What career did you have before nursing?

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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 Anesthesia.

Nursing is my first career, but I've had job in fast food, modeling, sales, computer tech, and doing sound for large events. With nursing, I love the three day workweek.

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Specializes in Home Health, Case Management, OR.

I was a CNA for 7 years until I became a housewife/nursing student. Now I am a full time RN and full time wife and momma.

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Specializes in Peds, education.

I become a RN at 22. During school I was a babysitter, worked at Macy's and at one point filled medical records.

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Specializes in Progressive Care.

1. TCBY counter

2. Arby's counter

3. John Deere tractor repair

4. Drunk college student (pre-law major, but really majored in EtOH)

5. Car Wash

6. Hot dog factory line

7. Electronics factory temp

8. Pizza Hut warehouse

9. Convience store counter

10. Schwan's man

11. Receptionist in dermatology office

12. Medical office assistant

13. Nursing school while doing #12

14. RN on a cardiac unit

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I studied health science in university because I'd always wanted to be a doctor. In second year I realized that everyone in my program wanted to be a doctor and I didn't want it as much as they did. I picked up a minor in business administration, thinking I'd like to do my MHA (Masters in Health Administration) and work toward becoming a CEO. Realized that I wasn't passionate about managing people and budgets and when I graduated in 2009 I took a job at a public health unit as a health promoter. FIRST ADULT JOB!!

I've been working for two and a half years now and while everything about my workplace is great (salary, benefits, coworkers, flex time, vacation), there isn't any job satisfaction. I thought I would be working with people, teaching them life skills, educating them about better health and instead I sit at a desk all day and hammer out e-mails, policies, plans, logic models, etc.

I've always been drawn to healthcare and I think nursing will give me the satisfaction I'm looking for.

I'm starting a second entry RN program in January and I'll be starting my second career, as an RN, at 26. No kids yet, just a husband who's going to be doing a lot of weekend traveling for a while :)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Graphic designer/desktop publisher/web designer/publications manager for 10+ years (1994-2005). Chucked it all and took a big cut in pay to be an ER tech in 2005 (I was [and am] a paramedic), then went to nursing school. Became an RN in 2008. :) Now an Army RN, which is like ... career #4. Hahaha.

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Specializes in OB (with a history of cardiac).

Prior to being an RN I was an LPN in pediatrics for 4.5 years and that was a good time. Before I was an LPN I worked in child care, I worked my way up from teacher's aide to lead teacher. Did that for...gosh, nearly 8 years. I taught infants through school age, but spent most of my time with the age 2-5 crew. It was a great experience and what I learned doing that I've been able to use as a mommy! It's funny, I noticed that every child care center I worked in (actually I worked within only 2 systems) smelled the same. This odd combo of bleach cleaning solution, milk, maple syrup, apple juice and a hint of poopy diaper. :lol2:

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Specializes in Orthopedic, LTC, STR, Med-Surg, Tele.
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

Wildlife biologist :) RN @ 26

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I spent a long time in customer service. Among other things, I was a Peetnik (2 years), On-Campus Computer Consultant (3 years), and Call Center Rep (8.5 years).

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I was in finance for 5 years. It was quite a change but I adore nursing and am so glad I made the switch!

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Specializes in Aged Care, Midwifery, Palliative Care.

I was a candlemaker and small business owner. It was kind of unique at the time because I used to order all my fragrant oils from American suppliers, so I had a very different line to other sellers. Now that is more available in Australia, but I sourced from only the best American suppliers where Australian suppliers are sourcing the cheapest.

I still order them in and make them for myself and friends. In nursing its helped me with organisation, time management and communication skills.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

After I got my bachelors in pre-law, I decided not to go to law school. The sheer tediousness of writing a simple brief was so BORING. I saw my future likened to a cattle call of hooves striking the stairs as the legal team trod to the courtroom. I knew that I would never be able to withstand that sort of drudgery. It took a few years for my Dad to start talking to me again after this decision (he is a lawyer).

I am a creative person, and I responded to an ad for an apprentice to a graphic art designer. I was hired and learned the ropes quickly. I became a graphic artist myself, and had some really big accounts. I could not believe that I got paid for playing...which was what it felt like. I would color, design, make these great story boards and sell my ideas to the marketing department. It was so EASY! And I was actually getting royalties for my designs! WOW!

Then my mom became sick. She was dx with small cell renal ca. The irony is that she was a cancer researcher. At the time of dx, the cancer had metastasized to practically every organ in her body. I quit my cushy job because my mom needed me. And I needed her.

I will spare you the details, but I had a 'lightbulb' moment shortly after she died, and enrolled in nursing school. I have never regretted that decision. My only regret is that Mom did not see me graduate from nursing school.

I love nursing and cannot imagine doing anything else. Sure, we all have trying times and we run the risk of becoming bald from all of the hair tearing we tend to do, but at the end of the day, I am comfortable and confident with my profession.

I am only sad that it took my mother's death to put me on the path of nursing. However, I know that she is proud. :)

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