Switching careers to nursing. who has done it?

piper_for_hire · Sep 24, 2005

I was a software developer for 12 years before becoming an ICU nurse. I don't miss my corporate jobs at all.

-S

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 24, 2005

I am thinking of going back to school to become an RN. My wife is an RN and like most nurses she does work hard, has her bad days, but also has some very rewarding days to go along with a decent salary and a stable job. I'm currently working as a computer programmer and have done so for about 10 years now but I feel like I'm treading water in my career and have for a few years lost some of my motiviation to keep going on my current career path. I see my wife's career and I see a lot to like in it. Like any career there are some disadvantages but she seems to enjoy it and finds it rewarding and having a decent salary and a stable job is never a bad thing. I'm wondering if others on here have made a mid-life career switch to nursing and how it has worked out.

:balloons: Hello and Welcome to Allnurses.com:balloons:

Many have made the switch to the great world of nursing. Good luck with your decision.

Noodles · Sep 24, 2005

I was a software developer for 12 years before becoming an ICU nurse. I don't miss my corporate jobs at all.
-S

How long have you been a nurse? I have a few prerequisites to get out of the way so I will have some time to think about nursing school while I do that. I feel like I'm not commited to my current career and have lost all motivation for it so I think that's a sign for me to switch to something new and nursing has many pluses.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Sep 25, 2005

Been a nurse 20 years. I don't regret it. Like any profession, there are the ups and downs, which you are aware of. It has been a very good choice.

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Sep 25, 2005

I'm 47 years old, and a freshman in a diploma program in the northeast. My previous education and experience is in Health Care Administration. I believe that I was meant to be a nurse. I love my program; it's challenging and insightful, and like any worthwhile endeavor, requires a lot of effort to succeed. I have no regrets about the path my career is taking now.

Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do. Welcome to AllNurses!

piper_for_hire · Sep 25, 2005

Just started a few months ago. So far, so good. I know all about loosing your motivating for your current career. I just couldn't see myself sitting behind that desk saying "we'll touch base later" for another 30 years. So not for me.

-S

How long have you been a nurse? I have a few prerequisites to get out of the way so I will have some time to think about nursing school while I do that. I feel like I'm not commited to my current career and have lost all motivation for it so I think that's a sign for me to switch to something new and nursing has many pluses.

live4today, RN · Sep 25, 2005

Hi Noodles! :) Welcome aboard Allnurses! :balloons:

I switched careers in my early thirties from Real Estate to Nursing. I didn't start college to become a nurse, it wasn't until after I was halfway through that I changed majors to nursing on the advice of a friend who was also starting the nursing program at the college. The first ten years I was a nurse, I loved it, thrived in it, and didn't want to do anything different. Today, I am thinking of returning to college for another career change -- possibly education or journalism. I'm in my "second teenaged" phase of life, so I'm restless for something............. :uhoh3: :chuckle I wish you well as you begin your own nursing career. :)

Alexbk44 · Sep 30, 2005

HI,

Im currently a senior at brooklyn college, majoring in nutrition, but am thinking about becoming an RN. Your post comfermed what most of my friends said about nursing, that after about 10 years you'll get tired of it, and want to persue something else. How was your experience working as a nurse, and why after all these years you decide to change your mind.

Thanks, Alex

Hi Noodles! :) Welcome aboard Allnurses! :balloons:
I switched careers in my early thirties from Real Estate to Nursing. I didn't start college to become a nurse, it wasn't until after I was halfway through that I changed majors to nursing on the advice of a friend who was also starting the nursing program at the college. The first ten years I was a nurse, I loved it, thrived in it, and didn't want to do anything different. Today, I am thinking of returning to college for another career change -- possibly education or journalism. I'm in my "second teenaged" phase of life, so I'm restless for something............. :chuckle I wish you well as you begin your own nursing career. :)

misschelei · Sep 30, 2005

Hi there! My husband decided to switch to nursing at 33 after he got hurt at work and couldn't go back to a job with repetitive motion. We were living in Colorado at the time and the waiting lists there are a joke. He would have never made it so we moved back to Chicago and he is in the LPN program now. When he finishes he will take a bridge course to get the RN. This was the quickest way for us to do it.

Do some research and find out what is best for your family. It will be tough as you know but nursing is a very rewarding career and a 2 RN household has many many benefits not just monetary.

Good Luck

piper_for_hire · Sep 30, 2005

Wow - it takes 10 years before you get tired of it? That would be great!! I get bored with anything after two or three years.

-S

HI,
Im currently a senior at brooklyn college, majoring in nutrition, but am thinking about becoming an RN. Your post comfermed what most of my friends said about nursing, that after about 10 years you'll get tired of it, and want to persue something else. How was your experience working as a nurse, and why after all these years you decide to change your mind.
Thanks, Alex

DianeS, RN · Sep 30, 2005

I switched careers at 31. I had worked as an accouting manager and was "let go" from the company. So, I decided to go to nursing school. Best move I ever made. I LOVE it. Best wishes. :balloons: