Thinking of taking the nursing route, pls advice

[JonesNY]

Good Afternoon!

I am 35 just laid off as an Administrator for an Ivy league University and have been toying with the thought of going back to school for Nursing. I am sick and tired of getting worried sick about my job EVERYDAY! However, friends have been talking me off Nursing, pointing the number of Nurses out there today and how even the nursing field is not as secure as it used to be and how the pay is no longer that good. Mean while, you have to work a double or triple to make enough, because of all the lpns too. So what would you advice a confused and desperate mother such as myself?

[NursedotcomPaige]

I'm sorry you were laid off! It's sad that's almost the common thing nowadays. Best of luck w your next route in life!

[kraken90]

Well, going back might bring back your passion of wanting to be a Nurse..it's nice to be paid on doing something you love, you know..

[MissMelissRoths03]

I would encourage you to go back for nursing. You will hear things about the nursing shortage and the issues in the nursing industry but, doing what you love is rewarding. If you are hardworking and have work experience, after nursing school, you may have trouble finding a job (I'm just being honest) if you aren't willing to relocate. If your location isn't important to you, you can easily find a job. If it is, I would suggest looking into your area and the nursing jobs that are available.

[jayne1975]

I would look at the market for new graduate nurses where you live or at least in an area you'd consider living. Once you have a year or two of experience, the job market changes considerably, but that first year is a beast to find a job with 'no experience' as a nurse. I've precepted several nursing students and they have all found jobs since school, but some had to move or wait several months after graduation to find employment. Just make sure you're going to be in a position financially to possibly have several months of job-hunting once you've completed school and passed boards. Take advantage of educational assistance you may be eligible for and grants or scholarships that may be available to you may be a huge help.

Since you're in a position now to take this route, I would suggest that you get the certifications or class required to work as a unit secretary, tech, or CNA. Each facility may have different requirements for people in those jobs, but having a unit or hospital where you've been previously employed in another capacity while going to school can be a huge boost to getting the job you want. Most places have education assistance for employees and can be very supportive of people pursuing education. Some require time-commitments after you're done with school, but once you've done that and have some experience, finding a job is more choosing which job to accept instead of begging for a chance somewhere as a new-grad.

[BILL_I]

Good Afternoon!

I am 35 just laid off as an Administrator for an Ivy league University and have been toying with the thought of going back to school for Nursing. I am sick and tired of getting worried sick about my job EVERYDAY! However, friends have been talking me off Nursing, pointing the number of Nurses out there today and how even the nursing field is not as secure as it used to be and how the pay is no longer that good. Mean while, you have to work a double or triple to make enough, because of all the lpns too. So what would you advice a confused and desperate mother such as myself?

Although unemployed now, I have a nursing experience longer than decade, and I really do like that occupation.
Nursing is still a good career to get into and I believe that as a new graduate it is easier to find work. So, I encourage you to go get nursing education. Wish you the best.

[jamespeter23]

Nurse is awesome.

[toughlove]

Nursing can be a rewarding career. However, there is a current misunderstanding that it is recession proof or that one will obtain employment once the degree and licensure is obtained. I think the economy tends to make people consider the nursing profession- some who are not best suited to this lifestyle- because of this sense that the nursing job market is faring better than other professional job markets.

You even said that you are sick and tired about worrying about your job . . . That will not stop if you go into nursing. Your situation may actually be worse because you spent the money, a lot of effort and years to put yourself through nursing school, and I know many new grads who are unemployed right now.

My best advice is to look into your heart about what you want to do- don't think nursing is an easy bail out, because it's not. There are long hours without lunch breaks, bathroom breaks with very sick people who need you. You most likely will have to work weekends and holidays and miss out on important events in your family's lives. And you will be responsible for peoples' lives in ways that you can possibly not imagine. Nursing is not about the money, nor is it about job security anymore (because these things are just not guaranteed). It's about (or I feel it should be about) doing it because you want to do it.

Good luck with your decision- but from your tone, it sounds like you need to think this through a little more

[ronniew]

good info
thanks

[adamsusan]

I would encourage you to get the nursing education . Best of Luck!

[amygarside]

If you have always wanted to become a nurse, there is no other time to do it but now. Chase your dream! Good luck!

[Sue_Salisbury]

I'm very sorry to hear you lost your job. That is so difficult for anyone but I especially feel for you as someone in your thirties and being a mom. 'Toughlove' really put it well above. Nursing is not a job to go into for the money because the hard work will leave you questioning that choice unless something more than the paycheck keeps you showing up for work. Nursing can be one of the most rewarding professions, but it is largely dedication and compassion for patients and their families that renews you after the difficult times. I'd suggest spending some time with other nurses and maybe volunteering at a long term care facility before jumping into education.

Best wishes, Sue Salisbury Hawaii

[kupcraft]

I would definitely go for it. I went back to school for nursing and couldn't be happier with the decision! It is a good profession with lots of interaction with people and collaborative work with colleagues in a field that is constantly growing and changing. There is so much that you could do with a nursing degree, I would say go for it! Good Luck!!