Should I make the leap into nursing full-time?

Published May 4, 2023

3 Posts

Not sure if this is the right place to ask for some advice but here goes.

I have worked in the health insurance industry for almost 10 years. I have a bachelors in psychology and a background doing behavioral health work which is how I got into the industry. During my time in insurance I went back to nursing school part time and gained my ADN degree and then RN license in 2021. Since late last year I have been working part time as an RN at a LTC/rehab facility on the weekends in addition to my mostly remote full-time health insurance job during the week. I've been doing great there and enjoy it.

I make a good amount ($40+ an hour) at my insurance job and have great benefits. My position does not involve clinical work or anything related to nursing. I am unhappy in my current position and have had no luck finding another full-time remote job to replace it.

I am considering making the leap to nursing full-time, hopefully in a RN residency at a nearby hospital. I enjoy nursing a great deal as it's a good fit for my personality and my love of taking care of others. However, this idea kind of terrifies me. I'm worried I'll throw away all the industry experience I've gained and the relatively comfy life I have as a mostly remote worker to go into nursing, especially at a time when a lot of people say nursing is incredibly understaffed and difficult. If I do make the leap and hate being a full-time nurse I'm not sure it'll be easy to go back into health insurance at the rate and position I am now. I'm also worried that I won't have equivalent benefits, pay, or adequate time off like I do now. If relevant, I'm in western Massachusetts.

I've asked some nurses in my life and they've all said how miserable being full-time bedside is and even if I'm unhappy at my remote job I'd be even more unhappy in a hospital. Has anyone been in a similar situation or have any advice?