Major change in career--Nursing!
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Major change in career--Nursing!
Well, I have done some major life searching here lately. When I found out I wouldn't be getting that HR job in Myrtle Beach, I wasn't the least bit upset. I seriously expected to be devastated. My eight year old said it best. He told me "Mom, if you weren't even upset about it, it must not have been the right job for you. Even if your head doesn't know it, your heart does." Such profound thoughts from a little boy! And he made complete sense.
I haven't been able to get excited about any office jobs. None. And I have finally allowed myself to accept that teaching is no longer what I want to do. Lots of reasons there, but it all comes down to the fact that I don't think I would be happy. There are a lot of things I disagree with regarding children's educations and their school day.
So I did a lot of soul searching and praying. Let me tell you, I wasn't happy with the answers I was getting! But I had promised myself to listen.
Nursing has been something I always thought I would love. I am a caretaker at heart. My grandpa got very sick when I was in eighth grade and would not let anyone take care of him but me. He had alzheimer's (sp?) and was convinced I was his wife. Not in any uncomfortable ways, but being of the older generation, he wanted me to take care of him--feed him, give him his clothes to wear, give him his meds, and just be there with him. I enjoyed that time very much and never resented doing that instead of what typical eighth graders do.
I've had a lot of health problems in the past and have spent way too much time in drs offices and hospitals and I always felt I would love to nurse.
When my son was in the NICU, I really felt the desire strongly.
The only thing that has ever kept me from it was the fear of needles! I assumed I wouldn't be able to get past that.
So, long story just a bit shorter, I spoke with the head of the nursing program at the college and she reassured me, and I was accepted into the nursing program. They only accept 25 students, so I was so thrilled. I will finish my LPN next summer, one year from now.
We are going to hold off on moving for one year so I can quit work, and go to school full time to get my LPN license before we move. Then I will work towards my RN in SC. I am already going to take some classes towards my RN this year.
We're very excited and I finally feel like I am making the right move in my life. Can't believe I am making such a huge career move right after I just turned 29 on April 1, but I just knew I didn't want to go back to work in an office. I just want to be around people, namely kids, and I'm not happy any other way.
So I start school again this summer working towards my new career! I'm very nervous, but can't wait!
Congratulations on making such huge decisions! I'm realy glad to hear you plan on working towards your RN once you move, that will open SO many more career doors for you!!! Good luck with nursing school.
As for waiting one year to move - you guys are so young, that one year will be a single blip on your family's radar.
How exciting to have all these new plans!
That is awesome. You are going to be doing what I always wanted to do. I hope to be able to do the same thing in a few years, but who knows where life will take me.
Good luck!
(((HUGS))) Congrats! You will do great!
I went back to work in the afternoons back in December and started taking classes (pre req's) for the RN program in the mornings. Well, with all I am going through and with the new job added into it all, I totally lost my focus. (maybe because I sit around and cry and eat ice cream every night right now!!!) I dropped the class and have been seriously thinking about applying for the LPN program they have here. It lasts about 18 mos. I have heard it is VERY hard. They recommend you do not work while completing the program as it is full time all day and very demanding, etc... So I am worried about that, because I will seriously be needing my paycheck and insurance soon.ugh But like Karen said, 1 yr is merely a blip. If I can figure out how to make it through that 18 mos w/ no job then it will all be worth it. I will then at some point go back and do the LPN to RN track at the community college.
You can't go wrong with nursing!  Honestly, I want to be a school nurse. lol But financially that may not be realistic. ha
Let's keep in touch so we can encourage one another through the course work. They say the first semester is the most grueling?? I need to actually quit thinking about it and go apply. Atleast you have been accepted already!!! Congrats! And sorry to ramble!!! lol
First of all, you've got a very smart little boy there.
Congratulations on making a decision and being excited about it.
I wish you all the best in your new career.
I'll be 31 in a few weeks and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up!  I think about it, and agonize over it, but I know in my heart it will come to me one of these days.
Congratulations on making the decision. We need more nurses out there!
Doesn't it feel so wonderful to make a decision that feels so good for you? Congratulations! I wish you the best!
Conni! That sounds great! We can encourage each other! I was told the RN program is much easier after going through the LPN. The reason the LPN program will only take me a year is because I will be going two summers. Maybe you can think about doing that. Then you won't be out a job quite so long. Or maybe if you can get by without a big check, you could substitute teach the days you don't go to school...
