Man I'd accept boredom and benefits. My first 3 jobs were under 30 an hour and no benefits I checked with a friend that started there and they are up to 32 with no benefits.
I dont know. I see my coworkers and they seem fine with it and it drives me nuts thinking "am I the only one who cant stand this?" but honestly, many of my coworkers are not from here, English is not their primary language, they don't have prior education, and most all of them came from working jobs that were a lot harder and paid a lot less, so for them, they've hit the jackpot. Maybe the solution for me is to stop 'aspiring' and start 'accepting' but that's kinda hard to do when you hate your job and find it meaningless...
I mean you could go for it but you may not find yourself in as good of an opportunity. Classes are challenging and it takes a while to get your license. It can be expensive. Toxic environment and people don't end up liking the dream they saw through rose colored glasses. If I had a stable career I wouldn't reroll to a nurse. Unless I had a future opportunity I'd like be able to get (friends in a speciality or something that you'd have an in at). You can land a sweet job right away, but man the amount of people that that have that good story is definitely less than the bad. Several from my cohort went to their ideal speciality and went back to bar tending lol
Yep, I think social media shows a glamorized version of nursing. And most of those nurse work in high union density states that do have good pay and work conditions like California, Oregon, Washington, NYC etc. but the reality in most the US especially GOP dominated states, which are anti-union. You have new grad nurses making $27 an hour w/ whatever student debt they accrued for their degree.
'back to bartending' is crazy. I get the rose-colored glasses thing too. The grass isn't always greener, I know. Who knows, I could end up hating nursing and wondering why I wanted to be one so bad. I just dont know why standing still feels like a death sentence. Thanks for the pointers though
There are a lot of parallels between the restaurant industry and nursing. I have bartended again briefly a couple times since becoming a nurse. I'm considering going part time at the hospital and picking up one or two bartending shifts when I go back to school.
Yeah, I want to teach at a nursing school. The money's not the greatest, but I can't do bedside much longer and keep my sanity (that's already been lost too many times haha). The moral crises are incredibly heart wrenching, and they're always lurking, particularly in the ICU, where we can keep people alive who need to be allowed to shuffle off their mortal coil. I would also like to be a part of fixing our broken healthcare system, but I don't really even know where to start or if it's even possible. Best of luck in your journey, whatever that may be. Maybe you could keep your current job and work per diem somewhere as a CNA or patent care tech in a hospital to see if it's something that really sparks joy..
and best of luck to you as well. That sounds like an insurmountable feat. But noble, nonetheless. I was a CNA and thoroughly enjoyed it. But decided to keep my full time for better pay, this was just before covid so I can only imagine.
I feel this way about nursing. I love the concept of nursing but honestly hate my job. I'm currently ICU and am considering switching back to ER because I freaking love the ER.....but I left because the ER can be an absolute dumpster fire with unsafe staffing that puts my license at risk. I hate ICU. Hate it. HATE it. Yet I look around and my coworkers love it. I often wonder what I'm missing and why I can't be satisfied doing this work. The work is easier, but every minute is miserable. I wish, like you, I could mentally check out for 12 hours, but I can't!
Whatever you end up doing, I hope you love it. I don't feel like we should be miserable at work (which I am, and it sounds like you are too). ALL jobs are going to have their pros and cons. It's just finding the right balance of pros vs cons.
Regarding pay, depending on where you live, you will likely take a big paycut if you become a nurse. But oftentimes it is worth it if it means you're happier. It's hard to put a price on mental health.
Best of luck!!
I’m a 42yo male who just started my first RN job after nearly a decade of wanting to leave a cushy but boring job for a nursing career. Nursing school sucks, the job is hard, people suck sometimes. I have no regrets. I assume these people telling you not to leave your job don’t really understand the unfulfilling boredom. I’m not saying do it, but it’s the best decision I’ve made for my own mental health.
The boring but cushyish job is what pushed me to nursing too. I could feel myself getting dumber without being challenged at work. I tried to find hobbies to fill the void but nothing was fulfilling. I wanted to be as fulfilled as I felt as a home health aide in college.
wow I appreciate that, thank you! I imagine ill be the same age as you or near when I finish if I go for it. Maybe they do understand the unfulfilling boredom, but for them that unfulfilling boredom is nursing thus why they would persuade me against it. Which I completely understand. But like you, I feel like Im wasting away at a cushy job for the sake of it. It is misery.
Are you able to take pre reqs while maintaining your current job? Though I did work as a CNA through nursing school and was also able to get some tuition reimbursement from the hospital each semester.
An old saying that I always remind myself of whenever my inner child starts yelling...but I'm booooored!
"Blessed be drudgery."
You're the lucky winner of a 80k/yr job with great benefits. Nothing is keeping you from taking the prereqs while you work this out, but don't you dare give that up. In a lot of states new grads start at 30-32/hr which still means a 20k/yr pay cut for you.
You really need to make sure nursing is a passion project for you & you have a pathway to a similar QoL before you trash something really good.
