After a degree in a field I never wanted to pursue, I’m thinking of going back to college to do nursing – is it worth the risk?
Absolutely, says our elder. You have life experience in your favor.
Dear EWC
A few years ago, I graduated from college with a degree in garbage. I’ve struggled to find any job at all, let alone in that field. I didn’t even want to follow that path; I was pressured into it by friends and family. Ever since then I’ve been struggling, working 70 or more hours a week in the local factories. I can’t leave the area at least for a few more years and even when I do, I’m not qualified for any decent jobs. Recently I’ve thought about reattending college in order to become qualified for something I would enjoy that has a good job market. After much thought I decided I wanted to try nursing. However, it’s gonna take a lot of effort and money. I have to attend school for two consecutive semesters before I can apply to the nursing program which is very competitive and after all that time, effort and money, I might not even be able to make it in. So, my question basically boils down to is the chance at success worth this big of a risk of failure? Thank you very much for taking the time to look at this and responding with any advice. I really appreciate you and wish you all the best.
GrannyJ replies
Thank you for writing to EWC. I will begin by answering your question “is the chance at success worth this big of a risk of failure?” and my answer is a definite “yes”. Most fields related to healthcare will always provide job security because there will always be sick people, and many types of healthcare require trained and certified, or licensed, providers. Nurses can go anywhere in the country to work (provided they have attained licensure in the state where they work), and there are many areas of specialty a nurse can choose. Furthermore, there is the option for advanced practice for those that wish to acquire a Master’s degree, or beyond.
You do not necessarily have to have a B.S. degree to become an R.N. You can do just as well going to a community college and getting an Associate’s degree, or you could even look for a diploma program. I’m not sure if you have looked at all these options, but if not, it might open up some options you may not have considered. Keep in mind, though, if you ever have any intention of advancing your education later, it may require you to have a B.S.degree.
My suggestion is to look at all the options available to you and see which will help you reach your goal. Ask questions, talk to people (nurses, if possible) and get all the information you can, then sit down and make a plan. You might even consider going to meet with someone in admissions at various schools to get some guidance about the admissions process, requirements, tuition and so forth. Create a plan in which you set some goals for yourself, and then steadily begin working toward them
One thing in your favor is life experience. You have already attended college, have been working in your area of employment for a little while, and have gained some maturity. You will be much better equipped this time around than probably most of you fellow classmates who will be fresh out of high school. In fact, this might be the best time because you are still young and, I assume, unmarried and without children, mortgage payments, etc., and all the other obligations that people tend to acquire as time goes by.
Give my advice some thought, because I think if you really want this to happen, you can make it work. Good luck, and I wish you all the best!
Article #: 470092
Category: Career