I've been thinking about going back to school to become a nurse. I currently work as an interior designer, I have been in this field 15+ years. I'm beyond burnt out on working for 100% commission. And my field is changing and it's not getting better.
I thought about, and actually started, taking computer aided design courses that would land me a job in automotive design--I live in Detroit. But one major problem--I would hate to be in front of a computer all day!
As an interior designer, my favorite part of my job is human connection. I'd be miserable in front of a screen all day. I'm passionate, hardworking, and a true people person.
I've always been a pretty good student. I've been looking over the HESI exam and I'm not very intimidated by it, even though I plan to study study study.
My sister and her daughter are both nurses. I told her yesterday I was seriously considering going to nursing school. Her first thoughts "you will hate nursing school and you will hate being a nurse."
Is there something I'm not thinking about? I plan on quitting my job next mouth and taking the 3 prerequisites I need to apply. Beaumont hospital has a volunteer program and I will apply for a position there this summer.
Any older students out there? Are you happy? Regretful? Thanks For listening 😊
I agree that you want to do a lot of introspection and research into the field. In my case my ex is a nurse and two sister in laws are nurses and all told me id be an awesome nurse. Still I spent a year reflecting on it and researching the field. I realized caring for others is something i enjoy intrinsically and after 20 years as a OM I committed to becoming a nurse. Im 43 and happy to say I was recently accepted into UFs ABSN program. We start next month and graduate Aug 2016. It is extremely competitive but since you have a Bachelors you should consider an Accelerated BSN as well! Good luck!
I am 39 with two daughters under the age of 10, and husband who works 60 hrs a week. I am in a one year Accelerated BSN program. I have 2 other degrees. I have been wanting to do this since I changed my major from nursing to criminology 20 years ago. I always regretted switching majors. I am doing great! I love nursing school, actually. It's kinda like being a parent---can be awful and wonderful at the same time. We finally got into the the hospital completed 3 shifts, and I know that it's exactly what I want to do! Not that this is about me, but I had many people telling me ("shaming" me) that I shouldn't be in nursing school---my spouse was one of them. I am SO happy that I didn't listen. I am sure that I have stars in my eyes right now, but I know that you do many things with a nursing degree; it doesn't have to be floor nursing. Good luck. You'll do great. If it's really what you want to do, then go for it!
I am 39 with two daughters under the age of 10, and husband who works 60 hrs a week. I am in a one year accelerated BSN program. I have 2 other degrees. I have been wanting to do this since I changed my major from nursing to criminology 20 years ago. I always regretted switching majors. I am doing great! I love nursing school, actually. It's kinda like being a parent---can be awful and wonderful at the same time. We finally got into the the hospital completed 3 shifts, and I know that it's exactly what I want to do! Not that this is about me, but I had many people telling me ("shaming" me) that I shouldn't be in nursing school---my spouse was one of them. I am SO happy that I didn't listen. I am sure that I have stars in my eyes right now, but I know that you do many things with a nursing degree; it doesn't have to be floor nursing. Good luck. You'll do great. If it's really what you want to do, then go for it!
Thanks! I am lucky to have the support of my husband. It's all sort of exciting, actually. I spoke with a local private school that offers CNA training in 7 weeks. I'm seriously considering it.
Don't be discouraged, I think you should go for it. In my LPN class in Florida I had students that were already grandmothers I am talking about 55-60 year olds. Just get started and go for your DREAM!
NOW you want to be a CNA! Listen lady you should focus on getting your RN degree and not wasting time on becoming CNA!
Sorry, nicernurse1, but I strongly disagree with the above advice. The job market for nurses is extremely tight. Becoming a CNA first may not only help with confidence in nursing-school clinicals (especially the early ones) but also with obtaining a job after graduation. A 7-week investment of time and money that will greatly improve job prospects is a no-brainer in my book!
Without exception, all the new nurses I know who were not CNAs before becoming nurses wish that they had been—either for the hands-on patient-care experience, a foot in the door of a medical facility, or both.
NOW you want to be a CNA! Listen lady you should focus on getting your RN degree and not wasting time on becoming CNA!
Well, I can't apply to nursing school until jan 16. Being a CNA actually earns me points on getting accepted into the (competitive) program I'm looking at. I think it's pretty affordable as well. I think it will be good for the experience. I'm not saying I'll work as a CNA (or that I wouldn't), but at this point I'm interested in the training.
Sorry, nicernurse1, but I strongly disagree with the above advice. The job market for nurses is extremely tight and becoming a CNA first may not only help with confidence in nursing-school clinicals (especially the early ones) but also with obtaining a job after graduation. A 7-week investment of time and money that will greatly improve job prospects is a no-brainer in my book!
Without exception, all the new nurses I know who were not CNAs before becoming nurses wish that they had been—either for the hands-on patient-care experience, a foot in the door of a medical facility, or both.
Thanks! You see--I'm glad I posted this yesterday. I didn't really think of it that way until someone earlier mentioned the same line of thinking. It makes sense.
I spoke with admissions to a CNA program today and she said, among other things, we learn: how to move patients from a wheelchair to a bed, how to take blood pressure, CPR, etc. That probably all comes as second nature to you all--but I haven't a clue! 😳
You need to listen to your sister and her daughter. This is not only networking, this is family advice. If you're beyond burnt out in interior design... you need to research nursing burn out.
Are you an excellent student in math and science? Then attempt nursing.
Vishwamitr
156 Posts
Oh please! Don't make it look like 40 is old. Go for it, young lady.