Taking a leap of faith and am officially changing careers

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Wow. This past year has been a ride. My Mother was diagnosed with cancer, and beat it. In that process, I did some soul searching and discovered that I want to become a nurse and help people. I often witnessed the wonderful team of nurses that cared for my mom through her treatment, and they were inspiring. Having a background in Interior Design for the past 9 years, I had to start over and start taking classes in the evenings to fulfill all the prerequisites needed for the accelerated programs. This is not an easy road, as I have around 8 classes or more (depending on the school). That being said, I'm happy and excited for this change.

Ironically, this bad economic client has affected my full-time position at the commercial design firm that I've worked at for 5 years. As of two weeks ago now, I'm working part-time. They do say that when a door closes, a window opens. So, I decided to go ahead and sign up for training to be a Certified Nurse Assistant:) Yep, I'm ditching the design gig altogether and am going to start working in the field of nursing. I think it will be another year before I actually start an accelerated program as there are waiting lists, but at least I'll be working in the filed.

Any advice? Has anyone else had a similar experience? I figure that getting experience as a nurse assistant will be invaluable when I'm actually in nursing school. Either way, I'm excited for this new path in my life. I look forward to taking care of people, and I think that's what is most important:)

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I too have made a Career Change! due to economic disaster of Financial Banking Lending Industry. The career which I come from. When I was in college sometime ago working on my Bachelors . I worked as a Nurse Aide on a part time basis. I really liked it . I thought then I might pursue the Medical Field but some of the science classes seem to be to much. So I received a degree in Business. I have always had a passion for wanting to help people. At this present time I do volunteer work in our Nursing Home Ministry at my church. Now I am working on my requirements for Nursing School. I truly feel this is the Career I am suppose to be in. So far, I am doing well in my science classes. This is a leap of faith for me too. I truly pray as I take each science class. I am also learning how to study for my science class. Which is to study on a daily basis, practice , practice your homework questions..

I also have received my Certification as a Nurse Aide and have taken, Patient Care Technician classes. I would like to work at a hospital as a PCT while working on my nursing school requirements. I truly look forward to going to Nursing School. OH how joyful, I will be when I graduate from Nursing Shool and am Officially an RN. I see it is one step at a time. I cheer you on and all my fellow Nurse students that are and to be. WE CAN DO IT! ( WITH GOD'S HELP):nurse:

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Specializes in Surgery, ER.

Hi! I am making the change too. I am a sales engineer in the automotive industry. My son was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago, and I experienced many sides of healthcare as we went through chemo, neurosugeries, hospice and finally pallative-end of life care. Dealing with our nursing staff everyday is what initially lead me to admire nurses and consider the change... but the current state of the economy and industry outlook is what finally pushed me to actually enroll in courses. I complete my pre-reqs this fall for the accelerated BSN programs. I still have a 1 1/2 year wait after this fall until my program will start and I know that it is going to be tough, and that there are not guarantee of work once I complete the program.... but I too am really looking forward to the change!:rolleyes:

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Hey again! So nice to see that other people are in the sames shoes I am at this point. Life throws us curve balls, but I truly think it's how you handle them. Hopefully, when we are all finished with our studies, the market will be better and we won't have to worry about it. Have faith and keep up the positive! Best of luck to you both:)

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Specializes in ER.

Just wanted to encourage all of you - you can do it! I went back to school at age 35, and am now 38 and have been an RN for 6 months. I LOVE my job, and am so happy I made the switch. I have a business background, and then stayed home with my kids and did home daycare for 8 years before going back to school.

I got a job as a PCA/UC (Patient Care Assistant/Unit Coordinator) at our local ER right when I started my pre-req's. I wanted to make sure this was the right field for me. I was fortunate to get hired in with no experience (knew some people, which helped!), and my boss said she thought I had the right attitude, and could be taught the things I needed to know for the job. It worked out great, and I have no doubt that the 2 years of experience I gained there helped me be among the top of my class in nursing school.

I was thrilled to be hired in as a new grad (in the same ER) working with the fantastic people who helped me through school. I can now call them co-workers, and am loving every second.

Good luck on your journey!!!

Kath

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good job!

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