Ch.. ch.. changes...
In the last few months, I have been pondering a total career change. Since I have been at the same company for the last 17 years, I am ready for a new challenge.
Why not a career in nursing? It fits perfectly as a rewarding career... I'll be making a positive contribution to society. The pay is good. My skills would be transferable to anywhere (relocate?) and it would be in a field that is in big demand. That's important in today's crappy economy.
The challenge now for me is patience. When I became aware of accelerated nursing programs for people who already hold Bachelor's degrees, I was real excited. Unfortunately, enrolling can be a lengthy process. I have to get my official sealed transcripts from college, two letters of recommendation (academic and professional), and pass an entrance exam. I may also have to take prerequisite courses.
So, I am looking at starting nursing school at the ripe old age of 40. Umm... will I be too damn old? LOL. That thought lingers on my mind. Also, I do get squeamish around needles. Will I be able to overcome that? Hmmm...
Stay tuned...
posted by Brettcajun at Tuesday, February 23, 2010
30 Comments:
OK Are you ready to have many people whin and yell at you? Are you ready for 12 hours shifts? Are you willing to wipe arses when someone shits on themselves? How about vomit? Wounds that you can put you hand all the way into it? Since I have been a nurse for many years. I find it very rewarding, but I have to admit, there are times, Starbucks looks very good to me. I have been in the medical filed for over 2/3 of my life. You are right I can get a job where ver I go, but I have to say as well. Some states do nto except licienes as well. I love my job and I have to wipe arses at least 3 times a shift. I work 12 hours in the hospt.
Look deep into yourself before you take the leap.
Ray
PS Think about giving all of those shots. now pulling on your back to lift those pt's up n bed.
Ray
you're just thinking of giving sponge bath's aren't you?
I think it speaks volumes that you're even considering it. Being open to change, at any age, is an embracing feeling. I volunteered in an ER for four years as an EMT earlier in my life and loved it. I would have been a nurse except for the highly demanding grades in math and sciences. I'm terrible at those things.
I have a friend that started a nursing program in his early 40s. It did take him a few years but he is a nurse now.
Is there some way you could experience what it is like to be a nurse for a day to see if you would like that for a career?
If you really want to do it go for it.
As all these damn boomers get up there in age, the current shortage of nurses is going to look like a walk in the park. geriatric nursing will be exploding.
I think this would be a great move for you ,Brett! AND you would always have your company to fall back on if you hated it, and you are right you could live anywhere you wanted...
I don't know why, but the term "Nurse Ratchet" comes to mind.
you can practice sticking me with your big needle.... hey, someone had to go there...
I think it would be very rewarding, but I have a very weak stomach... and actually get very anxious in hospitals when i have to visit friends and family... though i am sure you would make a lot of guys and gals smile wearing sexy blue scrubs with no undies....hmmmm hehehe...
I think you would be a wonderful nurse.... You would look so sexy in scrubs.....LOL
Think of how much fun you are having in your current position, then think of all the non-fun you would have as a nurse.
I don't know how to express this without sounding judgmental, and I apologize in advance, but from the little bit I know of it, it looks like you have a dream job. What could possibly be going on in your life to make you want to give it up? To me it's like winning the lottery then foregoing the winnings after a while.
Are things so F'd up in your life you feel the only solution is to wipe the slate clean and start over? Is this some kind of mid-life crisis? Proceed carefully Brett. And slowly. After you leave it may be very difficult to return.
have you thought of being a physical therapist?
Same in demand opportunities. The pay and hours are WAY better.
...and no pesky needles.
Go for it. I know one woman who didn't start nursing school until she was 50-ish and a former biology teacher started after teaching for 25 years. DON'T stop with an LPN. Go for the BSN if you can handle the extra schooling.
Nursing is a great career. I became a nurse at 40, after a long career in corporate training and development. I would echo a lot of what Ray said.
I will mention one more thing to think about: The nursing shortage is a myth, at least for the moment. Due to the current economy, nurses that would have retired are not doing so. Also, no one is moving to new positions within the profession like they used to.
New nursing grads are having a very difficult time finding jobs, some taking up to 6 months to a year after graduation to land a position. There just isn't that much of a demand for new grad nurses out there right now.
Nursing school isn't easy, but the field is very rewarding. Good luck!
haven't we crossed this road before??????
My future exwife is in the accelerated nursing program. It's not that bad, she's a natural though. I think if you want to give it a try, why not. Besides you look great in scrubs.
I had a friend who went to nursing school in Colorado in her late forties. Even though she graduated magna cum laude she had a hard time finding a job because of lack of health care industry experience. Also, the starting pay was incredibly low. The bright side is she loves her job.
Are you sure you are smart enough for nursing school? I mean, what did you do your bachelors in? Tennis? Gymnastics?
Do what makes you happy.
On the minus side: I can't imagine someone with your cleaning compulsion being able to cope with the "mess" that sometimes is involved in being a nurse. Pay close attention to what Ray's Cowboy said and think about that.
On the plus side: I think it's great you're considering a career change and I think it would do you good to get out of that viper's nest. Larry may think you have a dream job (and there are plusses to being the boss's son and the only one who has any substantial education) but I know what working with your family - not just any family, but YOUR family - can do to you.
I'm not sure nursing is the right field, but perhaps a different medical profession - X-Ray tech? Physical Therapy?
I think it's a great idea. The job security is there and the demand for nurses is only going to increase. My BF is 39 and just left a career in publishing to go into nurshing school. I'd say go for it. Best of luck.
Don't let anyone discourage you, if this is what you truly wish to do! It's important to know the downside to anything, but do not worry about your age. We need dedicated health care professionals.
Godspeed, Brett!
You know what I think.....weigh your options and do what makes you happy. Nobody is getting up everyday and living your life but YOU. Don't be scared, boo!
Brett, although I agree with mikeinbama that you would look hot in scrubs, maybe you should consider other positions in the medical field which also pay well, will always be in demand but don't involve the gross aspects of nursing. X-ray technologist, cardiac ultrasound technologist, medical office manager, hospital administration, medical transcriptionist. If you do go into nursing aim yourself toward ER Nursing, Pediatrics, cardiac rehab. So much of hospital nursing is full of very old people dying. Good Luck, Dr. Dave
I really don't see you as a nurse. If you want, come to PA and I'll have you come to work with me and you can watch in the ER or on one of the units.
It is never too late to make a career move/changes. I know people who are in their late 50s to go through the nursing program and become nurses. Good luck!
If this is what you truly want then I support you 100%. That said, knowing you this opens a whole list of questions.
I just don't want you to make a rash decision that creates more drama than it solves. Take the time to really delve into the pros and cons. No matter what you do, I'm sure you will excel. You are smart, charming, intelligent, oh and Cajun! We are day bomb at whatever we do! Lol
Paging Nurse Betty!
Um, aren't Nurses supposed to be *friendly*??
I think someone just finished watching Nurse Jackie....
To get Sonography degree you will need to get your associate's or bachelor's degree from a trade school, community college, or university. Ultrasound degrees usually take about two years, but there are accelerated study programs available. Classes will include biology, anatomy, and other medical topics as well as hands-on experience with ultrasound machines. Many sonographers take the voluntary certification exam with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers as an extra mark of confidence for their patients and medical coworkers.
Post a Comment
<< Home