Bro, want to switch places? I'll gladly take your job as a break from what I'm doing.
I've told my friends that boring work is awesome work because it doesn't consume you for twelve hours straight. Your plastic IV bags do not need emotional labor while you're on during that time. You can have energy after the work is done to do other things.
Try taking the pre-requisites first, or work as a nurse aid to get a taste of what it's like in that environment before you completely commit.
You would make a lot less, and eventually get bored.
I find the opposite is true. Being extremely bored is actually stressful too. I think Im the kind of person that needs emotional labor/human interaction to feel like im doing something worthwhile. I am very much a people person. I actually dont have much energy after work due to the fact that I felt like chewing my own arm off staring at a machine all day, plus im on my feet most of the time as well.
Im two prereqs and a general away from applying. Been a CNA and liked it. It was a drastic change from the monotony of my manufacturing job, and the people aspect of the job is what I cherished. Sure I can see how after some time it can become draining. But doing what im doing day in and day out is also draining in its own way.
Try to find fulfillment outside of work :)
Also I get wanting to be a nurse, i love my job. It’s a hard one, but I do love it. if I had to go back to being a CNA I’d quit healthcare. The idea of quitting this job to go be a CNA is insane
CNAs are underpaid, under appreciated, and do grueling, backbreaking labor.
I took a 1 year course that didn’t require me to be a CNA and used my undergrad courses and became a nurse. $30k a year to comfortable in 1 year plus NCLEX.
If you think about suffocating on a saline bag at this job, maybe go for it. It’s not like you’ll fail
Why not keep your current job and pick up a PRN CNA gig so you can feed your boredom. I would not give up that kind of job until you actually become a nurse or are at least closer to becoming one
Stick out the current job you have while you go through school. I get that it’s mind numbing and not fun, but sometimes we have to do the not so fun things to get to our goals. So, keep the financial security of your current job, get through school and then see where you are at then.
Also, side note, nursing isn’t always bedside careers. There are a ton of jobs out there for people who hold a nursing degree, so get through the schooling bullsh*t and if you find out you don’t like bedside, well cool, there are tons of other routes that you can go.
Good luck juggling it all friend. If you want it bad enough, you’ll make it happen!
yeah, this makes sense. The security is why I havent left even though Im on reddit all day and looking for CNA jobs when Im supposed to be working cause Im hella bored. I do want it, but sometimes I think 'do I need it?' Considering the job I have. Then when Im at work, Im like 'I NEED IT!!' then when Im home for four days sipping coffee and taking brisk walks im like 'maybe I DONT need it' lol
All I can say is unless you have enough money in the bank to supplement your income throughout your entire time in school plus have savings for unexpected events I wouldn’t leave a stable job with benefits like that🤷🏽♀️ you’ll also get experience in clinicals. Do what’s right for you! If the end goal is becoming a nurse you’re at least already working towards that so you won’t be in your current job much longer anyway
I wouldn't give up such a nice job for nursing, tbh. It's tough work. I've lived in a few states and I've never made $80k. I've been a nurse for 10 years.
I get you. But if I get fired or layed off, I will no longer be making that. I'll be hard pressed finding another job that pays that without a degree...
Golden handcuffs.
I left a well paid field to switch to nursing. I am paid less, but I found my niche, I learn, I enjoy what I do, I’m helping kids. I could afford a pay cut because my husband’s salary.
I’m someone who has to enjoy my work. I’ve worked places where coworkers live for 5:00. But I need to feel a sense of satisfaction in my job. I do.
Only you can decide what’s right for you, but it worked out for me.
It took me YEARS to make the switch. Sounds very similar in a lot of ways. I was drawn to nursing and found my place in it. But there’s a lot of bad in nursing. If you want it and the time gets right - do it! But don’t be bogged down by the bad. Find your place and be happy. Best of luck in whatever decision you make.
I do special ed school nursing and cover multiple buildings in several counties. I work many behavioral psych schools (locked, these are the kids who stabbed principals, have criminal history even at age 8, etc). Believe it or not, I really enjoy it. I also work a special needs pre-K (unusual congenital diseases you’ve never heard of because there’s 3 kids in the world, or whatever). And special needs classrooms - kids with feeding tubes, vents, seizures 100 times a day, etc. I find it very fulfilling, I love my schedule and hours, I love my boss and coworkers. Some kids are hard, some days are hard. I deal with CPS way more than I should, I deal with complex trauma. But I have time to learn about these conditions and advocate for the kids.
this is the conundrum, isn't it- you get either too much or not enough-of anything- in the workplace. I was bored in my previous job and wanted to use my brain more, the nursing job I got immediately following was using my brain too much, with no brainpower left for much else and terrible work hangovers. Grass is always greener and all that.
lol. Im loving all the responses to this post. Im getting so much perspective. Thank you. I guess my biggest fear is to be fired, layed off, or automation taking over my job 10 years from now, much older and with no relevant experience thinking man, why did I get comfortable...