You'll find a way, I'm sure of it! Here's my e-mail: ealaney at comcast dot net. I'm going to need all the support I can get and I know I can get it here!
Adena, i mentioned in another post I've been busy, mostly because I too am back in school! Too Funny. I know you were looking forward to the move, but sometimes things happen at the time they are meant to, not when we mean them to.
I have 10 years on you girl, you'll be fine going to school. I have decided on Court Reporting, which is what I went to school for 20 years ago and never finished. I'm loving every minute of it. It too is a very hard course, high drop our rate, but I love the law and Court Room so knowing this will get me into that arena is very motivating for me, the way the nursing is for you. Conni, good luck to you too. I NEVER thought I'd be a student again, I am a horrible student, but life through me a bit of a curveball and here I am right with the two of you!
Cool Kym! Congrats to you too! I wish you the best.
It is funny how things happen in Gods time, not our own. And it is also interesting to me who God puts in our path along the journey. For example, the man I work with is going back to school eventually to be in the ministry. Well, he brings his bible to work almost every day and I am able to ask him A LOT of questions. He counsels me for free. lol It's amazing how he has opened my eyes to some things that are going on in my life and pointed out bible verses to me that I can relate to at this time and study. He has really helped me and I don't even think he realizes how much.
Life is interesting!
That's for sure, Conni. That's one thing we have had to accept, that we will move when God feels it is time, not when we do!
Kym, it's great that you are going after something that you've always wanted to do! I guess it's never too late for any of us, is it!
Good for you. I'm behind you 100 % Go Gettum Girl
Good for you. I'm behind you 100 %. Go Gettum Girl
Adena, I am so happy for you! I think you will be a wonderful, caring nurse. Best of luck.
Congratulations!!! I know how hard this can be. I became an LPN in 2006 and am now working on my RN. YOU GO GIRL!!. You will do fine with the needles. We had to give each other a normal saline shot in the deltoid (upper arm) in school and I received mine fine but cried when I had to give one. My co-student said she didn't even feel it go in.
You will do fine. Just remember, what you are able to do will help make that person's life better. It may be to help them get better or give them the help and love they need if they will not recover. Your son sounds very wise. Good luck and God bless.
From one nursing student to another - Go Get Em!!
Welcome to the board and thank you so very much! I have stumbled upon a message board for nursing students and am now thinking "what was I thinking and what have I gotten myself into???" because of some comments about the difficulty of it!
But then I remind myself that I am a mature adult with quite a bit of college under my belt and mature study habits so I'll do okay! Now if I can only convince myself of that! LOL!
I think it's great you are going to school. I'm in school too going for psychology. I know nursing is a difficult program but it will help that it is what you want to do in your heart, I think that goes along way.
Adena, IF you want it you will do it... Best of luck.
Luvn29 you'll get a kick out of this. Our first class that included a clinical, we signed agreements that we would allow each other to practice on us. We has to agree to be each others guinea pigs. Then I opened the clinical supply bag. I am sure you can imagine my horror at seeing the large enema bag, complete with large bore tubing, included in the supplies. You want to talk about wanting to get up and walk out. Much to my relief, we had to learn how to hold the bag, tubing and control the flow - into a bedpan. WHEW! Don't forget to enjoy yourself in class. When we were practicing bed baths on each other (with shorts and tanks) one of the older students (a cna from a LTC facility) kept on saying VERY loudly, "you're going to do what? You're going to put that where? Do you know what you're doing?) Our instructor was laughing so hard she was crying AND bent over a chair. But that does happen in the real world so she included it in class. It really brought the stress level down. Remember to breath, you're a good student, Use common sense. You'll do great.
Keep me posted. Since I am now doing my RN it's nice to chat with and encourage another nurse.
OMG (Oh my God)! You totally had me about ready to quit before I started with the beginning of your post! LOL! Definitely glad to see you didn't have to go THAT far with letting them practice on you! I have read to wear modest underclothes during clinicals for these reasons exactly!
And I hope you stick around because it will be great having something who has BTDT (been there done that) to encourage me and tell me YES you CAN do it!
Yes, Adena, you can do it. And clearly you have the support of your family, which is wonderful. You go, girl!
I definitely have the support of my wonderful family. Everyone is okay with waiting one year to move. Remember, my sister is already there waiting on us, and my mom and dad are moving with us. But we all feel this is the best decision especially with the economy like it is.
I just want to thank all of you. Everytime I start having doubts about all of this, I come to momsview and find that another person has posted reminding me that I CAN do this!
THANK YOU!!!!
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