Vote--Should I change career mid-life

James Huffman · Jul 24, 2006

I don't mean to sound simplistic, but what do you want to do? No one can make the call for you, and no one else is going to live your life.

Going into nursing because of higher pay is perfectly fine, but there are other fields where you can make comparable pay. Don't go into nursing because you want to "help people." Go into it because you would enjoy doing what you would do as a nurse.

You also have to ask yourself several other questions, such as how long it would take for you to finish a nursing degree, how much it would cost, what options you would have for your child, and your spouse's thoughts on the matter. You would also have to weigh the schedule question: most nursing positions are not as flexible as your schedule is now.

From my blog, here is an article I wrote a while back about a similar question:

"A couple of suggestions, if you want to decide if you're cut out to be a nurse.

1. Are you good with science? While nursing isn't pure science, it's an applied area, and if you're not good with dealing with scientific areas, nursing probably isn't for you.

2. Are you good with organization? Can you deal with simultaneous multiple demands? In other words, nursing requires shuffling demands on one's time from colleagues (other nurses, physicians, other caregivers), patients, as well as supervising others, and often dealing with family members.

3. Do you genuinely like working in close contact with people? If you are someone who prefers to work alone, you might want to reconsider.

4. Are you "quick"? By this, I don't mean intelligence, though that's needed. I mean, are you a quick learner, someone who's able to assess a situation and deal with it easily.

5. Some have recommended being a CNA to see if you like nursing. That's not a bad idea (I did it) but being a CNA is not being a nurse, and as a nurse, one deals with a whole different set of priorities and problems. I would especially encourage finding a nurse (local hospitals might help with this) who would let you shadow for a day, seeing how a nurse organizes a time schedule, deals with problems, and works through day-to-day practice issues.

6. If you don't have some of these skills, it's not the end of the world. All of them can be learned. But it's important to know that they are things nurses deal with on an everyday basis.

7. Notice that I said nothing about caring. That's because -- in the end -- nursing is not about caring. It's about doing your job. Caring comes and goes, and most days you will find that you genuinely care about your patients' well-being, and that's good. But there will be days when you honestly don't give a rip. That's OK, too. When those days come, you simply go on, doing your job, and being good at your career. "Caring" is sometimes overrated, as though a nurse who is professionally or technically incompetent can get by on "caring." Not at all. Caring is not having heart-felt emotion for your patient. Caring is being a top-notch professional who is skilled, competent, and able. That's what counts."

Jim Huffman, RN

Katnip, RN · Jul 24, 2006

I would not suggest going into nursing primarily for pay. For one, you won't likely end up getting much more than you are making right now. To get good pay you'll usually have to work in a hospital, and that means working long shifts, weekends, and your share of major holidays. Are you prepared to do that with young kids?

You may not get the flexibility you have now.

You'll have to work with patients with a lot of diseases and injuries, as well as their families and doctors.

While I don't view nursing as a "calling" I do believe you really have to want to do it in order to be successful.

cabkrun · Jul 24, 2006

Mid-life at 33? wow, I wouldn't consider that mid-life, you are just getting started!! I agree with cyberkat. I don't think you should be going into a career in nursing soley based upon wanting more money. It's such a tough job, and you will most likely be very very unhappy. I would suggest, as others have, either volunteering on a hospital nursing floor, or working as a CNA first. The grass isn't always greener, and you might be very disappointed. JMHO.

sunnyjohn · Jul 24, 2006

From one 33 year old to another, unless you plan on kicking the bucket at 66, 33 is not midlife! :lol2:

I would not suggest doing it soley for the money. If you really feel nursing can help you pursue a more fullfilling life/career (financial AND personally), go for it.

DAMomma · Jul 24, 2006

Question James, can you elaborate on this more for me?

1. Are you good with science? While nursing isn't pure science, it's an applied area, and if you're not good with dealing with scientific areas, nursing probably isn't for you.

I was speaking to a woman in the program. She mention this. She said that she is doing "okay" because she is a science person. For me, I am doing very well in A & P 1 and 2. Micro was/is a little foggy to me. What areas of science are you talking aobut? I am planning on taking Patho next semester.

Thanks

Retired R.N. · Jul 24, 2006

Have a master's degree in nutrition. I am 33 years old. Currently making $37,000 with 5 years experience. Considering going back to nursing school because of my low pay. Considering the cost of tuition and the many years at this school, would this be a wise decision? I do like helping people--- but I cannot stand seeing someone in pain and I am not sure if this is something one can overcome. I want to go into nursing because of the better pay. Any advice? I have a very flexible salaried position. Married with a 2 year old, and hoping for another in the next one year or so. Current work hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm.

There are many nurses who would be very happy to trade income, hours, and working conditions with you. If you really think you absolutely have to become a nurse and you simply can't see yourself doing anything else, it would be worth considering. Nursing school is hard work, even for students who do not have family responsibilities. I would not recommend that anyone try to combine it with pregnancy, but I do know that some women have done it. After you have finished school, you will need an excellent support system for childcare because of the variable hours that nurses work.

