Transition from teaching to nursing

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Hi,

I'm 34 and have been a teacher for over 8 years. Getting a job is not as easy as you might think. I subbed for a full year before landing my first job at a rough, inner city school. After 3 years, my husband's employer relocated us and it was back to square 1 in a new state. I had to re certify for that state and again land a job which was difficult. I spent my first 3 years here in a terrible school, driving 80 miles round trip each day. This year marks my 3rd year at my present school. I finally got a great post and couldn't be happier.

Here is my issue, my husband will inevitably get transferred. At least twice before we settle. He has a great job that pays well and offers security and benefits. With his next promotion and resulting move, that will have him earning what we presently make combined. This will be a great opportunity for me to return to school, I really don't want to try establishing myself in a new district 2 more times either. I became a teacher because I love learning new things and helping others.

My mom was an RN and several family members are nurses (cardiac and pediatric) initially I was interested in becoming a doctor but due to a turn of events, I had to choose a profession that would get me on my feet faster because I had to look after my mother and myself. I'm interested in becoming a nurse practitioner or CRNA. It's close to what I originally wanted but with a slightly faster time line. If I understand correctly it would be RN-MSN, work in ICU or med/surg depending on requirements, for a year or so before applying for 2 more years for specialty. How portable is nursing? Will I face the same difficulty finding a job as I do with teaching? I know I will be moving at least 2 more times. I can't handle not working or working at at something like a secretarial job. I've tried both and nearly went crazy. I was bored and felt worthless. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 😊

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Pre reqs. Plus 2-3 years nursing classes for ADN/BsN. Then 2-5 years experience for CRNA school or a year experience then NP school (some people go directly to NP school but from what I gathered from reading here not advisable) which are 2-3 years.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Employability will depend on geographic location.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Oncology.
Employability will depend on geographic location.

Agreed. Also, it's important to note that if you change nursing jobs too quickly, it will not look good on your resume.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

It won't matter any that you were a teacher before nursing as you will be starting out as a newbie nurse like everyone else applying for the static numbered nursing positions out there. Contrary to what others (esp nursing school recruiters) may tell you or what you may read - THERE IS NO NURSING SHORTAGE. Repeat after me - there is no nursing shortage. The job market for newbies is extremely difficult and is very dependent on location and applicants' credentials. (Note - am not being a smarty pants about this.)

Our industry is moving towards the BSN as the minimum entry to practice level. There are some accelerated educational programs out there for applicants who have another bachelors in a non-nursing major. Any other degree is prob not marketable. This trend affects initial employment, advancement and job security. Also for your long range desired position, you're talking Master's degree, prob a Doctorate. And for each step along the way, there will be appropriate experience required. Clinical experience is also a ladder to climb with the most desirous, coveted positions being the most difficult to achieve easily.

The pathway to nursing can be done, but just know that you're in for a rugged educational and clinical experiential journey along the way.

The nursing profession has changed so dramatically and continues to do so. Yet there are some other things within the healthcare industry that remains unchanged (or are in a downward spiral). You are young enough to get yourself in a good position eventually but you have some hard soul-searching re time & costs, checking out your options, weighing all the pros & cons, esp re your husband's mobility and if you have childcare/familycare obligations. You really need to do your research. Nursing school and/or a hospital job doesn't care if your kiddo has a snow day off from school. You'll need your backup plan B for support systems.

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer; am just being really, really frank & honest. Good luck with whatever you choose.

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Specializes in ICU.

Do you have a time line on these moves? How would you enter a program where you are going to at the very least, need to devote to years to being in the program and clinical rotations? The problem as I see it is, once you say are in a program, you cannot transfer mid way through. You can while doing the prereqs, your problem is going to be in the program, whether it is a ASN or BSN program. Those will both end up getting you eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, then you can go from there. You are looking at a long road here. Time to complete prereqs, time to do the program, time to study and sit for NCLEX, just to become an RN. If you are looking at a CRNA, you will need ICU experience which normally takes some time to get into. Most nurses start at the bottom and work their way up. Then you will need to apply to a master's program. Even as a NP, most masters programs will want you to have some bedside experience as a RN first.

I know there are direct entry programs. I see numerous people on here all the time looking for that NP job but have no RN experience to begin with. Also some of those programs will not issue a bachelor's degree, just a masters and many places want that BSN. So some of the NP's from these programs cannot even get a bedside job because they have no bachelor's. The other question is where will you be moving? Some places are very saturated with new grad nurses. Some areas are not. You really will need to research the job market of places you will be potentially going to, find out the job market, research the schools, and see what your options are. Even doing the prereqs, those are different for each program. You may complete prereqs in one area, move to a different and then find out four of those don't apply to the school you want to go to and then have to take say four others just to apply which could derail you for a year. I would also look at financial aid to see what is available to you since you already have a degree.

I would wait. Wait until you get to your final destination to settle down. Unless you know you are going to be stable in an area for at least 5 years or so and can get the BSN done and get your RN license and go from there. Without knowing the rest, that is the best advice I can give you.

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