Everyone here is so welcoming and informative. I apologize in advance if there are millions of threads about this but I'd love to hear everyone's story. A little about myself (which will lead to my questions I promise!) I'm 27 with a Bachelors and currently completing a few pre-requisite classes to apply for accelerated BSN programs here in the Dallas area (UT Arlington is my first choice, Texas Tech is my second which is where my first B.A is from). I won't be eligible until Spring of 2017 to begin Nursing school. True to form I have researched, weighed all of my options, compiled many thoughts and such, along with hours of scouring this website. I'm in a fortunate position that I will be able to dedicate my time to Nursing school when the time comes for clinical and such. I feel confident in the fact that the timing is everything and the time is now to do this in my life. Of course, I am a little scared to take the plunge. I know that the risk is worth the reward but still in the back of my mind there is a little worry. Nursing has been something I have toyed with for about a year and a half now and I think I'm finally ready. My job is completely unfulfilling, unsatisfying, unchallenging, typical cold, dull, dry Corporate America. I have realized this is not what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. Staring at spreadsheets, worrying if I'll have a job given oil prices, and everything in between.
Cardiology, EP, and Anesthesia have always interested me. My dad had his first heart attack at the age of thirty and has had 7 since. I'm his caretaker and I almost lost him this January. There were so many nurses, doctors, NP's, PA's, CNA's, techs, and more that I remember so poignantly during his stay's in the hospital (he's been in and out about every three months for over a year). I feel compelled to give back to those who have been in not only my dad's shoes but mine as well.
However, I just don't see myself in a bedside nursing role. Being in a clinical setting, a cath lab, EP lab, surgery role speaks more to me than bedside. Even working for a medical device company, like Medtronic as someone who interrogates ICD's. I do know that I want to further my education eventually, like a CNS, NP, or CRNA (I know this requires at least a year of acute care). So my question: when did you know you were where you were meant to be? Did you stumble upon it? Was it what you always dreamed of? Just curious, I know I will find my niche as I already have strong interests.
