I am 40 years old, and I am unhappy with my career and life. I am in the middle of a midlife crisis right now. I work as a machinist. I don't get any fulfillment or satisfaction from my job. I did not really choose that profession but rather an accident.
It's what I did during my time in the military. I am thinking about a career in healthcare ( Nursing) but I am very sensitive to body fluids, blood, etc... Is this a career I should even consider? I am a single dad, and I have obligations - Would I have to give up working to commit full time to completing such program? Any advise? Thank you
Dear Unhappy,
Some people work during nursing school, but working full-time is difficult. Before nursing school, there are 2-4 semesters of pre-requisites. Your job would have to be flexible to allow you to attend classes. Nursing school is considered full-time by many. Being a single dad, working full-time, and attending nursing school would not be easy.
At the same time, it is an excellent, rewarding profession. It would provide you with a good living and countless opportunities.
I myself was a single mom to 3 children under the age of 9 and I did work and attend nursing school. I had no family in town and took out no loans. It depends how badly you want it. I always believed it would be worth it, and the best choice in the long run for my family. It was.
Being very sensitive to blood and body fluids is a big concern. Many of us are sensitive to 1 or 2 body fluids, but not all. For example, some nurses have no problem with emesis and blood, but can't tolerate mucous from a tracheostomy. We all learn to control our responses and remain professional.
You would have to overcome your aversion because you will be exposed to all manners of body fluids and it cannot hamper your ability to do a good job.
Best wishes in your decision,
Nurse Beth
Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!
I don't pretend to know all the pros and cons of ultrasound tech versus X-Ray tech versus MRI tech versus RN. However there is still the possibility that these tech positions will involve patients bleeding and vomiting. So the original posters issue wouldn't be solved.
Ultrasound tech (from the two or three that I have known) have indicated that males often face issues with pregnancy ultrasounds (which can be a big part of the job depending upon the setting). Not sure if this is an issue in every area of the country, but it is something to consider.
jobellestarr
361 Posts
I just checked and the median salary for US techs is 72000. Pretty good I’d say and without all the headaches of being a nurse.