Calling Duckie, Marie and other nurses ... - ThinnerTimes

Baron Patrick · 02-14-2007, 12:15 PM

Perhaps it's motivation from our son, who, by the way is doing absolutely awesome with his "externship" the doctors office wants to hire him!

I'm playing with the idea of changing careers. I've been working in the computer industry since 1981, and have my masters degree in information systems.

I almost did this around 13 years ago and switch careers, go into nursinig. I did have EMT training and certification - that was an incredible rush. I never worked as an EMT, but the training did help me at home, especially with my mom. I loved it, it was fascinating, and I had the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction I've never really felt working with computers.

I found a training school near me where I can get my LVN on the weekends in about 18 months. I intend to pursue my RN or perhaps medical administration.

What do you "guys" think? Could this be a good "mesh" of the two careers?

Am I to "old" to switch?

Thanks! I welcome any and all comments / advise.

Duckie · 02-14-2007, 12:37 PM

COOL! It is NEVER too late to change your career. If you are unhappy in one... switch to one that DOES make you happy. I DID! Based upon what I know of your personality thus far I think you would be an excellent nurse! Are there any two year programs for an Associate's Degree in nursing available to you? You'd be an RN.. make more money... and then be able to work on getting your BSN. Good luck with whaterver you decide but I say GO FOR IT!!

Baron Patrick · 02-14-2007, 12:53 PM

I will look, but the only thing I can find right now is that weekend program. I commute around 90 miles a day, so my choices are limited right now. Even the community colleges RN programs are during the day - and there's a waiting list for that!

Is there really that much of a shortage of nursing professionals?

Thanks Michelle!

Duckie · 02-14-2007, 12:55 PM

YES! There is a huge need for more nurses.

lealphachienne · 02-15-2007, 12:06 AM

I'd think you'd be a great nurse. You're always wanting to help and provide insight. We use a lot of technology in nursing, so your computer knowledge will come in hand.

I started as a CNA, then LPN/LVN, to my ADN and now working towrds my MSN. It took me 8 years to get my ADN...but it is well worth it. Nursing has allowed me to live independantly and provide many opprotunities for growth.

Bypassingme619 · 02-15-2007, 08:44 AM

Baron I say go for it. I know you will make a great Nurse. I am not for sure the money is as good as working in the computer industry but all nurses know that the money isn't the reason we do it. 18 months on a weekend program that is great. Many blessings on your career change.

butterfly2b · 02-15-2007, 09:55 AM

Nursing is a great career with lots of opportunities. With your background and Masters Degree you will have exciting options in addition to bedside care. Nursing informatics is huge right now.

I am finishing up my MSN in May (Yipee!). I think you should look at a a post bachelor's program to obtain your RN. They are all over the place now, and easier to get into than the community colleges due to the long wait lists. They are available at long distance schools as well as some local universities.
You won't come out with a Master's in nursing, but you will be an RN with a Masters in another field. Depending on what you want to do, your "alphabet soup behind you name" does have an impact. Thus you want to maximize your opportunities.

Two last thoughts. There are TONS of nursing scholarships out there that are not based on income. I have revceived several, so don't be intimidated by the cost without looking at funding possibilities. And two, the money in bedside nursing as an RN right now is very good. In my hospital, new grads start at $64,000.00 per year, and after 20 years all I can say is nursing has been very, very good to me financially.

Good luck on your adventure!

lealphachienne · 02-15-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butterfly2b

Two last thoughts. There are TONS of nursing scholarships out there that are not based on income. I have revceived several, so don't be intimidated by the cost without looking at funding possibilities. And two, the money in bedside nursing as an RN right now is very good. In my hospital, new grads start at $64,000.00 per year, and after 20 years all I can say is nursing has been very, very good to me financially.

Good luck on your adventure!

Share the wealth..where did you find the scholarships? I had a hard time tracking htem down or qualifying for hte ones I did find. $64K for new grad...sheeesh, I started at $33K 7 years ago as a new grad.......

Duckie · 02-15-2007, 03:34 PM

64K does sound pretty high to me too Marie! 33 is a little low, maybe 36+

butterfly2b · 02-15-2007, 09:42 PM

Last I heard, in San Diego, Kaiser is the best payer for RNs and NPs accross the board. (I don't work at Kaiser) Each organization decides, based on the local market, what percentage of the local range they want to pay. My organization stays in the 75th percentile. Our range for clinical nurses is bewteen $28.00/hr to $53.00/hr (the top is for 20 years experience at the top of the clnical ladder.) New grads locally start out between $25.00 - $28.00, plus shift diff (everyone starts on nights),plus weekend diff and holiday diff (depending on the hospital). It adds up. LA and SF pay better than San Diego.

As far as scholarships they are out there! At my university they are primarily listed on the nursing web page. (The one I am receiving is a federal nurse traineeship.) With the huge RN shortage, projected to only get worse, funding is becoming more accessible. The Robert Woods foundation puts out a lot, so does Johnson & Johnson. I had no hope of getting funds because of my income, but luckily for me the professors in my program pointed out which ones to apply for. For the San Diego schools and Cal State schools you can pull up their Nursing web sites for more info. Sorry, I don't know how it is done in MA.

I am all for nurses being paid well and continuing education. I hope this heps and clarifies!

Peace