WGU Have BS in Ed.,work full time, can I do the Prel. Nursing Prog? Need your input!

[PhotoNut]

I am 44 years old. I already have a BS in Education. I teach 4th Grade full time in Texas. Of course with that comes high pressure to produce on our STAAR tests. I do not teach in a "high scoring" district. My job is challenging and requires a lot. Plus if I "sign my name to something" it will receive my best. I have teenage children at home as well. The thought of going into nursing is not a new one to me. I have read lots of forums and know it is not an easy task. My heart has always been with something in the medical field. However I don't at all regret the path my life has taken so far. Its been a great one.

I feel like I don't really have anyone to bounce things off of that can give me a realistic picture of what to expect. I am currently in a Medical assisting program online, but gosh I am so short changing myself with that its not even funny. I am considering WGU online, but am a little frustrated at it supposedly taking 2 years to do this.

Bottom line....is this doable with a full time job like mine. I feel like financially I am not prepared to quit this spring... perhaps next spring.

If you have any moments to talk through this with me I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

[psychRNmom2]

I suggest you read all the comments from the topic "Don't go into nursing school if......" before making this huge career change. Seriously. Think long and hard. The grass is not always greener and your complaints about teaching are meh in comparison to what I could complain about bedside nursing. Often I have thought that I should have gone into teaching because I hate working weekends, holidays and rotating shifts (tip #1 you will never have regular sleep schedule as nurse and thus will not have quality, efficient sleep because your circadian rhythm will be all over the place from rotating shifts) but I don't really care for kids so....here I still am...I digress...I went to a brick and mortar school for my BSN. My only job was school. I attempted a part-time job during my 3rd year but almost had a nervous breakdown and had to quit. It's tough. I do plan to attempt my MSN via WGU while working full time and having 2 small kids so once I start that I can tell you what it's like. I have heard it's doable though because it's competency based and you don't need to spend that time in a seat in class doing busy work. Good luck. Seriously though-read the comments form that post. Make a list of pros and cons from both professions.

[PhotoNut]

Thanks for your input. I did read that thread, and several others. I am trying very hard to really think about all of this. I know its huge. The pros and cons are pretty distinct for each profession. Im just looking for everything I can get to help with this decision. Bottom line is I need to feel passionate about what I am doing. Im not at all sure I even believe in the direction education is headed anymore. Much less being held completely responsible for a whole separate human beings behavior and actions. I just want to be held responsible for my own. I know too that the grass is not always greener....I'm trying to completely think this through.

Plus I have had my share of health issues myself and I know what being on the receiving end of care is like....both good and bad.

Thanks again! :)

[psychRNmom2]

As long as you have realistic expectations and an open mind, go for it! I still feel passionate about nursing. I still love it, but my career is moving into a different direction where I have less hands on care, but am impacting care on a more global front. I couldn't/can't do bedside nursing forever. After 10 years, I am burnt out and sick of the hours so I am very happy with the direction my career is headed. Fortunately nursing has so many areas and opportunities. If you don't like something, you can try for something different. I would suggest looking at nursing job needs in your area. Some areas are actually saturated with nurses and it can be hard to find a job. In my area, nurses are lucky to find a job in a nursing home straight out of school. Good luck!

[Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN]

Agreed about the poor job outlook in certain areas and mostly for new grads.

As far as working and going to nursing school, that's very common. I'll add that modifiers specific to wgu prelicensure program could change that common burden. What about any accelerated BSN programs near you? That would entail roughly 14 months of coursework.