switch careers later?

thenameismac · Jan 11, 2011

A lot of the posts on this site are mostly people either trying really hard to get into a nursing program because it is super competitive or people are trying to find jobs once they graduate because that is also super competitive. I would say go with you heart. If what you really want to do is be a nurse then go for it. However, there is no guarantee that you will have a job once you graduate. The economy may change in the future for those who are graduating in 3 or 4 years but no one knows that for sure. If finding a job is your main concern you will be discouraged when reading some of the posts on this site but like me and so many others we want to be nurses even if it takes months to a year to find a job. Hope this helps and good luck.

elkpark · Jan 11, 2011

Yes, times are hard right now for nursing grads. However, what are your employment prospects going to be with your BA (BS?) in public health? Any better? (I'm not being sarcastic, I'm asking because I sincerely don't know.)

I know you said you were interested in nursing to begin with and then changed your plans, but it's probably worth noting that lots of people post here that they've decided to try to get into nursing because they have a degree something like what you're working on and have found that they have little or no decent employment opportunities, so they're looking for something more marketable.

Best wishes for your journey!

Charmander · Jan 11, 2011

just my thoughts.... but finish your BS in Public Health, (you're almost there anyway and getting some sort of degree is a great accomplishment) making sure you integrate any pre-req's into your curriculum (your advisor should be able to help you make things fit or get them approved) then go to an accelerated BSN program. As a previous poster alluded to, public health positions at the BS level are few and far between with most agencies requiring a MPH. Nursing right now isn't that in demand, but it is picking up. (At my hospital we went from 0 nursing positions advertised / open over the last couple years to about 27 last time I looked, about a quarter are open to new grads, which isn't too shabby...) Since people will keep having more people, and getting sick, drinking and texting while driving- nursing regardless of the job prospects right this second, is a good career choice. Things WILL change. And the opportunities are seriously huge, you could do public health nursing.... or continue to get your MPH and be really attractive to state and federal public health agencies... the RN goes a long way and not just at the bedside. all that being said, do what makes you happy and best wishes.

nurseyNJNYC · Jan 11, 2011

- its all tricky these days.. i gave up on my art related career because the competition was too tough.. because a nurse because academics was always cake for me and the job market was great.. the job market took a sharp turn for the worst very quickly.. did my lpn to rn only to find out that i cant advance in my career because of the lack of job availability.. considered going back to my art career, but the job market is even more fierce than it was when i left it..

- do what you love.. there are opportunities out there.. you may not initially get your first choice.. but there are jobs.. my rent is paid and i have food on my table.. any nursing experience you get can be applied to what you really want to do.. i wish i had a degree in community health! lol.. that will open up more doors for you.. research your target jobs and find out what "pieces of paper" are required... having a nursing license is highly valuable whichever route u choose... just my opinion..

Guest27531 · Jan 11, 2011

Im currently a junior in college and my major is community and public health with a minor in mental health services. is it worth me going to nursing school right after i graduate or should i just stick to community health? My major use to be pre-nursing and my career goal is to be a nurse. But the reason I left the program is i wasnt prepared for all the sciences that comes with nursing. But now Im older I know how to study better. What should I do? I dont want to be a nurse if no state or city is hiring but I wonder if things will change.

If you are "older" and know how to study better now then I recommend switching back to nursing right away. If you graduate with a nursing degree and cannot find a job as an RN right away you will be able to get any job that you could have gotten with your community/public health degree and will save yourself a great deal of time and money.