Should I even bother???

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So I'm currently a paramedic getting ready to start prerequisites for nursing school through my local community college, after which I plan on continuing to get my BSN. I keep reading though, that nearly half of new grad nurses in so.e states can't find work. Between being a 4N0 in the Air Force, and being a paramedic, I've been in patient care for 10 years so I really can't imagine doing anything else. At the same time, I'm getting ready to turn 30, and I'll probably be 35 by the time I finish school. I'm not getting any younger so I wanna get started, but I can't shake the feeling that I'll get my BSN and it'll turn out to be a waste of time and money. Should I just take the plunge or choose something else?

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The difference between you and a new grad nurse is that you're already working in the field. You have experience so you definitely have an advantage. Don't be discouraged and go for it. You'll be able to find work

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Maybe it's just my area of the country but I think that your Air Force experience will aid you. Employers here faced w two candidates that are otherwise equal will hire the veteran. I think that this combined with your other experience will definitely place you ahead of other applicants.

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Yes it's true for some states, while others are hiring. Look into your area, surrounding cities, or wherever you plan to live afterwards

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Specializes in retired LTC.

And age 35 isn't really being a relic.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Agree with PPs. Also, if my (admittedly vague) recollection is accurate, I believe that 4NO's function as LP/VNs, right? If so, you should explore some of the 'vet friendly' nursing schools such as UTHSC - San Antonio. They have specially designed accelerated programs that will make the most of your background.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your service! Wishing you absolutely the best on your future career directions.

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Agree with PPs. Also, if my (admittedly vague) recollection is accurate, I believe that 4NO's function as LP/VNs, right? If so, you should explore some of the 'vet friendly' nursing schools such as UTHSC - San Antonio. They have specially designed accelerated programs that will make the most of your background.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your service! Wishing you absolutely the best on your future career directions.

Thank you. And you are correct. 4N0's function pretty much as LPN's and we also do on-base EMS. I live in AZ though, and the only accelerated option is paramedic to RN. I don't want to do that though, as medics function under a very different mindset than nurses, and as similar as they are, it's still a very different job, so I figured it best to start at square one like everyone else.

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Specializes in Cardicac Neuro Telemetry.

If you're willing to relocate, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center has a Veteran to BSN program. You can do the program in 1 year here in Dallas.

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Go to PA school instead! You'd be a great applicant.

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Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics, Trauma.
So I'm currently a paramedic getting ready to start prerequisites for nursing school through my local community college, after which I plan on continuing to get my BSN. I keep reading though, that nearly half of new grad nurses in so.e states can't find work. Between being a 4N0 in the Air Force, and being a paramedic, I've been in patient care for 10 years so I really can't imagine doing anything else. At the same time, I'm getting ready to turn 30, and I'll probably be 35 by the time I finish school. I'm not getting any younger so I wanna get started, but I can't shake the feeling that I'll get my BSN and it'll turn out to be a waste of time and money. Should I just take the plunge or choose something else?

In 30 plus years, I have seen multiple cycles where there are few jobs available to nursing shortages where you have your pick of where to work. I know there are plenty of jobs for nurses, all sorts of specialties and many different venues, so to speak. The issue at this point in time is mostly related to new grads. Your background gives you an advantage here, and once you get that first job under your belt, you will be able to find plenty of work. You have to be willing to work in an area you might not have interest in, or possibly relocate to a different area, but as long as you stick with it, you will succeed. If you want to be a nurse, then you should do it. It is an awesome experience, and with a BSN, you can also transition to other work much easier if you decide that later on.

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Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics, Trauma.
And age 35 isn't really being a relic.

Also, you will be 35 whether you go to school or not! Might as well be 35 AND have a useful degree.í ¾í´“

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