Thinking about switching career paths.

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Specializes in Army Medic.

So here's the short version. I'm disabled, narrow spine, bad hip, take narcotic medications for it, as well as anxiety problems and PTSD from the military which I take other medications for. Covered in tattoo's, big scary guy.

All of that worries me in the context of nursing - a lot. I know how disposable RN's are, how demanding the job is, and how bias your superiors can be based around stuff like this that is out of your control.

I've been into wild life and plants all of my life, I actually do independent research on fish and plants for kicks, and have been for the past 20 years - so I'm thinking about going for a PhD in Biology specializing in Herpetology or Botany rather than going for NP.

My main scare is how the job market is out there for that field of work - talking with Biologists everyone says it's not easy to find work, but once you do you're good to go. It seems to be the same with nursing right now, except you're never good to go and always have to be on your toes.

Does anyone know ANYTHING about the field of Biology versus Nursing, job prospects, etc.? I'm still in pre-reqs for my RN program and have plenty of time to think this over.

Things to take into consideration.

1. I have a family to support, we don't need to live rich extravagant lives, but I'd like to be able to put my son through college and not live paycheck to paycheck.

2. I'm good at nursing, I did it in the Army - but this was prior to all of my disabilities showing up.

3. When it comes to getting into the field of Biology I am completely in the dark - if anyone here knows anything about the process of finding work while working towards a bachelors, and continuing education funds for this line of study I'd appreciate it.

Just trying to get some feedback from you guys and girls, you've all been very honest. I love nursing ALMOST as much as I love wild life and botany, and I'm a very good nurse - despite being covered in tattoo's and disabled.

What do you think? Go for what I love, or go for what is a better guarantee for my family's well being? (although it seems like nursing is becoming less and less stable these days).

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Specializes in LTC.

Seems like you answered your own question. Do whats best for You then your family. If You are not happy then your family ultimately suffers.

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Specializes in Army Medic.

Thanks.

I'm more interested in information of how hard it is to find work in this field by comparison, if anyone has any information on that end. :)

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Specializes in SRNA.

A lot will depend on where you live as far as job opportunities go. Many will say it's tough to find jobs, whereas where I live, we're regularly hiring new graduate RNs as what mostly drives the economy here is government and science based jobs and it's rather stable. We're growing and I work at a hospital that wants to add 100 more beds in the near future.

Other areas, you'll hear it's very difficult to find work.

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I hold a PhD in Biology and have a very hard time finding the research and mentor I need to become a successful PI. I decided it was time to get a more stable career path for my family and myself and do something that I feel I am making a difference in people's lives I have applied for a fast track direct entry into nursing at UMD... I am not telling you what to do but grants are so hard to come by if they are not health related (NIH funded)...though I made the switch from plants to animal research for postdoc I am quite unhappy at the level of mentorship and enthusiam at my current postdoc. and it is always publish of perish in this industry.. I am sure you have some great ideas from your observations of plants and amphibians/reptiles.. but the living is not easy on a PhD stipend I can attest to that, but you must do what you are most happy doing and will get you up in the morning to go to work and be happy. Good luck

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Why don't you do research nursing, you would not get to deal with what you love but it will give you a good skill test of coming up with hypotheses and testing them..

Oh and I am sorry i am new to this forum all togther and have not figured out to do private messaging yet...I was never really computer savvy I like wet lab stuff..

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My little sister got a bachelor's in animal science. It took her 9 months to find a job after graduating, but now has a fairly stable job as a research assistant studying the effects of radiation on primates. She's lucky because her research is funded by the DoD, NIH, and drug companies and their main grant was just renewed for another 5 years. From what I understand, your best chance at getting research funded is if you do something of interest to the military or healthcare, because those are the areas with the deepest pockets right now. Are you interested in that? I've also heard that teaching positions, especially those with tenure, are very tough to get, especially since most colleges are cutting budgets.

Entry level nursing (RN) will make you more money than entry level research. A NP masters will cost you less than a PHD. I don't think there is any shame in going into nursing so you can pay your bills. *dons flame retardant outfit* Honestly, my suggestion (with the limited info you've given) would be to get your RN and then go from there. It sounds like biology is your passion, but a doctorate is a long way from pre-reqs. You could get a degree in nursing, take some extra science-y classes, and use that to apply for your doctorate. You could get an ADN in nursing then a BSN in something completely different. You might even be able to get some experience as an RN that would help you in biology--I'm thinking research nursing, while studying completely different things than you really want to, would at least give you research experience. If you're creative, I'm pretty sure you could find ways to spin RN experiences into strengths for just about any field. Many MSN programs require research; perhaps that's something you could get at a BSN level (sometimes you can take extra masters level classes).

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I obtained a degree in biology before becoming a nurse. My observations are that if you want a career in biology and research, then you may need to prepare yourself for a career in academia.

You probably get more focused feedback by getting in contact the advisors for the biology department for the college you want to attend. Here are a few links that give info on careers in biology:

http://www.aibs.org/careers/

http://facweb.furman.edu/~jsnyder/careers/careerlist.html (excellent site, hasn't been updated since last year though)

http://www.asih.org/herpjobs

http://www.botany.org/bsa/careers/

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos047.htm (BLS job outlook for Biological Scientists)

All the best.

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Specializes in Oncology Certified Nurse, Holistic Nurse.

Hi! You seem to have 2 passions here. I think for the nursing, the stress and sometimes hard physical work might would be a challenge for you. Have you ever thought about having your own business?

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Specializes in Army Medic.

Thank you for all the replies.

I think I'm going to get my BSN and try and get into Research Nursing then move into Biology after that.

Does anyone have information on where I can find job opportunities related to research nursing as a new grad RN?

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Specializes in Army Medic.
Hi! You seem to have 2 passions here. I think for the nursing, the stress and sometimes hard physical work might would be a challenge for you. Have you ever thought about having your own business?

I've considered it.

My initial plans were to actually get an NP and open my own clinic.

As far as business selling reptiles, fish, etc. I do it on the side right now - and have about 20 years experience in total. The market is extremely competitive, and not something I would want to gamble on as of right now.

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I have a PhD in pharmaceutical science and an RN. I also have a hidden disablity. I had the same kind of idea you did to do nursing research and in fact I am extremely marketable, once I get some more RN experience. THe problem is I find teh working conditions for RNs atrocious. I have also been accepted into an NP program and started but now thinking I may just get a job at a private school and teach. I dont seem to have trouble finding those kind of jobs.

This has been such a disappointment for me becuase I evidently am "so marketable" but I find that the way that RNs get treated and the mindset is so not me. Further I live in constant fear of being "found out" - other professions are more accepting.

I would do what I liked to do because with passion you most often find success. Right now I would not go back and get my RN again which has a lot to do with the lack of compassion amoung other nurses - whether you can actually do the job or not you will still be labeled if you are discovered. When I have worked as a teacher or in research no one ever cared what was going on with me as long as I got the job done. It wont be that way with nursing. Nurses eat their young and DEVOUR anyone they label as WEAKER than they are.

The fact that you are only out 2 yrs and a community college tuition if you can go that route might make it worth trying though so that you can see for yourself.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

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