Now, that said, have you ever considered some additional ways you can use your nutrition background? Have you ever considered writing for a newspaper or magazine? One general nutrition topic that needs attention is planning tasty, nutritious meals for a family on a low income. Writing is rather low-paid work for beginners, but it can be a part-time job in addition to your regular one so you don't have to give up your salary or health insurance to get started.

Best wishes for success in whatever you choose!

Retired R.N. · Jul 24, 2006

From one 33 year old to another, unless you plan on kicking the bucket at 66, 33 is not midlife!

It's not that one kicks the bucket at 66; it's that all too often the 65th birthday is the date for automatic dismissal. Usually, however, employers can find many ways to get rid of "older" employees without waiting that long.

ellieRN06 · Jul 24, 2006

I am currently in nursing school and graduate this December. One of you brought up the difficulty of being in school with a family. I have to say, at least half of my peers who were married at the beginning of our program are now divorced. That should say something about the stress level and the toll it takes on you as well as a family. This has just been my experience.

Don't go into nursing for the money. I think that is a myth. I have done my research and I most likely will not be making more than $40,000 at least when I start.

James Huffman · Jul 24, 2006

Question James, can you elaborate on this more for me?
1. Are you good with science? While nursing isn't pure science, it's an applied area, and if you're not good with dealing with scientific areas, nursing probably isn't for you.
I was speaking to a woman in the program. She mention this. She said that she is doing "okay" because she is a science person. For me, I am doing very well in A & P 1 and 2. Micro was/is a little foggy to me. What areas of science are you talking aobut? I am planning on taking Patho next semester.
Thanks

What I mean is that nursing is science applied to professional care.

For example, chemistry is important because it helps us understand areas such as electrolytes, the way certain meds operate, or when to question, say, an IV order that doesn't seem quite right. In other words, I'm not saying that a nurse has to be a chemist, a biologist, or a physiologist, but it's important to understand how these areas work in general, and how it interacts with what we do as nurses. If we don't have an understanding behind what we are doing, we're just operating as technicians, and we might not see the sometimes subtle symptoms and problem that come up in our patients' care.

And this is a word of encouragement to those -- like yourself -- who are still in school. A lot of stuff just doesn't seem to make sense while you're studying it. Once you're a nurse, and working with it on a day-to-day basis, a lot of stuff will sort of come together. Don't give up. Yes, it seems hard as blazes (and it usually is :) )but the pieces of the puzzle seem to fit in place when you need them.

Jim Huffman, RN

2bNurseguru · Jul 27, 2006

Re: please vote--change career mid life?

(I had posted the original mesage twice, so this is a response to the people who responded to this post)

I don't particularly like science but I can do it if I have to.

Mid-life?? Not really, I was just looking for a catchy phrase. I don't expect to kick the bucket that early --I have a lot that I need to accomplish!

I really appreciate all your feed back. What a great forum! This was my first post and I have just recieved free career advice from people with real experience and a heart to help others.

I work in the community and design and schedule my own nutrition programs as I see fit. After reading all the posts, I have decided that going into nursing would not be a wise decision since it is not a profession that I am personnally attracted to ( although I like helping people but I can do that in other ways). Family is more important right now than making more (which may not be the case). I also currently have great benefits and a wonderful boss and co-workers. I work as field faculty for a public University which also offers tuition benefits.

I also have an international background and I have heard horror stories from students with an international backgrounds who struggle to compete with better prepared American counterparts especially if you join accelerated BSN programs with no prior nursing experience.

Reading your posts made me appreaciate what I do and I will look for ways to advance my current career. Count your blessings!!

God bless.:thankya: :loveya:

jodyangel, RN · Jul 27, 2006

I would not suggest going into nursing primarily for pay. For one, you won't likely end up getting much more than you are making right now. To get good pay you'll usually have to work in a hospital, and that means working long shifts, weekends, and your share of major holidays. Are you prepared to do that with young kids?
You may not get the flexibility you have now.
You'll have to work with patients with a lot of diseases and injuries, as well as their families and doctors.
While I don't view nursing as a "calling" I do believe you really have to want to do it in order to be successful.

If you are called to nursing, go for it. Sometimes people get these callings in their 20s, 30s, or even their 50s..so I say go for it.

Money? Don't let the "oh you won't get paid that much deter you. I made more than $50,000 last year and I was in school at the same time. I feel I make good money and I'm an LPN. And there is opportunity for growth in nursing which can lead to more money. Hey theres nothing wrong with wanting a good paycheck. It takes alot of money to live in this world today.

But most of all..only go into nursing if you have a heart. Thats the main reason to go into the nursing field. You must want to help people and you must want to serve. Thats the bottom line for me.