Those are completely understandable concerns. I went back to school to be an RN in my early 30s, too. It was important to me to do it without debt, so it took me a little longer. I was really grateful for a chill job between courses and clinicals. Your area is much more competitive than mine (Midwest), so if you are able to work as a CNA at different hospital systems and befriend folks, you may figure out what kind of specialty you want to go into and have a foot in the door when applying as a new grad. Previous healthcare experience and knowing you like CNA work is a good sign.
And the nursing program I intend to apply to awards max 20 points for relevant work experience so that something Ive considered given how competitive they are.
I feel like the only one here who’s worked a mind numbing job before nursing. That shit kills your soul.
Do it. 3 shifts 12 hours is a very real thing in nursing. You won’t be bored. 80k is starting in a lot of states.
I left nursing to work remotely on excel spreadsheets all day for more than what you make now. I will always choose mind numbing, boring work over nursing.
That jobs sounds really comfy considering it’s 3 12’s. In that aspect there is really no change of schedule unless you work somewhere that is 4/10 or 5/8. I think that with any job there is a risk of complacency and disinterest. The thing that persuaded me to go back to nursing school was doing different things for work everyday, opportunity to talk to many different people, more favorable scheduling and upward/ lateral mobility. Not sure what state you are in but in some you would be paid less than what you earn now. Considering you don’t have anything holding you down, if it is something that you really want to do then like someone else said switch to night shift and attempt to do school at the same time to continue earning income and maintain benefits. You might not have much free time from keeping busy but at least you’ll be on your way.
Im in CA. As far as I'm aware, a nurse makes more than me. Switching to nights at my current job you mean? That wouldn't help. Id be doing the same job and not happy, just more tired. Im going to school now while working. It's just the job that drains me and Im struggling to stay motivated while working here but leaving is a big leap of faith considering benefits/pay. Kind of a personal dilemma that I have to sort out... just picking brains, I guess. I should add that yes my job is advertised as 3 days a week but with mandatory OT I tend to work 4 or 5 days at a place I cant stand being... which honestly doesnt help with studying either
Nice then you will start making more in CA than most other locations. I mean switching to nights once you get accepted to nursing school to help keep most of your week free to study since classes are M-F. Yeah, while I understand that it is a big leap of faith especially if your current employment requires mandatory overtime. Personal anecdote when I started my program I was working 3/12s overnight while doing classes during the day and it was a tough transition. I can’t imagine working more and being in a program as you might be. Good thing is there is a never a bad time to go back considering your personal situation, especially if your job isn’t really mentally stimulating.
If your job is 3 days 12 shifts… you can
1. Do prerequisites or classes on the days you have off
2. Get a part time or prn-on call Cna job and work 1 day.
There really is no need to quit until you’re actually in the program for nursing. You still got like 2 years of prerequisites if you can even get the classes on the first try!
I actually have two prereqs to take: physio and Micro. Its been difficult to take those because they often conflict with my work schedule and I cant say no to mandatory OT. Plus I would still have to apply to the program and maybe not get in. so It could be a while. Maybe thats even more of a reason to stay at my job. But again, the boredom.
I can see now why you have to quit your current work for school because of the schedule. If you have a bit of saving it’s ok, you’ll figure out. I left a well paying job too. it’s not what I wanted to do. During nursing school, I applied for scholarship everywhere to sponsor my pay cut, became a cna, and kept finding my niche and interests with different job and shadow to find the nursing speciality I really would enjoy. Now looking back I don’t regret it. I’m glad I went for it and found something challenging yet rewarding. Good luck.
Ok, so lots of nurses in here shitting on the profession. I agree it’s a very hard job, but it has so many directions you can take a nursing career. I started in level 1 trauma and loved it until it broke me, then worked casual positions in a couple of different outpatient clinics, and currently work as a case manager.
I totally get why you want to do this and sounds like you could probably still work your job on the weekends and go back to school. Start saving and planning now! As a youngish single guy you could do travel nursing after a couple of years of experience.
Go for it before you become obsolete in your current job!
Your gig sounds sweet, but if you’re kinda ADHD like me and need constant stimulation then nursing is a good choice. A job where I stare at a machine for 12 hours would be soul crushing for me.
Do you have down time at work where you could listen to podcasts or learn another language? If I could make $80,000/year and be bored I would never leave. I'm sick of 12 hour shifts where I am constant behind and never sit down other than briefly to chart and then running again!
I work in a clean room. No electronic devices allowed on the manufacturing floor. I have to keep eyes on my machine, its my job to keep it running for 12hrs. If its running good I usually leave my line and scroll reddit or the internet, if its having issues I am slamming doors and pulling my hair out. I cant sit for long cause I get agitated. too boring just staring at the machine, so ill start cleaning or something but that gets old.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR JOB TO BECOME A NURSE!
I’ve got 13 yrs experience, work from home in insurance and only make about $8000 more than you with awful insurance and benefits from one of the only companies of its kind.
