Is nursing your first career?

tnrunningnurse

I want back to school at 38 to become a nurse, after working in office work, of all things accounting (BORING). Just wondering what path everyone took to their career in nursing.

321payne

I went back to school at 33 to become a nurse after the economy went bad and I had to close my used car lot. before that I was a machinist. and before that I was a drafter.

jdevrich

I went to college straight out of high school and majored in nursing. Been an RN since 2005.

mccarol1956

I did alot of everything in my life. I spent almost 14 years in the U.S. Army, I drove City Bus in Reno, Nv, I drove bus and was an EMT and Firefighter in Elko, Nevada at a Gold Mine, I worked in a Bank as a teller, as a telephone operator in a Casino, and as a waitress in a bar during my life. I went back to school in my late 30's to become an RN.

LJV1031

I've been in nursing for what seems like forever, (considering my age, lol). I did the nursing assistant program in HS, then went straight into the BSN program for college. I've been working at my current job since 2005.

BuffERRN

I have a BA in nursing and been at it for about three years on cardio and ER. It is my first "professional" career.

mhotch

It is my first and only career choice. If I had to do it all over again I would choose the same path. Except I wish I had gone back for my MSN before I had kids.

newfienurse66

After working as a waitress in high school I realized there had to be more out there, started right out of high school graduated in 1987 haven't looked back, have changed jobs a few times as hubby is military and we move often, but nursing is one of the most flexible jobs out there!

veromanag

Hey guys I'm just starting nursing school!!! I was a massage therapist while in college for education... Now back in school, long road ahead still.

trolkeeper

i was a mom for 7 years, went to school at age 30, graduated in 1988 and been a nurse ever since. Hoping to retire in 6 more years. (fingers crossed):laugh:

bperry83

i went to nursing school (BSN) straight out of HS and graduated in 2005. i've been a nurse ever since (except for 6 mos when my daughter was born).

Dare2Believe

I went to nursing school at the age of 41 due to the economy. Prior to that I was a massage therapist (still do that as well) and a CNA for 18 years.

debbieHOC

I drove a tractor trailer for a yr with my now ex husband, after getting pregnant went to college and became a computer programmer. Did that until I was in my mid 30's. tried the CNA thing to see if I wanted to be a nurse. Then became an LPN at 36 in 2000. So first it was cardiac, then ER ... now I work for hospice as a Crisis Care nurse. Someday I will break down and get my RN.

cvtwayne

I went into the Army in 1991 when I realized that I couldn't afford to go to college and become the chemist I wanted to be. So I did my time as a medic working in Newborn Nursery and NICU. I was a glorified nurses aide. While working in the NICU, I discovered that it was my calling to become a nurse. Once I did my four years, I let the GI Bill and Army college fund pay for nursing school (Associate's degree). While in nursing school, I worked at Sears and as a Security Guard. Once I got my LVN (first year of program), I worked nights in a Well Baby nursery while I finished my degree and License for RN. The rest is as they say, nursing history.

mdj1501

I had my appendix out when I was 32 weeks pregnant with my first child (almost 26 years ago). The nurses that took care of me made such a strong impression, I knew that is what I wanted to do with my life. It took me a few years but I dove in and have never regretted it. Graduated LPN in 1989 and RN 1994.

jess_blonde

Got a BA in forensic anthropology, struggled to find a job for a year and went back to study nursing. Been employed as an RN in a paediatric hospital for three months (best decision ever!)

jalara

I spent 13 years in the military before becoming a nurse

happyagain80

As an adult I worked in customer service, drove a forklift, and even sold perfume on the street for this so not legit company (dont ask lol). The job I had from 15-19 as a patient transporter in an acute care hospital was the job that I loved the most, and it paid me the least. Ever since then I knew that I wanted to get back to work in the hospital and life has come full circle: 3 kids and a husband later I will be a graduate nurse this fall!

tnrunningnurse

As an adult I worked in customer service, drove a forklift, and even sold perfume on the street for this so not legit company (dont ask lol). The job I had from 15-19 as a patient transporter in an acute care hospital was the job that I loved the most, and it paid me the least. Ever since then I knew that I wanted to get back to work in the hospital and life has come full circle: 3 kids and a husband later I will be a graduate nurse this fall!

Congrats on your graduation this fall. I so appreciate my life as a nurse because I did many things I did not enjoy just to support my family. If you enjoyed your job at a transporter you will so love nursing. feel free to add me as a friend.

Marti

lilblond5342

I became a nurse back in the 70's when it was nursing caps and white uniforms (yeah, I'm older...). I worked for several years in oncology, home health and hospital nursing. I now work home health again and really enjoy my job. This past spring I went back to college, online, to finish my BSN since my new job pays more according to educational status. :glasses:

Katmiller73

I've had other jobs, but my only career has been nursing.

beckibrown67

I recently graduated from a practical nursing program and currently am preparing for the NCLEX. I managed a land survey company for 19 years, which closed when the housing market went bust, and decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse at 43.

CassieReannan

No. I didnt really have a "career" as you call it, but worked for 2 years in retail after I graduated high school in 2009. I had no plans of going back to school and didnt obtain the entry to get it. I had to do a course to get in in 2011 and now I am almost finished my first year.

Sharlene113

I was so inspired with the birth of my 1st baby in 1996. I had the absolute best nurses taking care of us and knew then that this was what I wanted to do. As a single mom, I couldn't afford to do both at the time (school/work) so I continued doing what paid me well. I was in banking and finance for 10 years or so, underwriting commercial and residential loans. Loved my job, but it was only a job. When the housing market buckled, I lost my job. I was remarried and had the financial and emotional support to go back to school. My husband said, "What are you waiting for?" I had no answer, so finally after 16 years of wanting to be a nurse, I signed up for school. So, at 35 and after 6 kids, I will graduate with my RN in December!!!!