What career did you have before nursing?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

And how long did you stay in that job? I am a retail and restaurant recruiter. I have been working from home for the past five years. Before that, I worked in the brokerage field. But I have always wanted to be a nurse. I will be starting my very first prerequisite (Chem 1032) in January 2012. I was advised to take one class at a time. I figure it will take me from start to finish a good 3-4 years. I am 45 years old. How about you? :D

Specializes in neurology, cardiology, ED.

I was a catering manager at a large east coast university before I decided to go to nursing school. What drove my decision? I remember it clearly: I was getting ready to close for the night, and noticed that my dishwasher had done a shoddy job on mopping the floor. I realized that I was going to have to mop it again myself before I left for the night, and thought "what am I doing? Did I really go to college to clean up after my dishwasher? Is the 38K salary a year I'm making worth the 60+ hours a week I put in?" The answer on all counts was no.

I put myself through nursing school and never looked back. I will double that salary this year working way less than 60 hours a week, and I feel like I'm actually doing something kind of important. Is it a calling? Maybe not, but I work to live, I don't live to work! :)

Specializes in rehabe.

I started out as a CNA back in 1996 I worked in geriactrics for about 5 years, Pych for 1 year, stroke brain injury rehabe hospital 5 years. Then in 2008 I moved out of state and could'nt use my CNA licence. And for the first time in 12 years I had to change my career fields. I was a very devastated and even though I was a bit burned out I secretly missed the nursing field. I had allways wanted to be an RN, but being a single mom with 3 boys it was hard to go back to school and work.

So, in 2008 I had no choice but to start looking for another job. I ended up landing a job as a hotel maid at one of the largest hotels in Vegas, I worked their for only 6 months. That job paid really well but I take my hat of to those people, cause that work was hard as heck. I thought CNA work was hard, but cleaning 16 rooms (aint no joke) :sstrs:.

I then got a job at a very large Payday loan company as a loan clerk. I've done this for almost three years now. This year I finally decided I am going back to school for my RN and CNA I am predicted to gradurate with my Associates in Nursing in 2015 at the age of 38. My sons are 5, 12, and 17 and I cant WAIT!!!! :lol2::yeah:This has been a long journey for me but I truly feel I will succeed and this is just the next chapter of my life.

Specializes in Cardiovascular, ER.

Flight attendant here.... and i get teased at work bc coworkers tell me that I still talk like one to the pt's :)

Specializes in Med-Surg, & ED.

I did phlebotomy for 11 years in hospital settings and plasma centers. 3 years of cna and youth service worker. I got into a cna position by coincidence as a coworker was trying to help me get better pay and recommended me to her employee. Went from youth service worker (counselor) into cna! It never dwell on me this position ever existed!!!! Anywho, I learned to care for my geriatric population and had a difficult time leaving them behind. I went into nursing with the idea of caring for the emotional, physical, spiritual, and environmental surroundings of people I care for. I was 35 years old when I graduated from the nursing program; with four kids and a supporting husband :) it took me 4 years; ill confess it wasn't easy, but my godly it was all worth it!!!! :)

Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

First career but many jobs before that. Favorite was Water Park Manager. Most influencing was Camp Counselor.

I was an Aircraft Mechanic in the Air Force for 11 years.

This thread really gave me inspiration, I've read them all! Keep them comming. I'm a cna who is about to graduate with a sociology degree and is trying to decide between nursing or social work. Every nurse LPN or RN tell me to go for it and the social workers do too! Great inspiration for us late bloomers.

I was a Social Worker. I loved it. My mom and grandmother are nurses and encouraged me to make the change. I love nursing for the flexibility?

Industrial Engineering supervisor of a multinational corporation. You can see the company's logo almost everyday in TV ads and on the streets as well.

I am actually in med school right now - but I definitely didn't follow the 'typical path'.... I actually think it was helpful to get some perspective. I was working at a children's hospital in the research department and decided it was time for something new. Definitely happy with the decision.

I was a model. No kidding. I had exceptional posture and I can still entertain my co workers by balancing a breakfast tray on my head while I walk gracefully down the hall during med pass.

1. Mom since 1985

2. CNA 1989-1993

3. Health and Fitness Pro 1989-Present

4. LVN 2011

5. Entering Step up to RN May of 2012

Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

retail sales(MACYS,JCPennys), photo developer,door greeter and optician (for the last 8 years at sam's club).

+ Add a Comment