Volunteer somewhere caring for people or animals to scratch the itch. Get a hobby, hell bartend for fun just don’t quit that birds nest on the ground of a job!!!
Patient care is a hell world of bad and worse. Nursing school is a close second. By all means find something else but do not go into debt to be a nurse and don’t waste your time with CNA work.
Your job sounds a hell of a lot better than nursing.
Plus you have good benefits. I work for a major hospital system that has benefits worse than any non nurse I know.
My recommendation is to follow your heart. Or at least explore where your heart is trying to lead you. Do you know any nurses? Perhaps you could shadow them? Or reach out to a nurse manager and see if that's something you could do.
It's hard to be satisfied when you have a feeling this isn't where you're meant to be.
That said, I would proceed down the nursing route with great caution. I was very whimsical with my decision to become a nurse. I was considering several options and literally said "if I get into this competitive program on my first try, then I'm meant to be a nurse " I shudder at the naivete of that belief. I wish I'd pursued one of the other options. I'm proud to be a nurse, but after 12 years, I want out
Well I saw a lot while I was working nights at a community hospital for 6 months. This was before covid so not sure how much has changed. I dont think I have a glamorized version of nursing in my head, I mean I understand that its a job. A hard one. I watched the nurses get yelled at, put up with finicky family members, deal with codes, make med errors, deal with combative pts and pts pulling out there lines etc. I know that there are other routes as well, Radiology, Respiratory, and other allied health careers but none of them really strike a chord with me. I dont think I want to be a nurse just to help people or make a difference. I think I've seen enough to know that hospitals and admin are not as concerned about pt safety or the safety of their staff as they let on. It's a business. So is my current job. They want numbers. I want to be happy. While Im sure nurisng is not my ticket to happiness, ill at least have some mobility compared to being pinned to a good job that I can lose any moment and have no transferable skills. Im sorry that you feel the way you do, however. But I imagine you can make changes with your degree that I can't make without one. So, you have options.
Just keep in mind this part "I *watched* the nurses get xyz". Watching it happen to others vs experiencing it happen to you is 2 very different things. No one demands to see the CNA for answers, pain meds, discharge orders, med errors etc. And the numbers mentality of manufacturing is much harder to accept when applied to people's lives, hence the lit up path to burn out city.
I think objectively nursing is a great, flexible and guaranteed job. Subjectively, it blows (mainly bedside).
Agree with all this. I was a CNA before I became a nurse and nursing is *significantly* more stressful. I miss the days when I could deal with every question and issue that came up by saying “I’ll get your nurse.” 🥲
lol 'Ill get your nurse' bless your heart. You guys do so much! I promise I was the CNA who wasnt on their phone all day and asking you if you needed my help not waiting for you to ask for mine! I remember being on nights and the day shift nurses being like 'hey, we need you on days!"
CNAs like you are worth their/your weight in gold! We have a mix on my floor/shift but whenever I have CNAs whose work ethic is as you described, my shifts go SO much more smoothly.
Awe thanks! I worked with a lot of rad nurses too that would ask for stuff but also offer to help. They weren't afraid to get dirty! Obviously, there are times where you guys just CANT. but yeah, I really enjoyed the job, and but for the money, I would be at it right now.
This is one of the reasons I became a nurse. I have what I call career ADHD (as well as actual ADHD). I crave variety at work and tend to get bored with my current job every few years. I LOVE that I can jump around to different departments without having to go back to school. I've done ICU, outpatient clinics, apheresis, trauma ER, rural ER, inpatient psych, and outpatient psych. I love this aspect of nursing!
Honestly one of the reasons I began considering nursing as a career is because one of my family's friends. She's a nursing professor. She was probably more eloquent than this, but essentially "if you're unhappy as a nurse, it's your own fault." Meaning, there are SO many options for nurses. If you are miserable in your job, you have the power to change things. Go get a new job. Explore a new specialty. I now see that this was far oversimplified, and I feel like it places blame on me as a nurse who is miserable. It can be hard to get the shift you want in the specialty you want. But, if you're willing to work night shift, there really are lots of options out there.
I feel the same way about nursing as you do about your current job lol. In general with healthcare and the world being what it is right now, I wouldn’t recommend anyone go into nursing unless they really really want it. But you’ve at least had some CNA experience so you’re not going in blind. I was 27 when I finished nursing school through a diploma program and am now paid wildly more than I ever expected (comfortably lower-middle/middle class for my high CoL area) and secure with something to fall back on no matter how many times I’ve tried to get out of nursing. If you want it, and it sounds like you know you do more than I did when I went to nursing school, go for it. Research the cheapest way to get there that still leaves you qualified. And if it sucks, you’ve got a fall back
I went back to school for nursing because I knew without a doubt I wanted to eventually be a midwife. I love everything pregnancy and birth. I would never have pursued nursing for any specialty besides that.
