students returning for a 2nd degree, did you have prev. healthcare exp?

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Specializes in tele, ICU.

Just wondering how many people had worked in a healthcare/hospital setting or had healthcare exp. before going back to school for nursing.

I don't have much (except mental health) but I know that the mix of science, empathy and the fact that I thrive in high pressure situations makes nursing so appealing to me.

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My experience--absolutely nada. You are not alone in having no exp. I agree that a strong interest in nursing, empathy, and a willingness to learn might be enough to make it thru nursing school. But who am I to say...I haven't started yet.

Caroline (5 weeks and counting)

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Specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.

I haven't had any health care experience. Depending on who I've talked to, I'm either a raving lunatic or a compassionate loving person for becoming a nurse. My first degree is in music, so this is a huge change for me. I've thought about going into nursing for years and I just decided to make the leap last year. I start the nursing program 8/25.

I would recommend trying to get some volunteer work in before nursing school, but if you can't then don't worry. You sound like you really know what you're doing. Just follow your instinct!

Good luck to you!

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I worked as a nursing assistant for 3 years during college. I was originally considering PA school but decided on nursing instead. Most of the people in my class had no prior healthcare experience, but we do have one telemetry tech and I think 2 respiratory therapists, and a few nursing assistants.

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None whatsoever.

Kim

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Zippo

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Nope. I did volunteer at a hospital for a few months last year, though.

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I was a home health aide and a nursing assistant a long time ago, then more recently was a psychiatric technician in an emergency dept.

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Todd: My first degree is in music as well. Just started a BSN program. Way to go!!! Hope all is going well.

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Specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.
Originally posted by camrn

Todd: My first degree is in music as well. Just started a BSN program. Way to go!!! Hope all is going well.

Cool! There a few other music folks on this board. What is your musical talent?

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No experience unless you count putting a band-aid on a scraped knee.

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zilch

closest experience I have is working as a temp for a medical management company for 2 months.

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