Thinking about becoming an RN

Hi JJuliana! It sounds to me like you have what it takes to be a great nurse!!

As far as the death issue, there are some nursing jobs in which you don't have to deal with death nearly as much as others. That is something to take into consideration when deciding where you will work. I wouldn't worry too much about that issue right now. However, you may face death during clinicals in nursing school. After that, though, you should be able to pretty much avoid it depending on where you choose to work.

With regard to how much you will be able to work during nursing school, that all depends on you and how much you can handle at one time. I worked a full-time job and went to nursing school in the evenings and on the weekends. It was hard. My daughter was about 5 years old at the time. My support at home wasn't that great either, but I got through it. I will say, however, that I did not have much time for my family (I actually became pretty depressed over it). The school I attended was very challenging. Therefore, if you can afford to cut back your work hours, I would highly recommend that so you can have a little more time with your family.

Also, the fact that you are a good test-taker should help a lot.

12 hour shifts aren't that bad. I prefer days, but some people like nights better. You get used to it. Depending on the day, 12 hours can seem like an eternity, but it is definitely worth it if you are looking for more days off per week.

With regard to the salary issue, I am not sure where you live, so it is hard to say what new RNs in your area start out at. I have heard anything from $16 to $50+ per hour, depending on which area of the US you live in.

I hope this helped. Please feel free to ask me any other questions you may have. :nuke:

thank you for the kind reply! i live in texas and would like to stay here. i can quit my job and work part time, but money would be tight for the 2 1/2 years, but we would make it if we cut on frivolous spending!

Well if you are interested in Nursing career I say go for it.....the average mean age of nursing student is probably like in mid 30,so people from all kind of walks of life switch from their previous career to Nursing.I think nursing is a great field to work in.

I too want to switch careers. I want to be an RN. I like the earlier post about ...time goes by anyway.... I think we should both go for it. You can pm me if you wanna chat.

Lisa

Hi,

I'm a 47 Y.O. finance professional in my last year of nursing school. I love it. I live in Massachusetts and jobs at an entry level are tough right now but over the long term I'm confidents things will get better.

School is tough but it can get done.

Good Luck.

John

Thanks for the post John! Encouragement! I'm 38 and and switching careers can be scary. But, this website has changed that to excitement and possiblity.... I have been thinking about becoming an RN for a long time. It is now that I am finally doing something towards that goal.

Just be sure that you know what you are getting into. Nursing schools often love to showcase propaganda about a 'caring profession' that often appeals to the business/IT sect who are looking for a change and 'want to make a difference'. Just be prepared that when you hit the floor running, it's not the same as nursing school. This field has a lot of politics and other issues unique to it. While we need good nurses, we also can't pull people into the field without giving people a heads up first. They will leave anyway.

I highly suggest that you job shadow a few nurses. Learn what nursing is really like *in the real world*. Do this on your own to prevent bias. Going to school open houses will not give you a real perspective. Talk to nurses that work in the hospitals and clinics in your area. You'll either love the environment and job duties, or you won't.

If you are still 100% sure that you want to be a nurse. Go for it. You likely would make the perfect nurse. You have the skills and the right realistic attitude combined with the desire. You should have little problems getting through nursing school based on the info you provided.

If you walk away undecided, all is not lost. There are many more healthcare jobs that 'help people' besides nursing. Nursing does not have a monopoly on that. What kind of 'math and sciences' are you 'good at'? If you are talking about university classes (calculus, biochem, physics, etc), why not focus more on that route? Pharmacy is a great choice. It's a stable career where you can make a large income and work with people. Respiratory Therapy is another option. Physical Therapists can open their own clinics. The list goes on and on..

I have known a few people who 'jumped ship' and now regret it. My key points are not to rush in to anything, and don't leave a stable decent paying job unless you are 100% sure that it is something that you want to do. That said, you are still relatively young and have time on your side, and you've already had your kids. So really, in the end, it's up to you if you want to explore. Just know exactly what nursing is before you jump in.

Going on your description, you may be disappointed that you will likely have little time to sit and chat with patients, little time to 'make a difference', and you may even find nursing not enough of a challenge. For most people with a strong math and advanced science background at a university level, nursing is a lot of material, but it's not hard. Sure you can work your way to ICU/ER nursing, or another extremely challenging role, but are you prepared to deal with the politics and floor nursing duties that you will have to put up with in order to get there?

Nursing can be a great career, and many people love being a nurse. But if you are unsure at all about nursing, you risk becoming one of those nurses who are very unhappy, frustrated, and want to leave. It's because of this constant turnover that people like you can now enter nursing and have a job. Just do some research first. You can also try working as an aide for awhile to gain some 'insider' experience.

I don't want to discourage you, but rather enlighten you.

