Thinking of getting an RN

K_girl · Jul 5, 2011

Since you already have your BA, have you thought about getting an ABSN? Nursing can definitely be full of drama but there are a lot of different opportunities out there. Have you thought about doing a CNA program just to get your feet wet? I think it's a great way to get an idea of what to expect and to guage how you may/may not enjoy the field.

Good luck!

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2011

Im just tired of the politics and the good ole boy system and cronyism in the entire field. Thanks

Don't think that good old gal system, cronyism and politics are not a part of nursing! Sometimes being male can have its advantages, not being a part of the bickering hyenas. On the other hand, odd man out!

shhhh · Jul 5, 2011

My dad's a superintendent at a prison and has been for years. We're amused at how similar our jobs are sometimes (dealing with patients/inmates, the politics of the facility, preferential treatment of some, etc.). He's found himself doing "triage" (like, for example, an inmate asking him if he would call in the nurse from home at 1am for a hemorrhoid. Um... No.) and how I've used what he's taught me about pressure points to subdue violent patients long enough for security to help me restrain them. The list goes on. I think if I had to choose, I'd deal with patients and have the support of security, rather than dealing with the dregs of humanity in a prision and BEING the security. Being in corrections can turn you into a jaded, cynical jerk with burnout, but so can working as a nurse. It all depends on what kind of CO/RN you want to be.

I don't know if my dad's situation is any bit similar to yours, but my dad's a public employee, therefore he's been depending on PERS for a big chunk of his retirement. Even though he's been a DOC employee for many years and considered a high man on the totem pole, he does have that nagging worry that voters will eventually vote to gut his retirement account, even if he is a "tier one" account holder. I know that co-workers of his who have been employed less time than he has have already had their retirement accounts messed with. I think the retirement aspect might be more fruitful for a nurse than a correctional officer, because nurses have chances to work for private companies as opposed to state facilities. That might make nursing more appealing.

The trouble is, there's been a glut of new grad RN's since 2008, who have been fed lines about the "nursing shortage". There's a lot of skepticism on this website regarding the nursing shortage; many unemployed nurses on here will tell you that there isn't a nursing shortage at all anymore (thanks, recession!). There's many new grad RN's who come on here and voice their frustration with not being able to be hired as it's cheaper for facilities to hire an experienced RN (who's probably going back to work because their spouse got laid off) than it is to train a new grad for over 8 weeks to do the same job.

I guess I don't really have an easy answer for you. I'm really unsure that the grass would really be greener for you if you went to nursing school because it might be very difficult for you to get a job when you get out of school, but I can understand your burnout with your current job.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2011

Is nursing something you have always wanted to do? If so, I would say go for it. You might have trouble getting a job though, after you graduate, but then you might not.

Good luck with your decision.

himilayaneyes · Jul 5, 2011

Please know that there are definitely politics in nursing...so please don't make that the reason for your change. Plus, the job market is tight for nurses right now. However, if you're passionate about becoming a nurse, I say go for it. You already have a BA so you could possibly do an accelerated BSN program...although you may have to take some extra science courses. Good luck with your decision.

jhamm771 · Jul 5, 2011

Thanks everyone for your comments. Yes i have considered nursing for a while now. I have talked to several rns in my area, actual nurses and they all seem to love it. They say i will not have a problem finding a job once i get finished. Alot of my family can see how ive changed since working in this field. I just feel like a total waste of space and worthless just sitting there looking at inmates. It is the dumbest job ive ever done in my life. I just cant see myself doing this type of work any longer. I worked at a sheriffs office and the sheriff is the longest running in the world for 49 years now and if you dont think the politics are bad in there. What i mean by politics is seeing someone that has NO education, no nothing but only get promoted because hes related, all my supervisors were related. Im sure there are some politics, but no ive thought about nursing for a while now. Alot of people say they need males in nursing. Im not sure what the heck im doin i know im goin insane where im at now to the point where i am no longer enjoying life i am really not.

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2011

Thanks everyone for your comments. Yes i have considered nursing for a while now. I have talked to several rns in my area, actual nurses and they all seem to love it. They say i will not have a problem finding a job once i get finished. Alot of my family can see how ive changed since working in this field. I just feel like a total waste of space and worthless just sitting there looking at inmates. It is the dumbest job ive ever done in my life. I just cant see myself doing this type of work any longer. I worked at a sheriffs office and the sheriff is the longest running in the world for 49 years now and if you dont think the politics are bad in there. What i mean by politics is seeing someone that has NO education, no nothing but only get promoted because hes related, all my supervisors were related. Im sure there are some politics, but no ive thought about nursing for a while now. Alot of people say they need males in nursing. Im not sure what the heck im doin i know im goin insane where im at now to the point where i am no longer enjoying life i am really not.

I say, go for it! But prior to taking the leap, you may want to get a semester of CNA coursework done, get certified and see the field from a nurse assistant point of view. I did and I do not regret taking this leap, you'll learn tips from nurses and be better with the basics regarding your patient's care, won't have to depend entirely on your assistance's for help, free them to do other tasks rather than have them wait hand and foot on you! And if you work on a lock up wing for prisoners at your future hospital, you may get to see some of your buds from your passed life lol.

You have a head start, this site is a boon for anyone interested in nursing!

jhamm771 · Jul 6, 2011

Thanks again everyone i think im just gonna say heck with it and go for it. It cant get any worse right? I dunno maybe im doing something crazy but who cares at this point. Im gonna go insane if i dont. Has anyone else ever worked at a place (jail or prison) where you are constantly lied to, all your supervisors are related, everybody is screwing everybody having affairs etc. (except me) im not married and i would never do such a thing, co workers stab each other in the back, its just flat out stupid, on top of that the inmates have it better than you do? Its crazy but this world is nuts!!!!!!!! start hanging some of these people if you wanna balance the budget!