To switch or not to switch to RN? Any feedback?

Hi there,

I love being a nurse . . . being a member of the most trusted, dedicated & honorable profession (documented by Neilsen ratings for many years) . . . engaging in meaningful work and making a difference in people's lives. What's not to like?

One of the most enduring hallmarks of Nursing is the fact that we attract so many 2nd career folks such as yourself. We are enriched by the diverse backgrounds that you can bring. Educationally speaking, we are the liberal arts of the medical professions. Our basic education includes content from many disciplines. Are you good at math & science? If so, that's a plus.

I would encourage you to investigate the elements of nursing education to get a better understanding of what it takes to become a nurse. It isn't easy - but it shouldn't be when our work can have such a profound impact on others.

Workplace realities -- The physical requirements are also a factor - back injuries are becoming more common as our patients get heavier. We are exposed to infectuous diseases on a regular basis. In some areas, we have to deal with violent patients. We work odd hours, including weekends and holidays. We are (and will remain) a female-dominated profession. Men will probably never exceed 10% of our workforce because of the essentially 'female' character of the work we do.

I think you are moving in the right direction by volunteering in a hospital.. it will provide you with a better understanding of the hidden aspects of nursing. Let us know how you are doing and what you decide to do.

Complacent,

I am so in the same groove (rut) as you.

I have 10yrs in as an IT analyst, wireless, telecom, desktop support, network...but am BORED with NO chance of any upward mobility (Unless I want to move to Seattle) B.S. in Information Systems...and I want to be a nurse.

I am considering a 10-week program to CNA in January. I want the experience prior to "jumping ship" over to a healthcare career. There are no options for nursing school other than daytime classes, so if I want my LPN or RN, I'll need to make a decision about changing my work schedule (flex time or P/T)

Any others who have experience trying to change your life for the better with a nursing career please give tips/experiences!!!

Thanks!

I was 14 yrs in the telecom industry and my office had a layoff of all employees, I chose the CNA training, to get my feet wet, to see if I would like it... I love it... it is so interesting and during clinicals it was so rewarding. I absolutely love learning again and love helping and caring for people. I am so glad I made the jump into the nursing field, and am planning on going on for my LPN and then RN, hopefully. Right now I have to concentrate on bringing my math up, to get into the LPN. Good luck to you on your decision. My opinion, if you don't try you will never know.

Thanks Daisy...

I guess I am one of those drawn to the career with a desire to help, "make a difference" and show that men, too, can care.

I currently work for a large insurance company going through a merger...I've dodged the RIF bullet 4 times before, and even if I KNEW my position would be safe, I still am ready to jump off the business/corporate rat wheel and look for some fresh opportunities.

I am realistic, however, and realize that there are still plenty of politics and profit-driven healthcare companies out there, but I still believe that at the core are good, caring people, willing to make a difference.

I did telcom off and on for about 5 years as a Lucent Definity admin...fun, but unfortunately all our switch admin has been centralized. Time to concentrate on the healthcare trifecta: CNA/LPN/RN...

If I am lucky enough to flex my work sked to be able to take day classes, maybe I can even go from CNA directly to RN...

Cheers!

There are countless different careers available in the medical field. Why don't you see if you can job shadow in different areas of the hospital? Nursing, X-ray, lab, physical therapy, and blood bank are all in healthcare, and there are many others. If you aren't sure about what you want to do, go check them out.

I'll be honest, nursing isnt' what I thought it was going to be but I really love my job. I thought nursing was about taking care of people who are depending on me. That is true, but most of my job is about following rules and regulations, and doing various forms of charting and it all has to be done within a certain timeframe.

That's actually not a bad suggestion - I know I never looked into RT, PT, OT, or any other health care fields. Not that I would have chosen one, but it couldn't hurt to chat a few of them up when you're volunteering and find out a little about their professions too! Check out discovernursing.com, there's a bunch to read there. And keep coming to this site! Take some of what you'll read here with a grain of salt though - there are a lot of negative posts because people feel the need to vent about a bad day. Fewer people bother to sign on to the computer and write four paragraphs on how uneventful their night was, how all the pts slept, how the two family members present were polite, and how their manager gave them an above average performance review last week. Do listen to the negatives, because you'll have the bad days too, just don't think they're every job, every day.

Thanks to those who responded! I wasn't sure if I was wasting my time doing this but you gave me the confidence boost that I needed.

I'm only in my 1st week of volunteering. I got assigned to the Geriatrics unit but haven't had the chance to chat with the nurses because they're always cooped inside this small office in the nursing station. Every time I pass by their always eating and chatting! I get more interaction from the CNAs and patients. But like I said, it's only my 1st week...

Complacent,

I am so in the same groove (rut) as you.

I have 10yrs in as an IT analyst, wireless, telecom, desktop support, network...but am BORED with NO chance of any upward mobility (Unless I want to move to Seattle) B.S. in Information Systems...and I want to be a nurse.

I am considering a 10-week program to CNA in January. I want the experience prior to "jumping ship" over to a healthcare career. There are no options for nursing school other than daytime classes, so if I want my LPN or RN, I'll need to make a decision about changing my work schedule (flex time or P/T)

Any others who have experience trying to change your life for the better with a nursing career please give tips/experiences!!!

Thanks!

OldITgeek: It's my 6th year in the IT field and I thought that it might be too late for me to switch. It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one in the Telecom field that's thinking of switching.

I truly believe it is never to late to do something you really want. I have an aunt that is 68, and still trekking in Nepal, eating potstickers made from yak...

Much of my decision is focused around the fact that after 10 years at the same company (which has seemed like a LIFETIME) I realize that I will probably need to work for another 25 at least, and I might as well do something meaningful and rewarding.

I'm the sole provider, and have some hungry mouths to feed, so timing is going to be critical with the job, but from the way folks are being termed lately, I shouldn't have too long to wait. I am in the pre-nursing program at the local CC, and knocking out some pre-reqs prior to the LPN course in the Fall...

Woo-HOO!!:typing

i would stay where you are if it's secure with good pay. ESPECIALLY in a laid back environment. nurses are paid way above average salary, but you have to stay on your feet most of the time. it really sucks. also, some of the nurses can't handle stress so they respond by throwing temper tantrums and act like little kids. it sounds like you have it good. possibly do nursing as a back up plan?

i would stay where you are if it's secure with good pay. ESPECIALLY in a laid back environment. nurses are paid way above average salary, but you have to stay on your feet most of the time. it really sucks. also, some of the nurses can't handle stress so they respond by throwing temper tantrums and act like little kids. it sounds like you have it good. possibly do nursing as a back up plan?

My wife and I joke that they'll have to "show me the door" because my job is great, the pay isn't bad, the schedule is flexible (I actually work from home a couple days a week) and I've got 10 yrs in...

That said, the acquiring company is effectively GUTTING offices all over the US...I can take night classes and fill the pre-nursing pre-reqs while waiting for the ax, as well as earn my CNA cert (also a pre-req for the RN program...but not for LPN). Plus there are 3 different hospitals close, as well as a LARGE group of medical facilities about 45 min away, so I can get some valuable experience if I am still "hanging on" at the present job...

I think as an older student/nursing candidate, I hope to be able to handle the stress a bit better than some, but never know until I hit the program. I really can't see myself throwing a tantrum at age 40+...but you never know...

Thanks all...have a great evening!

OG