Nursing is not for the faint of heart or those who hurt already and are looking for a job where they can go home and not feel the pain.

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RN1989, this is good insight, thank you!

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Specializes in Ortho, Case Management, blabla.

I'd definitely advise it. I went from carpentry (new construction) on to be an RN. I'd have to say that swinging a hammer all day is harder work. I don't come home completely physically exhausted after a shift at the hospital. I would be so exhausted that I couldn't even eat dinner, just go to bed. Nowadays I am tired when I get home I'm tired but not "bone tired"

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Thanks for the advice november, what do you do specifically?

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I worked in the horse business professionally for 25 years with breeding

work (artificial insemination and transported semen) being my specialty.

Nursing in NO WAY compares to the physical demands of handling 8-10

2000lb. stallions in a day. From experience, most of the farriers I know

don't make it past their mid-forties without severe back problems.After 2 back surgeries myself, I had to find a new career. Going from equine health to human health was a perfect fit for me.I love nursing and have never regretted my choice of changing careers. I get my horse "fix"

caring for my own 4 horses! Do your homework about the healthcare

industry; there is so much you can do. But in the end.....follow your heart. I did and I am loving every minute of it! Good luck to you!

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Thanks Shelly, that is good to hear someone say. I am doing my homework!

Jason

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