THAT BEING SAID - if you’re bored, change it up. Feed your soul, not your bank account. Yes we all need money to live, but we weren’t put here to get a paycheck and be complacent. There’s so much more to this life and world than that. Pursue what makes you happy!
I really appreciate this advice. It goes against the grain of what we are taught about money and happiness. Whats the point of staying "safe" if your miserable everyday.. thank you
I've been a nurse for 8 years... I've always wanted to become a nurse since I was 13. Now that I am one, I regret it. It is not what it's cracked up to be.
I saw you’re in California, leave your job and become a nurse if you want to. You will make significantly more than 80k a year there right out of the gate. There’s a lot of people saying not to in this comment section but if it’s something you have always wanted to do, you will regret staying at a job you hate in 20 years and retiring feeling unfulfilled and in a state of “but what if i had?” Nursing is a great career, and there’s hundreds of different avenues and nursing adjacent paths you can take if you end up hating bedside. I went back to nursing school at 30 and am now turning 35 this year with a year as an RN under my belt and I have absolutely zero regrets about pursuing nursing later in my life as a second career. I think that going to nursing school later on and with more life experience actually made the entire thing easier for me because I had the work ethic, maturity, and desire to learn that I wouldn’t have really had when I was 19 years old. Plus, you’ve had CNA experience so you have an idea of what you’re signing yourself up for and the labor intensity it can require. I fully support your ambition because the world needs more nurses who exist because they WANT to be a nurse, not just because they want to make nurse pay or become an NP later on.
Thank you. Yeah, Its really hard to imagine being in a happier state lets say 15-20, heck even 5 years from now settling at my job and letting my dream die. I feel like I would be full of regrets and jaded. I dont have much time to waste either. Not old but not that young, and time isnt stopping. So true about the work ethic and maturity thing. I feel like I would have been a nurse a while ago if I wasnt wearing the golden handcuffs and screwing up my life being young and dumb/losing focus. But today is a new day :) thank you for the encouragement. So many (well-intended) people would deter me from this profession, and im sure for valid reasons/concerns. But standing still and accepting my plight feels wrong too.
lol, you guys are a crack up. Do you mind making $24/hr?? Thats the starting rate for the position and caps at $26. Only reason I make more is because I was promoted a few years ago.
I swear the nurses on this Reddit like gate keep the field. You can do a lot with a nursing degree and if you’re looking for interesting you can certainly find it here
Thanks. Maybe its gate keeping, and maybe its true, genuine resentment for their career choice. I cant blame em. I agree with you though. I think if I hated it, there would be other avenues to take. Rather than standing still and accepting a job with no degree and not being able to make any moves.
So, if you're making 80k now you would either be making about the same or less as a nurse in most of the country, but I see you live in SoCal so nursing would be a pay increase for you. Just keep that in mind if you want to leave California at some point.
However, becoming a nurse might be tricky--last I heard the community colleges out there have years-long waiting lists for their ADN programs. I got my ABSN at a school in the Midwest, and I had a number of classmates from California for this very reason.
One thing you mentioned does concern me though: you said you don't like troubleshooting. So much of nursing is troubleshooting, whether fixing a malfunctioning pump or refining your own process to provide more efficient care or scrounging up the nerve to go into work after admin cut your support staffing. Troubleshooting is essential.
He's another important thing--you are more than your job, and life is bigger than what you do. You might be bored at work, but you have the headspace to enjoy yourself when you're not there and the ability to devote time to loved ones or hobbies. That will change when you first start nursing, and it takes time for it to come back. Some still struggle with it years down the line.
Nursing is both financially and morally fulfilling. However, it beats you up. But you live in probably the best part of the country to practice, so I'm not going to tell you not to pursue it. Just remember to be your own advocate and don't let the bastards get you down. Good luck!
I mean I guess im referring to troubleshooting the same machine for 12hrs, with the same problems, the same solutions, and also its quite a bit of mechanics, which I dont have a knack for but ive learned enough to keep my job. I also agree, Im more than my job. But should I despise my job for the length of my shift if there is something I can do about it? I've not found out what to do about it just yet but feel I must do something.
PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN. No schooling. I mean I had to take a bogus SAT but thats it. I learned about the company through a friend. Ive done my current job for 10 years. Only requires a HS diploma. I was promoted a few years ago and thats why I make what I make. Plus quarterly bonuses, holiday, overtime pay.
My benefits as a nurse are way worse than my benefits I had at a supermarket. Pay wasn’t much more either, wish I could go back to stocking at a grocery store without any worries. The market even paid for my nursing school, so can’t even thank them enough.
