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Considering a career change to nursing...

So...long story short, I have had my bachelors degree for over 10 years now. I like what I do, sort of, but I just can't imagine having to do this for the rest of my life. My industry (publishing) isn't stable at all, and I feel like I'm on a sinking ship. As more and more people leave the company, I'm taking on their responsibilities without an increase in pay. It sucks and I'm burned out, and I never really loved it in the first place.

So I've been thinking about going back to school and becoming a nurse for almost 6 years now, and at this point, I would be 35-36 when I finished if I started over today. Anyone else started over in nursing? This would be a TOTAL change for me. I have young kids so I would be working full time and going to school at the same time. What would I tell my current job about going back to school? It would be like giving them 3 years' notice that I will be quitting. That can't be good for my job security.

Re: Considering a career change to nursing...

  • Yes. I have been in my current field for 7 years. I have had my BA for 8 yrs. I am currently going to school for nursing. I am in the legal field. I work and go to school in two different states. I don't tell my job anything. I am going to school PT and I am not yet in a nursing program and do not know how long it will take me to finish as this depends on the program I attend.

    Have you actually looked into this or are you just thinking about it? You will need prereqs just to enter a program. I say just go for it. That what I did. I am excelling at it, better than I thought and I love it. I also don't care how long it takes me right now.

    There are many accelerated programs out there. So, it may be less than 3 years.

     

  • Thanks for your reply. I have looked into it and would need a couple pre-reqs first. I guess I need to just do it. Good luck :)
  • DH changed from business to nursing. He did one of those 16 month accelerated BA --> BSN program. He worked part time for the first 6 months or so while in school full time, then quit work when the classes got more demanding and they started rounds. It was cheaper than dragging it out, for sure, both in terms of tuition costs and opportunity costs.
  • I am in the same position- I graduated with a BS in criminal justice in 2007 (currently working as a Juvenile Probation Officer for the past 3 years). I can't stand my job and have been really unhappy, so I bit the bullet and starting taking pre-reqs to apply for the nursing program. I've always wanted to do it, but I was scared of completely changing careers. Since it's completely opposite from my current field, I haven't told (and won't) tell my job anything! I take night school for my pre-reqs and will quit my job and become a full time nursing student once I get accepted into the program. The classes are tough, but so far it's definitely been worth it and I'm excited when I'll actually be an official nursing student!

    GO FOR IT!! Best of luck :):) 

  • I am a registered nurse with a BSN. I know many nurses who started nursing later in life and as a second career. You will do well and not regret the decision IF you are going in to nursing for the right reasons. Seriously ask yourself why you want to be a nurse. Do you know any nurses in real life you can talk to? I would talk to someone about why you want to be a nurse and what nursing is all about. Nursing is not easy and those that enter the field because of the pay or job security find themselves burnt out right of the bat and often leave nursing right after entering the field. I would for sure tell you to look in to nursing, because I LOVE nursing. However, I wouldn't advise going in to nursing without doing your research and talking to some nurses first. Do this before you decide to go back to school.
    Can't wait to meet our miracle this November!! BabyFruit Ticker Image and video hosting by TinyPic
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