Thinking about becoming an RN

BabyNurseBecky · Jul 24, 2009

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:

JJuliana · Jul 24, 2009

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!

beachbutterfly · Jul 24, 2009

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.

lmarie1 · Jul 24, 2009

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

crzysader · Jul 24, 2009

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

lmarie1 · Jul 24, 2009

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.

CanuckStudent · Jul 24, 2009

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.

Katnip, RN · Jul 24, 2009

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.

aelse · Jul 24, 2009

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:

JJuliana · Jul 24, 2009

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.

MedSurgeMess · Jul 25, 2009

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.