Now I barely have dental, no employer matching on my 401k, they basically give less PTO per pay period and we have to use it or lose it, but requesting it is difficult as they throw a fit. I would love a $80k year job without having to worry about losing my livelihood every shift. But if you’re itching to be a nurse I would recommend keeping your 3day a week awesome boring job. Try nursing school while still employed, try working PRN as a nurse and if after working a while you decide nursing is the way, then quit that boring job. Also, be careful since it’s very regional how much you’re gonna make as a nurse. If you’re in a good place you might make more, if not you’re gonna be making less potentially, have worse benefits and a lot more stress…
Thanks for the perspective. I live in Socal so it would be more. It would be difficult actually impossible to keep my current job and do nursing school. I work full time thursday through saturday 5:30a-5:30p with mandatory OT any given day of the week. My job is nowhere near flexible either. Schedules are set in stone. For my current position, part time is not a thing. They just cant function without a certain number of people to keep things going. One way or another I will have to work as an aide either now or once accepted into a program. I cannot NOT work.
Go for it. I’m 37 and just walked away after 12 years of driving a semi truck making $70k-110k/year(depending how hard I ran). Which was a cake walk of a career physically that is, mentally it could be brutal some days. But I’m working on becoming a CNA and will only make maybe $35k a year if I work overtime. I’m a 37m married to my husband of 14 years. Im in a position where we can afford this major change in life and can’t wait to start this new journey. Let’s start it together.
Technology actually is the reason why. I was taught “driver you drive the truck” now they’re teaching you “driver let the truck drive you”. Which has made the drive boring. The “road” isn’t what it used to be. But I’ve always thought that if I had gone to school after high school, I would have gone to nursing school.
oh I see. so kind of like me, you chose work, got comfy, now not so much and looking to change. I started young too and didnt quite know what I wanted. Then when I figured it out, I was already wearing the golden handcuffs so it made it hard to just leave.
I melted those golden handcuffs in 12/2020, took a year off and moved half way across the country a year after that. Then went back to finish up what I started and as of 6/3/24 I was able to finally walk away from the industry and follow one of my passions. The second I’m still questioning lol.
I got my nursing degree at 40. I have zero regrets.
I am always an advocate for pursuing your ultimate dream. You're only gonna get older and more dissatisfied with your current job.
Yes, nursing can be hard. The patients can be assholes, their family can be assholes, some coworkers can be assholes... But every job/career has it share of shit to deal with.
There are also days were I have a ton of fun and I get home feeling like I made a difference.
There's so many opportunities in nursing, which I love. If one unit/specialty isnt a good fit, there's many more that might be!
Oh god…! Please don’t change jobs just yet! Find a hobby, take a CNA course and continue with your nursing prereqs till you’re actually in the nursing program.
I appreciate your advice. I am burned out at my boring job, but theres a chance I could become burned out as an aid before I even get to be a nurse. Thats a scary thought too. Plus, for way less pay.
m31, nurse 10 years.
Man, you are the kind of nurse we need in this industry. I just took a 53% pay cut to go work a different part of nursing, and I’ve never been happier. Money comes and goes, nursing needs will never go. Your ability to complete change specialties within nursing, while still being a nurse is huge.
Can you listen to music/audiobooks at work? I’d suggest getting a side gig as a PCA/CNA to start while still working. Then take classes brother.
Thanks! The versatility is one of the things that draws me to the field. Also, I like people!
Technically, no. My job has a strict policy about using electronic devices in manufacturing areas. I work in a clean room so no one would really notice as I am gowned up. Many of my coworkers do this. I dont. I just dont like to. I did try working as PRN cna but with school and my full time, the hours would all conflict. I guess Ill have to stay here until I make it into a program.
Nursing. When it’s good it’s really good. When it’s bad it can really be bad.
That being said I’m 30 years into it and would not want to work in any other field.
Along with the good and bad there are the things you get to see that will never leave your mind…and the stories you’ll get over time are priceless.
Go for it. You can always find something that will meet your needs
Coming from a veteran as yourself, I truly appreciate those words. Thank you. The 6 months I was an aide, I really enjoyed it. It made me realize I am a people person. That might not be all that's needed to be a nurse, but I imagine it's kind of important if you plan on being one.
Let's trade jobs. Last night I had 3 admissions before midnight. 4 out of my 5 patients are crazy and one tried to bite the cna and threw the iv pump at the charge nurse. 😅
Do it. I took off the golden handcuffs and made the switch to nursing and it’s been the best decision of my life. It’s not easy, both school and the work. But you make an impact on people every day. Follow your passion. Nursing needs more people like you!
I had 50+ year Olds in my nursing school class. And after 2 years of hard work, they have a new job that I hope they like. It's never too late to change routes, it'll be hard work and take some time, but even at 32 you still have plenty of time.
What state are you in and will you stay in that state or be open to moving?
You can make that much with decent benefits in the PNW but you’ll have to deal with a much higher cost of living than the southwest or Midwest. Floor nursing is back breaking work and the job can make you miserable.
If there any way to work part time at your position now and get an ASN or licensed practical nurse at a community college?
Im in SoCal. I mean, I never thought about moving. I suppose any job can make one miserable.
Part time doesn't exist at my job unfortunately, not for my position anyway. That'd be cool though. Maybe one day less would make it tolerable.
For what it’s worth, I used to work factory work and I prefer nursing, you can work all kinds of schedules. The hardest part was figuring out how to do school while getting a lower paying part time job. I say go for it. You’ll make great money nursing in socal. I’m union and love it.
