Thinking of nursing after I retire from the military

[greenstreetbob]

Hello all,

First off, my name is Mike and I have been in the Air Force for almost 19 years. I am an avionics technician and to be honest, I have no ambition to do this when I retire-nothing even closely related. Anyway, I will be retiring in 3 years and need to get my ducks in a row for when I move back to the St Louis area. I have two associates degrees in the aerospace field. I have considered being a school teacher, but don't think I can handle parents. Basically, I have a few questions that I am sure you all can help with.

1. How do I decide if this is what I want to do? I'm still on the fence about teaching, but am pretty sure I won't be doing that. I have a strong mechanical and electronics background, so doing the school work shouldn't be an issue. I have considered carpentry and a couple of other things, but think I might enjoy nursing more. What about nursing does it for you?

2. I read the thread about pay, but still a little confused I guess. The only "types" of nurse I've ever know are CNA, LPN and RN. Apparently, there are other levels that I did not know existed. What I want to know is, what level do I need to get achieve to make at least $35,000 a year and how much education does it take to get there. I will get about $20,000 a year from my retirement and will need $35,000 more a year to feel relatively comfortable.

3. I have often heard of nurses working crazy hours. What are the chances of getting a regular 8-4 gig? I don't mind working odd hours sometimes, but I have a toddler and I don't want to not see him grow up.

4. How do I decide what school to go to? I would like to go to school full time when I retire and will get money from the GI Bill. Are there any places that will pay for your school? I could possibly take some classes here and there before I retire. Is that even an option? Will any of my prior school count towards a nursing degree even though they are avionics and management type? I don't mind going to school-in fact, I enjoy it, but I don't want to be going full time for 4 years. I have alot of military education and don't want to have to start my life completely over if that makes any sense.

5. I've heard that male nurses are in high demand. I will be 40 when I retire and I am very healthy.Will being male help me and will being 43 by the time I get into the field hurt me? Are male nurses still looked at as an oddity? I have to be honest, the word "nurse" has been femanine for so long, it is still odd to hear a man called nurse. That really isn't an issue, I am just curious I guress.

6. I've watched shows and heard horror stories about upper level medical professionals being rude and disrespectful to junior medical professionals. Is this the norm? I've spent too long in the military to get out and go work for a jerk. I am very polite and like to be around people that are the same. What is to be expected by others that you work around? I know this is very general, but I think some may see what I am asking.

I would just like to thank in advance any and all feedback to anyone who cares to respond. Please be gentle.

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

Hi Mike!!

I'm heading out in a few, but can probably give you some perspective as an older student (52) who's graduating with my ASN in a few short months!!

Make sure you take a look at:

http://www.discovernursing.com

as another place to gather some good information. Talk the colleges in the area where you plan to retire and eventually enroll in nursing school.

Pay rates right now for new RNs in the STL area are averaging about $19/hour. This does not include differentials for nights, evenings, weekends & holidays. (I know of one hospital so far that has a differential for BSN; it's .50/hour).

I'll check in later with more answers!!

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

1. How do I decide if this is what I want to do? What about nursing does it for you?

I got a bachelor's late in life after raising my kids and started working in the business world in IT. After 2 layoffs and being bored stiff in a cube all day, I wanted something more secure, more physical, with more options, and more rewarding. With graduation a few months away, I'm finding job options to be a HUGE plus!!

2. I read the thread about pay, but still a little confused I guess.

I think I answered this in my earlier post; new grads are looking at about $19/hour in the STL area with differentials for nights/evening/weekends/holidays. A BSN will get you .50 more an hour than an ASN in only one facility that I'm aware.

3. I have often heard of nurses working crazy hours. What are the chances of getting a regular 8-4 gig? I don't mind working odd hours sometimes, but I have a toddler and I don't want to not see him grow up.

I don't know as a new grad what the options are. Most everything in the hospitals is shiftwork of some kind, although day positions do exist when you look at postings at hospital websites. One plus is you will have the option in most floor nursing positions of 12-hour shifts. You will only work 3 days a week to be considered "full-time". Would having 4 days off balance your needs?

4. How do I decide what school to go to? I would like to go to school full time when I retire and will get money from the GI Bill. Are there any places that will pay for your school? I could possibly take some classes here and there before I retire. Is that even an option? Will any of my prior school count towards a nursing degree even though they are avionics and management type?

Other than your core nursing courses and the prereqs specific to nursing, most of your general ed should transfer nicely. I can't speak to specifics for your situation and previous degrees, but most nursing counselors on campuses will be happy to help you out. Here's an example of what is required at the St. Louis Community Colleges. You will decide where to go to school by your interest in a BSN over an ASN; how soon you want to start (the STLCCs are running about a year or 18-month wait once minimum requirements are met and you apply). There are many schools in this area. Yes, you can start working on those now, but again, to ensure that anything you take where you currently are now will transfer, it's best to talk to a counselor.

5. I've heard that male nurses are in high demand. I will be 40 when I retire and I am very healthy.Will being male help me and will being 43 by the time I get into the field hurt me? Are male nurses still looked at as an oddity?

Men are still the minority in our class, but we have 3 who will be graduating from our class of 34. I work as a tech in an ER and there are quite a few men who work there with many years on the job. I am 52 and just graduating. I haven't found much in the way of discrimination or funny looks or anything. I doubt you need to spend much time worrying about these being an issue.

6. I've watched shows and heard horror stories about upper level medical professionals being rude and disrespectful to junior medical professionals. Is this the norm?

Having been around a few years, I don't think I find the medical field any different than any other. There are jerks and rude people everywhere you go. The management personnel I have had any interaction have been very supportive and kind. Of course, I am not on the front lines yet, but I've found there are more varied personalities on the floor than anywhere else. As for being "junior", I can honestly say I haven't ever felt that way.

The majority of the M.D.s I have had interactions with have not caused much consternation. Many seek out students to view procedures or are happy to explain things to them such as when we were observing in the OR or in the GI or cath labs. Some can't be bothered and are indifferent. As students we don't deal with the MDs much one-on-one, so I'm sure my time is coming, and I might feel a bit differently....

I think if you're interested in this path, your best bet is to start doing your homework....check out www.discovernursing.com...make phone calls, ask around. You will find folks who will discourage you. If this is something you sincerely think you are interested in, don't let that happen.

Best wishes!!

[vwood86]

Missouri is also currently trying to get a bill passed that would cap tuition prices at state colleges to 50 dollars a credit hour for veterans who have served in combat. Here is a small article about it. http://www.kmov.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8UPJE380.html you might want to keep that in mind when you decide which college to attend.