Wife doesn't like the idea of going into Nursing

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I'm 26 and for the last year and a half, have been considering a career change to nursing. Two year ago we moved back to my wife's home area in CT, where we currently live with our 5 month old daughter. My wife doesn't want to move out of the area as it will be away from her family, and she'll have to find a new job. So we are geographically restricting ourselves. I just graduated with my Masters of Divinity and was going to be a minister, except that it is hard to find a church in this small state. I can't say that I have been the happiest in this profession. I somewhat wish I could be giving more care than emotional and spiritual suppot. I've previously done a lot of work in hospitals as an aide, and also as a Chaplain. Hence I've considered a nursing degree.

I was accepted into an ADN program, but my wife is not found of the idea. I know it will require some more student loans and some nights away from the family. The question is what to do? It is possible I could defer my enrollment for a year, but I don't want to lose this opportunity. I wondering how I can make her see the light. She's a social worker and knows most hospitals in the area are on hiring freezes.

How did your spouse or SO take the news of becoming a nurse? Any advice you could give is greatly appreciated.

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Nursing school will be difficult if you do not have the support of your SO. If she does not want you to go into nursing, then what does she want for you? Sounds like the two of you need to do some serious talking about your role in your family. You have to work at something and it would help if you are gainfully employed as well as happy with what you are doing. If your marriage dissolved tomorrow, or 12 years from now, then where would you be? You need to think about yourself as well as yourself as part of a couple. Just some food for thought. Good luck with all of this.

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Specializes in CTICU.

Depends on why she's not fond of the idea. Is it the further loans? Time away from the family? Possibility of not getting a job at the end of it?

Figure out what her problem is and think about it, then come up with a plan to work around her concerns. If you're going to do it, you really need her support.

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

Having the support of your spouse or SO for something like this is important, but I don't believe it's a necessity. I don't personally feel we need approval from our mates for everything that we do. I do agree that you should talk to her about it but I don't believe you should give up on your dream just because she nay-says it. I rather live with the disapproval than with the regret of never trying. Of course, I am speaking from the perspective of someone who has the full approval from his SO so it's probably easier for me to say what I say.

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sounds to me like she is hung on her family to much. Sit her down and explain all the loans in the end will be benificial to you both. Depending on your field of work, a RN can make huge amounts of $. She wouldnt have to work. On a religous note, ask the lord if you should trade her for the nursing field. J/K

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, Peds ICU.

Sell it to her as an investment in a happy future together. Let's face it, being happy with your job pays huge dividends at home. The job market may be lousy now, but it'll turn around.

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Specializes in Telemetry & PCU.
sounds to me like she is hung on her family to much. Sit her down and explain all the loans in the end will be benificial to you both. Depending on your field of work, a RN can make huge amounts of $. She wouldnt have to work. On a religous note, ask the lord if you should trade her for the nursing field. J/K

Trade her for the nursing field??? You can't be serious about that statement???

I have always wanted to be a nurse and I just became one at 54!!! My wife, who is also an RN has made it possible for me to do this. I sure don't have any answers for you; that is all between you, your wife, and your Higher Power. However, I do wish you luck in making your decision.

Stay groovy!

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.
On a religous note, ask the lord if you should trade her for the nursing field. J/K

Trade her for the nursing field??? You can't be serious about that statement???

That's why the guy added "J/K" at the end of that sentence, which means "just kidding". Now if you ask me ... :thnkg:

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Specializes in Telemetry & PCU.
That's why the guy added "J/K" at the end of that sentence, which means "just kidding". Now if you ask me ... :thnkg:

My apologies!! Is there any crow to eat with this humble pie.............. I guess I just don't know the lingo.

By the way what does "LOL" mean?

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.
My apologies!! Is there any crow to eat with this humble pie.............. I guess I just don't know the lingo.

By the way what does "LOL" mean?

Here's a handy website you will want to bookmark for future reference, it's a listing of all the more common internet acronyms: http://gaarde.org/acronyms/

BTW, LOL means "laughing out loud" ... that's in the dictionary too ...

L8R G8R ... you can probably figure this one out anyway. :smokin:

Back to topic, sorry ... :)

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My wife was very supportive of my decision and this is critical to any relationship. My advice is to communicate your feelings with each other. Nursing school is not something that should be done without the support of your spouse. What is her reasoning?? I think this is a red flag if she wants to dictate what career you choose - maybe she is jealous about the fact that 90 % of nurses are women? I hope not. Good luck and don't stop pursuing your dream.. You can do this and communication will be key. Talk it out.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

My spouse did not want me to go to nursing school. He thought it was very foolish.

Now he loves it because I make enough money that he retired

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