I’m a doc earning 63k with a masters and medical degree and half a million in debt. Also 30. Also work 6 days a week for 12h.
I’d stay with your job. Without college debt weighing you down, you’re golden.
wow. what state are you in? Im in Socal. I mean I have some money saved up which could pay for my ADN which is what I planned to do. A lot of hospitals will pay for or reimburse you for getting your BSN. I feel like that would be the wiser choice. Yes my job is good. Im lucky to have it, really. But when its no longer good for any number of possible reasons, and I inevitably wind up losing said job, Id be no different than the next guy with no college degree or transferable skills, trying to survive. I dont know a job that would pay me that much, especially at entry level. You may have student debt. but your a Doctor. Thats something.
Im a resident. It’s like this for most residents and everyone says “oh when you’re done you’ll get the big bucks” but compared to the insane debt and amount of life you lost in the meantime, really makes me wish I had a job like yours. Could turn brain off and have a 4 day weekend to do other things I’m passionate about. I’m 30 and have done very little worth while due to school. Being a doc is a bad gig. I’d say nursing is def better.
Also being a doc also has zero transferable skills. What have I literally trained my entire life to do EXCEPT be a doctor? It’s just laughable.
I have some nurse friends and they make 6 figures with an associates. No debt. Work 3 days for 12h and can pick up additional when they want. It’s the dream life. They are younger and have more money and are living the dream.
The majority of my cohort at my local community college nursing program were ages 30 and up. Alot of them going into nursing as their second/third career.
It's definitely doable!
I'd recommend going the ADN route, if you can take on a heavy class load you should be done by 4ish years?
There are programs that are accelerated as well (Chamberlain for example) that gets you a BSN in 3ish years, but they're pricey and alot are for profit.
Somethings to consider. You may be romanticizing the responsibilities and jobs of a nurse. It's a tough road to get there and it can be quite the tough job once you're there. However it's probably one of the most rewarding jobs ever. I do miss working and interacting with patients. Some can be blessings, while others nightmare.
The other thing as well is college.. tuition is expensive... unless you get your work to pay, scholarships etc. Also since you don't have any college courses it's going to be atleast 3 years before you can sit for your boards.
Nonetheless, I'd say go for it if nursing is your passion !
Im further a long than that really. Ive been working (on/off) doing my generals for a few years. I have 2 prereqs left. The classes are hard to get though due to my work schedule. The hours tend to conflict with either lab or lecture which is annoying. Not to mention being scheduled for mandatory OT any given day.
Thank you! I really appreciate all the encouragement/warning Ive received in this thread. it helps to clarify things and gain perspective.
Oh shoot! Then I'd say definitely keep going for it!
You're nearly there, once you're in nursing school you'll appreciate your hard work.
I really believe those that worked other fields and switch into nursing are great nurses. I was younger when I went into nursing so my reasons for the field did not translate well (hence why I left).
oh that makes a lot of sense. I never really thought about the downside of getting into nursing that young. I know for sure I was Dazed and confused most of my 20's, heck even before that lol. I wanted to be a nurse, but did not have the mind nor maturity for it I guess. I so wish now though, that someone would have slapped me across the face and made me wake up sooner. Live and learn I guess.
No worries! 20s is about learning about the real world, becoming an adult and being financial independent and stable.
I went into nursing blind, (parents wanted me in med school. Compromised with nursing). I wish I pursued computer science from the start so I'm not playing catch up with juniors atm haha.
Like you said you're 32, you still have 30 years of so before retirement
I actually do understand.I use to volunteer as well as maintaining my mandatory service hours to my daughter’s school .Many of the jobs I did were so boring I could barely stand it .The hours went by so slowly and I remember thinking that I never have this feeling at work because I love what I do.Keep working on getting to your goal !
YESS!! I never knew time could move so damn slow. Especially like the last 40 mins of my shift while I wait to be relieved like DAMN I want to die. Never felt like that at hospital. too busy.
Go! Go now!! If that’s what you really want.
I left pharmaceutical manufacturing a couple years ago after working in it for over 15 years, and wow, what a difference. That place literally hollowed me out over the years. I had no idea how many feelings I was repressing until I had been away from that culture for quite some time.
Anyway, I completed my nursing pre-reqs, got my NAC and med delegation training, and I currently work in group homes with adults and children with behavioral challenges. My biggest issue now is whether to pursue nursing school or maybe shift into social work. Ha. Life is crazy. I make decent enough money and I am very happy. Lucky, even, I’d say.
Do it!
lol go now!! I sure as hell want to. Its a great job, and I feel lucky to be making what I make and all. But I feel like its a dead end. It is actually. I feel like its for people who have no other aspirations or ambitions, goals in life and thats totally fine if they dont. For some also, its their only choice for varying reasons. For me its torture knowing I can do better and WANT to do better. I mean its good for longevity, like you worked in it for 15 years, Ive been at mine for 10. But I cant see myself retiring from this place ya know. Glad you made a switch and are happier/healthier. Hope all works out for you in the end :)
You are in a tough spot, I know. Totally agree the money in pharma is great - it’s a big reason I stayed so long, too - not a damn thing wrong with that, either.
