Why so much IT people switching to nursing?

I don't understand why so much IT (information technology) people are switching to nursing. As I'm reading this forum, I have seen a lot of IT people switch to nursing. When I was taking A&P classes, I have few classmates that had degree in IT and switch to nursing. I remember asking this guy in my class why he switches, is it because you like nursing and his responds SHOCK me, he said, "the hell with liking nursing, I do it for the $$$". It so sad hearing a comment like that .

[sunnyjohn]

Lots of IT jobs are going the way of the dinosaur.

Many of these former IT folks who have been laid off, out-sourced or downside are attracted to the stability of a career in nursing.

Some of them are sick of sitting behind a desk.

Some of them wanted to be healthcare professionals all along but went into IT because it was popular (duting the '80s and 90s) or because they felt pressure to do so.

[Rosa2Little]

I don't understand why so much IT (information technology) people are switching to nursing. As I'm reading this forum, I have seen a lot of IT people switch to nursing. When I was taking A&P classes, I have few classmates that had degree in IT and switch to nursing. I remember asking this guy in my class why he switches, is it because you like nursing and his responds SHOCK me, he said, "the hell with liking nursing, I do it for the $$$". It so sad hearing a comment like that .

I was in IT sales. I got into the field after a divorce. I needed a way to make money to support myself and my two children, and since it was the 90's, the money to be made was fantastic. I paid my lawyer fees, recovered from debt, began a solid financial future and was able to take my children to Disney World & all-inclusives in Barbados. I made great money (my comp plan put me at $123,000 per year - more than double what I expect I will make my 1st year in nursing) .... all the while HATING my job.

Fast forward to today, and I am in a good financial position and I am finally able to do what I love. I will take home a good pay check (maybe not enough for the type of vacations we once took), but I will be HAPPY. :) That's worth more than any 6 figure comp. plan....

[Aneroo, LPN]

I don't understand why so much IT (information technology) people are switching to nursing. As I'm reading this forum, I have seen a lot of IT people switch to nursing. When I was taking A&P classes, I have few classmates that had degree in IT and switch to nursing. I remember asking this guy in my class why he switches, is it because you like nursing and his responds SHOCK me, he said, "the hell with liking nursing, I do it for the $$$". It so sad hearing a comment like that .

I doubt that person will make it far in nursing school. I didn't see many folks who didn't love the job make it thru nursing school.

As far as IT goes, I agree with the other posts. The amount of jobs in IT is growing smaller, and there is job security in nursing. A lot of folks in IT were introduced to nursing by working in hospitals (my father worked in one, still works in IT with hospitals). Actually, once they get some experience, my Dad would LOVE to recruit these folks to work for his company. They need nurses with IT experience to go to the floor and teach the other nurses how to use the new computer systems. -Andrea

[rosendalemj]

there are no secure, enjoyable, technical jobs within the usa anymore.

[caligirl]

I was in IT first. I did it for 7 years. I got out of it because I am more of a people person and my job was going more towards "system" administration than tech support. Users are becoming more computer savvy now and they don't need end user tech support as much so the computer techs are now doing server type things which I hated because I was behind a desk more.. I was a government contractor and made decent money but the satisfaction was gone after I stopped doing a lot of end user support.

I also moved to a place that did not have as many computer jobs. There are WAAAAY more computer geeks out there now. Any HS grad can do it if he or she has enough initiative to learn the systems.. When I got started in computers, it was like nursing.. they were NEEDED. So EVERYONE and their momma got involved.. Now it isn't as much of a demand and I bet the pay reflects that. When I was getting out of the Air Force, my coworkers were making 50-60k WITH NO DEGREE. Now.. not so much... It is pretty competitive now..

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Wonder if the IT downsizing has anything to do with businesses taking their operations overseas?

(Just wondering)

[Rosa2Little]

Wonder if the IT downsizing has anything to do with businesses taking their operations overseas?

(Just wondering)

They go hand-in hand. A corporation can pay less to the worker in India, for example, than their counterpart here in the US. So... they outsource and eliminate the jobs here in the US -- ie. downsizing.

Another consideration is a that technology continues to evolve and a job function that employed a few people can be easily managed by fewer.

Okay, enough tech talk... I'm breaking out in hives.... :chuckle

[rosendalemj]

one industry sends jobs or it's factory to china, india, elsewhere.......

the services and products that industry purchases is no longer needed in the usa as well.

For example, all those walmart goods you buy with china printed on the box, well that box was made there as well, who needs factories to make paper and then print on the paper and then make a box as well.

who needs IT folks to support those inductries no longer in the USA

Bill Gates complained two months ago about there's not enough green card techies permited to work in the usa and that any technical person in the usa should have no problem finding a job. He's so unaware of reality!

Microsoft only hired a couple of hundred people in the usa each year! And at the same time he comments, 150 electrical engineers are permanantly laid off by HP.

Go to the USA dept. if labor site and research the state of technical jobs in the USA. LIttle to no growth forcast thru 2012. Some categories are in a significant decline. Meanwhile, the communist, non god fearing country china continues to grow at 8% per year. USA corporations just want $$. Politicians say we need more small business as an answer. Small business has no use for technical people or engineers. If they really cared the jobs, factories would have never left to begin with. A whole sector of employment for middle class folks is gone forever. GM now imports engines from china......and is cutting and is projected to cut up to 1/4 of it's work force.

America, home of the technical unemployed. Don't get a technical education unless you like hardship and moving ALOT.

Now nursing, what a great way to meet the responsibility of earning a $, and doing good every day simply by going to work! :)

MIke

[Sheri257]

Jobs, jobs and more jobs.

IT = No Jobs

Nursing = Lots of Jobs

Simple as that.