Wanna Be a Nurse "School Advice Needed"

purplemania, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2005

Wow. How did you get this far in Computer Science then decide to change gears? Are you SURE you want nursing, as it is a difficult course study. If that is your desire I wish you all the luck in the world. I do not know how to tell you about distance courses. I took my graduate work via internet from a local university. You might try them first. All have brochures and most have recruiters to answer your questions. There is a need for nurses with your background, especially in adminstrative and education roles. GOOD LUCK

elkpark · Feb 2, 2005

You may want to start by investigating the difference in roles and scope of practice between LPNs and RNs. If you know up front that you want to be an RN, you may as well skip the intermediate step of LPN.

The more you know and understand about nursing and your specific goals to begin with, the more efficient you can be about pursuing those goals.

I, too, am curious about how you decided to turn your back on a field in which you just went to the trouble and expense of taking a graduate degree, to start from scratch in something entirely different.

There are numerous threads on this site that discuss distance learning options, nursing as a major career change, and males in nursing (I'm guessing you're male from your screen name), among the relevant topics I can think of right off the top of my head, that may be interesting or helpful for you to review.

Best wishes for your new journey -- :balloons:

johnwe · Feb 2, 2005

You may want to start by investigating the difference in roles and scope of practice between LPNs and RNs. If you know up front that you want to be an RN, you may as well skip the intermediate step of LPN.
The more you know and understand about nursing and your specific goals to begin with, the more efficient you can be about pursuing those goals.
I, too, am curious about how you decided to turn your back on a field in which you just went to the trouble and expense of taking a graduate degree, to start from scratch in something entirely different.
There are numerous threads on this site that discuss distance learning options, nursing as a major career change, and males in nursing (I'm guessing you're male from your screen name), among the relevant topics I can think of right off the top of my head, that may be interesting or helpful for you to review.
Best wishes for your new journey -- :balloons:

Great questions! I knew you'd ask. I live in Springfield IL. I got laid off from my public sector job in computers after 4 yrs of faithful service. I was 1 class away from completion of my masters degree at the time. I learnedabout 1/2 way through my MS of the reality that their is NO jobs in computers. Even with a MS. I am now working tech support doing for an Internet rovider for $8.50 an hour. That is sad. I also have a new house I just built and a wife with a pretty decent job. So, moving is out of the question. I have always been intriged by wanting to be a nurse. Many of my family members are. I just want to now that I have a skill that I can work just about anywhere. Trust me, computers is not where it's at. A lot of people have that misconception that don't work in the field.

nadja9 · Feb 3, 2005

Great questions! I knew you'd ask. I live in Springfield IL. I got laid off from my public sector job in computers after 4 yrs of faithful service. I was 1 class away from completion of my masters degree at the time. I learnedabout 1/2 way through my MS of the reality that their is NO jobs in computers. Even with a MS. I am now working tech support doing for an Internet rovider for $8.50 an hour. That is sad. I also have a new house I just built and a wife with a pretty decent job. So, moving is out of the question. I have always been intriged by wanting to be a nurse. Many of my family members are. I just want to now that I have a skill that I can work just about anywhere. Trust me, computers is not where it's at. A lot of people have that misconception that don't work in the field.

Greetings fellow Illinoisian!

Hey, you only live in Springfield. SIUE is starting an accelerated program this year. I thinks it's a 15 month program. Also, have you checked into Lincoln Land's RN program? If you are looking at Deaconess, make sure you line up a clinical BEFORE you begin that program. It's over $400 a credit hour, and if none of the hospitals up there will let you in, you are screwed.

LeashRN · Feb 3, 2005

Sounds like you are only really thinking in regards to completing a program online/at a distance. In ANY RN program the majority of required hours are what is termed "clinical" hours - time spent on a hospital floor working with patients under supervision of an instructor - which of course cannot be completed at a distance.

Regards,

Leash