Should I make the decision to switch career?

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Mar 16, 2010

Sounds as though you like your job right now.

Are you aware since the economic downturn that most new nurses cannot find jobs? Something like 60% of new graduates from 2009 still have yet to find a nursing job. Can't say that this is a recession-proof gig either.

I'm guessing you must have some concern about your job though. I would probably be more likely to further invest myself in more education to maintain competitive in my field. Unless you have always really deep down wanted to be a nurse, then go for it. But in that case, be prepared to come out of nursing school with a poor job outlook (just like every other field right now). If you do a search you will see just how many nurses are currently not working.

Good luck to you.

arkmann · Mar 17, 2010

I do like what I'm doing right now but I wouldn't say I love it. Everybody that I have asked regarding my plans doesn't seem to approve of it as well. I wouldn't say that "I'm born to be a nurse" but it has always been at the back of my head.

I have no concerns about my current job. It actually holds a lot of promise. If all falls into place, I will most likely be hired as a government worker which comes with its own perks. I already have job security eventhough I'm not a federal employee yet. Being one only finalizes it.

I am really worried about the job outlook after nursing school. Sure I will have a MSN under my belt but I have absolutely zero experience being a nurse. I know that I will have to literally burn my eyebrows looking for a job after graduation.

I'm not getting any younger either. I'm turning 29 this year. Not really in a hurry to do the "family gig" but it has crossed my mind.

I have to decide by this fall too because most if not all CSUs accepts fall applicants by the end of fall semester. One year wait from there on.

Thanks for the input Nicki. I guess you're in the "Do not do it side of the situation unless you really think you are born to do it."

Decisions decisions...

tclu, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2010

The other user pretty much said everything I have to say. I would also add that older nurses tell me that the nursing shortage is cyclical. Who knows, by the time you graduate nursing school, if you choose that path, the job market might be very favorable. I am one of those 2009 graduates who has not found an RN job yet. =/

arkmann · Mar 17, 2010

^That crossed my mind too. In two to three years time, hopefully the market is better and the shortage cycle has already passed.

Sorry about you not finding a job yet.

Although I am really leaning towards going to nursing school though.

vegas2009 · Mar 17, 2010

Hey arkmann,

It sounds like you're already set for retirement! If I were in your shoes, I'd go for nursing part-time.

Nursing is a committment. I guess you have to have passion for it or at least the drive. If you see yourself being in the profession for at least ten years, then why not? Do it. It might just be the career that will make you happy.

The economy would be less of a factor, since you know it's what you want to do. By the time you look for employment (even before that), your survival skills have already been sharpened.

There are no set rules on how you go about nursing. It doesn't matter whether you go part-time or full-time, you're still on your path to commit to the profession. A ten-year rule is pretty handy to have in making serious decisions.

Music in My Heart · Mar 17, 2010

Why would you choose to become a nurse?

The job market is something to be very concerned about. It may improve in the next few years but it may not. Meanwhile, it becomes more and more saturated with new graduates every semester. Sure, by the time you graduate many of those folks will have become "stale" and quite unlikely to ever be hired into the field but why take that chance?

You say that you're "not born to be a nurse" and that you're reasonably happy at your present position. Again the question: What would be your motivation to go into nursing?

Do you recognize that even if you are able to secure employment after graduation, that it may require you moving to another part of the state or another part of the country?

Do you realize that the chances of getting a job doing just what you want is pretty unlikely - or any job at all, for that matter?

Do you recognize that the current situation is sure to drive pay down?

Do you recognize that many nurses have lousy benefits and no retirement plan? Compare that with being a GS-X.

Personally, I think you'd be nuts to walk away from a secure job that has the potential to lead to government employment in favor of nursing.

arkmann · Mar 17, 2010

^Thanks vegas. I actually have a 6-year plan that includes finishing nursing school and doing the family gig. I even have a plan as to what I can do with the profession and how to use it to my financial independence. I definitely have the drive, always had.

This decision is probably the biggest decision that I will do in my life. Imagine giving up a decent paying job which has a promise of job security and upward mobility. At the same time though I fell like I owe it to myself to go to nursing school and fill that "longing." I also think that I will be a pretty good nurse.

I actually applied to one of the entry level master's program in one of the CSU's and I thought I have a good chance of getting accepted because they already called me for an interview but I felt that I wasn't ready to make that decision yet. This coming fall though is the make it or break it time.

Should I stay or should I go....(like the song)

arkmann · Mar 17, 2010

^Strong words music in my heart and I like that. I've heard that your last line more than once...

My motivation to be a nurse is that's what I would like to do and I know I will be good at it. If I should push to go in that direction or not is another story.

Again thanks for the mixed opinions everyone.

This thread could have been a poll

vegas2009 · Mar 17, 2010

I don't plan in going to an entry-level master's program because I think that's too hard for me. Nursing is not something that I can rush through (I'm quite sure of that). Frankly, I need more balance in my life and a harder program would definitely knock me off my game. I mean whatever 'balance' I have now! Have you considered going part-time instead? You have a pretty good job.

By the way, I can relate to that song -- should I stay or should I go? I am in the process of a transition right now, so far I'm relying on instinct! I know I will continue to pursue nursing, I'm just not quite sure which state. So, I'm in the crossroads at the moment, but definitely leaning more towards California.

By the way, whatever you decide to do, goodluck. I don't like being in crossroads, it's easy to get lost. In my case, I'm still lucky because I've narrowed it down to two states. I know this sounds like a cliche, but 'DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY' --->> from the "Cocktail" movie, Tom Cruise.

arkmann · Mar 18, 2010

Thanks for the input vegas. I'm pretty sure no one would want to be in my shoes right now. I'm doing great at work, praises here and there, huge projects being assigned to me eventhough I've only been in my current job for 6 months.

I guess if I continue with my work ethic at my current job, it can be a career. I can only imagine what I can do in the nursing field. I have always been a hard worker and have great work ethic.

I also think that the entry level master's program would suit me well because I already have a bachelors and after getting my MSN, I can pursue certifications in my chosen acute specialty. It would be great if I can get to CSULB or CSULA since they offer FNP off the bat.

Again thanks for the kind and blunt words. It puts more things into perspective which makes the decision even harder.

vegas2009 · Mar 18, 2010

No problem Arkmann. We do what we need to do, that's life. Life is all about choices, at least you know what you want and you have a plan. Most people go through life and don't know what they want. Goodluck. Go do your thing!