IT career change to Healthcare

[IT_Guy2005]

I am a new college grad and work in IT and I regret ever going into this field. I feel I thre away 4 yrs of my life in college and I am thinking about Nursing or maybe something else in Healthcare.. I see that some schools offer RN (ADN) programs that take 2 years to complete. Well does anyone think this is the way to go. I work night shift now doing IT and my body is giving out on me and the ONLY pet peeve I would have about nursing is the possibility of having to work night shifts.

I am working on an MBA now, does anyone think I should not get an MBA and just try to get into a Nursing program? My MBA will be done by 2006 Summer and I plan to get into a program 2006 fall for nursing or related field . Is the MBA a waste?

[shav]

IT guy, I don't know if this will help, but these days it is very hard to get into a Nursing program. I have taken all required prerequisites but ended up on the wait list and have to reapply to next year's program due to the amount of applicants that have applied (i'm sure that wasn't of any consolation). But you mentioned you were a college grad, which means you've probably got most if not all of your general ed courses completed for most Nursing programs and probably makes your chances of getting in a lot easier. The reason why I say this is that some colleges have programs specifically for those who have graduated with a bachelor's degree. A friend of mine who had a Bachelors in Science just recently got accepted into an accellerated Nursing program. She of course had to take all of the required prereqs that she hadn't completed beforehand, but her chances of getting into that program were higher b/c many that apply aren't college grads. So I would definitely look into all of the local colleges in your area and inquire about what types of Nursing programs they offer.
And as far as flexibility goes, my Mom's been an RN for the past 20 years and has been able to choose her shifts. You can work days, nights or graveyard...once you're hired you have the option to change your schedules. But you do have to know that Nursing keeps you on your toes.
As for persuing your MBA, it depends on whether you think it may be useful to you some time in your life. In case you ever decide you needed to change course in your life, at least you know you've got something to fall back on. Plus you've got only a year left to complete it. The best of luck to you in your endevours.

[Little_Helper]

The MBA is definitely not a waste. Since you have a bachelors and will have a masters in another field, consider an accelerated RN program. These are designed for folks with degrees in other fields and lead to a nursing degree. They take about 16-18 months. You will likely work nights at some point in your career. There are benefits like not having any corporate suits around during the night shift


You can learn more about accelerated and other nursing programs at www.allnursingschools.com. Also take a look at www.discovernursing.com.Good luck!

[IT_Guy2005]

I work nights currently and I cant handle it. I work 7 days straight which are 69 hrs for me until I have a day off. I cant seem to get my body adjusted, any advice on how I can do so is acppretciated.

Yeah I see there is one accerlerated nursing program near me but the pre reqs are a lilttle different from other programs I looked into, for example I would have to take 1 yr of Chem as a pre req

I looked at both websites you have given me before

Thanks!!

[Little_Helper]

Working 7 days straight is awful for anyone, no matter if it is night shift or not! When I worked nights, what I found worked best for me was to go home and go to bed right away after work. When I tried to run errands or stay up and eat, then I couldn't go to sleep. I used black out shades and didn't eat until after I slept. Turned off the phone and shut all doors and windows. I slept 4-6 hours that way. I ate after I got up. If I was still tired, I would try and nap before heading out at night. That didn't always work well, as sometimes I ended up feeling worse. The other thing that worked well was to only sleep for 1-2 hours in the morning on my day off. That way I could also sleep at night on my off shifts, and still get something done during the day. I still use that strategy now when I travel, as I take lots of red eye flights.Many folks on nights cannot work long stretches, so you may want to see about trying to get a day off in the middle of your 7 days stretch. You may also want to post your question about sleep ideas at www.nursingworld.com, as many veteran night nurses can tell you how they do it. Hang in there!

[IT_Guy2005]

Thanks alot for the advice..I am just so miserable and Im a new college grad in my 20s and just feel depressed . I am wondering what I should tell my manager. I work 7 days and have 7 days off but I could care less about 7 days off bc working 7 days straight is just horrible


I tried everything to sleep in the day but I can only seem for about 2 hrs Max in the day

I am thinking about nursing but the possibility of working nights is what bothers me most bc I know I cant go through this
I feel liek giving up and quitting but I dont want to be classified as a job hopper and on top of that I am in a 1 yr lease, I been on my job for 5 months...and I feel strained already

[sedler9651]

IT Guy - Your mba is not a waste - Get it and Use it - There are several other directions in healthcare you can go. Hospital or Practice Administration - Ect...I would also suggest a 4 year RN degree in nursing is much better than a 2 year degree. With a 4 year RN degree you will be qualified for options as an RN. It may take you a while to get into a reputable nursing school.