I wouldn't worry too much about the death thing, but it does happen even on the "happiest unit." But it may be that nursing may even help you work through some of those issues.

As far age, you are not too old. But do make sure this is really what you want. Nursing is challenging on every level you can think of. Also keep in mind if you work in a hospital you'll be working some of the major holidays every year.

Nursing has its challenges but it can also be very rewarding.

Hello, I'm 39 and I have the some of the same concerns you are having. I live in Texas as well. I have posted some concerns and have receive nothing but positive feedback. I work for a well known company, and I want to switch careers as well. I think we should put our minds to it and just go for it. I'm sure in the end it will be well rewarding and worth any and all sacrafices.:rolleyes:

thank you so much for all the replies and advice:bow:. i have noticed during this last month that i am not alone and there are many people looking in to nursing as a second or third carreer. thank you for your posts and encouragement.

canuckstudent - thank you for your post and taking the time. trust me i do not take a decision of this importance lightly. as far as the suggestion of a different path within the medical field with a higher emphasis on advance math and science, the main reason i choose the aas program is that it only one that i found that takes less than three years to get certified to start working and earning a decent salary again. we can go for three years with one salary, but it would take its toll on our family if we have to go any longer. then, if i fall in love with another side of the medical field i can always go back to school after a few years. right now i have very few credit hours (i have to say that i very wild during my 20's ), and need a fast paced degree. i got as far as i have in my field (finance & management, you nailed it!!) through hard work, dedication, on the job training, but not a result to my education. with that being said during my twenties i worked as a bartender and airport gate agent, sooooo i can defiantly multitask and work fast when i have to.

keep in mind, you may have to work nights for a while starting out, depending on where you end up working, as many times the day shifters have seniority. Also, as previously mentioned, you will have to work some holidays as healthcare doesn't take a holiday.

Here's my story, the good, the bad, and the ugly:

I was 33 when I changed careers to nursing. I spent 14 years in corporate america, working for a very established telecommunications company, and I, too, had gone as far as I could go. I was also making 55K a year, working 40 hours a week, M-F.

During my time with my previous employer, I took advantage of the great benefits to get my Associates Degree. They paid for it, then I started applying to schools for my BSN. I was accepted, and my company gave me a 6 month non paid educational leave of absence for the first semester of nursing school to see if I "liked" it. I came back after the first semester was over, and worked the summer. Then I was offered a buyout to leave the company, and I jumped on the chance.

I am a single mother of a soon to be 13 year old son, who was 10 at the time I started this journey. I also own a house and two cars, so I had great financial responsibility.

For the next two years, I got through nursing school, passing my tests, doing my clinicals, and maintaining my household with savings from my previous career, along with student loans, grants, and scholarships. I even took a job as a Nurse Intern to have "something to do" during breaks and the summer.

Fastfoward to May of this year. I graduated with my BSN, and had been looking for a RN job since February. The hospital I worked at as an Nurse Intern canceled my position because I was only "prn" and they were not hiring new grads due to preceptor issues. I went on 4 interviews for RN jobs and still didnt have a RN job lined up by the time I graduated.

My savings ran out in mid-May. I "thought" I would have had a RN job lined up by the time I graduated, but due to the ecomony, hospitals are not hiring new grads in abundance like the did last year. Since it cost so much to precept a new grad and the hospitals are cutting costs, they only hired so many from the May graduating class.

Since my savings have run out, I am now 2 months behind on my house payment, where I've never been behind in all 10 years I've own my house. I was one month behind on my car payment, but thanks to friends and family, I was given the money for that car payment. My son's father helped out as much as he could. I have pawned jewelry that is precious to me. My church had to assist me with my utilities to avoid disconnect. My friend loaned me $200 to take the NCLEX. The phone company and my insurance company worked with me and gave me "credits" to keep my services on. I had to go apply for foodstamps and state assistance.

But here's where my story turns around. I had one month straight to focus and study for NCLEX. I walked in there and passed my test with 75 questions in a little less than 2 hours. I am officially a RN! I applied for a position for the ICU at a Level One teaching hospital and I GOT THE JOB! Finally! I go for Occupational Health on July 27, then I start on Aug 3. Glory be to God!

The mortgage company has agreed to work with me. All my creditors are aware of my situation and are currently working with me. This has been a real humbling experience and I think it prepared me well for the patient population I will be working with.

Yes, it was times I cried, through a pity party for myself, was angry, regretted going to nursing school, all that. But nothing compared to the time I found out I passed my boards and I got a job in an ICU with great pay and bennies, I may add.

And yes, I will be going back to that 55K I left originally.

And I couldnt have done it without GOD! Glory goes to Him!

So, I want you to see it from ALL angles. If I can do it, YOU can too!

Be encouraged and be blessed! Good luck on your future nursing journey!