What did you do before nursing?

Nurses General Nursing

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I've met more than a few people that have made or are pursuing nursing as a second career. What did you do before? What are the ups and downs in comparison?

I'm not a nurse yet, but since I'm the OP, I'll go first. After being a fast food worker, a pizza cook, and a warehouse worker for Best Buy, I was an intel analyst in the Army, serving everywhere from infantry battalions all the way up to division headquarters. Later, I was a targeting analyst for an established defense firm, and later still for a an upstart company that took the contract from my original bosses. 10 years down the road and seven countries later, I'm knocking out the rest of my pre-reqs before I begin nursing school in January.

Specializes in Critical Care.
I had a professional career prior to nursing, and this was one of my motivations for becoming a nurse. I felt as though if I were going to be dealing with emergencies, I'd rather have them be actual, real life and death emergencies, not perceived, irrelevant, pseudo-emergencies that have no bearing on anyone's quality of life.

Absolutely. I remember the stark contrast of being in NS clinicals, caring for a homeless pt my own age who was dying of cirrhosis, then checking my voice mail afterwards to find all the petty "issues" which arose while I was out for the day.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Well let's see - I've been a lot of things, I worked retail, was a tour guide for a botanic garden, drove an ambulance in South Central Los Angeles (Think Straight Outtta Compton). I was a mortage processor in the late 20th century. Got my ADN in 2002 and am currently getting my BSN.

Hppy

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I worked as a health coach the last 1.5 years. Before that an Exercise Physiologist for 2.5 years. Before that I worked in various administrative roles in different hospitals. My favorite was the assistant to the Chief Nursing Officer so I got a real good inside look at the real nitty gritty of nursing..... and I still want to become a nurse :laugh:

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In high school, I worked at Goldblatt's department store. I sold bras.

Fun fact: Goldblatt's is the real store depicted as Higbee's in A Christmas Story.

Your need to weigh in on the Slim Scrub thread, Ms. MMJ.

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Veterinary Technologist. It's my real passion but the benefits were non-existent and the pay was crap.

I always said if I had to do it over I would have become a Veterinarian. I love animals, but that ship has sailed a long time ago along with the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria!

P.S. I like people also, when they not throwing expletives at you and being bi-polar.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

In high school I worked in a luncheonette serving coffee, sandwiches pie and milkshakes. I worked as a nurses aide in the hospital affiliated with my School of Nursing throughout my undergrad.

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.

I think this has been asked before but it doesn't matter, if it was...I love this question. I was a secretary, receptionist, office type worker at various jobs. :)

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.
In high school I worked in a luncheonette serving coffee, sandwiches pie and milkshakes. I worked as a nurses aide in the hospital affiliated with my School of Nursing throughout my undergrad.

Oh yeah? That was my *first* job (luncheonette)! Fond memories!

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After finishing my bachelor in business administration degree, I flew for an Arab airline for 10 years. 6 continents later, I became a mom and stayed home to take care of my little boy for 3 years and now I am currently working on getting into Chamberlain's 3-year BSN program. I have been accepted academically (CGPA, HESI A2, Math placement tests) , but I'm meeting up with the financial services tomorrow. SO if I can actually afford to pay Chamberlain, looks like I'm starting Aug 31 for their fall 2015 semester. Wish me luck!

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.
Oh yeah? That was my *first* job (luncheonette)! Fond memories!

Now it's a hipster-biker- retro- cool gourmet coffee-breakfast and lunch place. They are very busy because of the good home cooking. I am glad someone saved this little piece of history in my town.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Hospice.

Graduated as a Medical Laboratory Technician in 1999. Went to nursing school in 2006. Now starting my last semester in FNP program.

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I was in the Marine Corps for 21 years and retired at 39. Then I became a sheriffs deputy in Lake Tahoe then in my home state of Oregon. Didn't like the job so I quit. Decided to put myself through nursing school to help my fellow veterans. Now I work as an LPN at a VA hospital and am very happy here. Working on my "LPN2RN" school to get my RN done.

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