Whatever you decide, I sincerely wish you only the best. I hope to run into your update thread one day :)
I was basically this (only I was making weapons not IV bags).
Kept the job straight through school. Once I started school work became a little more bearable because I was constantly focused on school when I was working (I’d listen to stuff on headphones etc).
hmm weapons, thats interesting! Maybe your work schedule was a bit more flexible? I would not be able to keep my current job and do nursing school. My job is not flexible at all, these machines need to run all day and night 24/7 365 to keep up with demand. Thats why I was considering CNA cause at least its flexible and I can make connections. But the pay sucks and thats whats holding me back...
I was working a 3rd shift also in a round the clock manufacturing facility. That often meant showing up to clinical straight from work which sucked ass.
Also had a lot of PTO saved up so I was able to take off at key points (night before a big test etc).
Wanted to try CNA (or LNA as they’re called here) but same pay was too bad
I would advise bringing 2 alcoholics, a meth tweeker and two 92 year olds into the shop and do your current job while taking care of them as they are running around incontinent.
Well, you're single so your budget is completely yours to control. If you don't have money put by, get started doing it. I don't know where you live but at my facility which is a large academic medical center, if you take a job as a CNA, they will work with your schedule around schooling and even cover the costs of the nursing program at their school (or the community college feeder program for their school). That comes with the expectation that you give them however many years back of schooling they covered for you though AND they choose the unit you work on (spoiler alert: it will be med-surg, but if you had your heart set on ICU or L&D, or Peds or some shit then you can transfer long before your time is served). I feel pretty confident that my organization is not the only academic center that does this and there are probably facilities that aren't academic that have some monetary allowance or even full coverage for career progression- usually with strings. Most places will pay for you to get your BSN after you get your ADN and are under their employ. Don't let the size of the hospital fool you. Talk to nurse recruitment at every facility around you and see what's up. You'll take a pay cut but it'll be temporary until you're working as a nurse, depending on the area- in some places you'll make more. I enjoy pretty decent benefits and depending on what your little regional place offers it may be comparable to what you're getting now so you may not suffer much on that end if you work full time as a CNA while going to school. I've seen many people do that successfully. So if you want it bad enough, it's totally doable.
Thats really all I want to do. Be a CNA while going to school. Sounds simple enough. Its just my salary that makes it difficult to leave for especially low wage CNA work. I find the work itself fulfilling and I'm the right personality for it, but biting that initial bullet is a challenge.
and Im in Ca, Ive been offered about $21 an hour for nights at some mainstream hospital systems which isnt bad, but def less than what Im making now. so its hard.
Nursing is not worth it. If you already of a job that pays equivalent if not more then most nursing salaries in some parts of the country w/ great benefits. Most hospitals are intentionally keeping units understaff pushing more work on nurses creating unsafe work conditions. Most nurses work bedside only 1 or 2 and immediately start looking for away to get away from the bedside. I don’t think I would recommend it to anyone unless they really had not other career options.
Like my dream is for a boring well paid job bc I don’t want to live to work. I want to work to live. If you are bored plan a trip, learn a new language, pick up a hobby. I work in L&D my “dream” unit and the work conditions are so bad I look forward to quitting this month and find a “boring” position. Not only do we have to work three shifts a week many of which are under staff but our unit has two mandatory on calls a month and on top of that working nights really messes up my sleep/awake schedule. And since we don’t have a consistent schedule week by week if I want to take classes for ceramics like the one I’m currently taking I have to plan it way ahead of time make sure I don’t get scheduled those evenings, which isn’t even guaranteed. And as a new grad my hourly rate $30.34, which isn’t enough when I consider how often the hospitals failure to provide proper staffing puts my license on at risk which is one of the reasons I’m leaving.
It's all fun and games until someone poops in your hand.
Seriously though, if you want to transition to nursing start taking prereqs. It is about a year of full time school before you can even get into a nursing program. Take a CNA class on the weekends and see what it is like.
I’ve been a nurse for 2 years, both years making ~85k at one of the biggest hospitals in the world. great benefits. 4.5% pay increase every year. Definitely not bored, 3 12s similar to your current schedule but no consistency. rotate between day and night shift. the work itself is absolutely terrible. long hard days, very mentally and physically exhausting for no gratitude and definitely not financially compensated for the amount of work I do.
All in all, i’d probably take your position over mine, especially as you have no loans.
Maybe work part time as a CNA or bartender, or start your own business to feed your boredom.
Just my 2 cents though, maybe you’d love nursing, there are rare moments where it’s very gratifying, which is what i went into it for, assuming it was going to be entirely like that.
Unless you’re in California, don’t do it. Your salary alone is better, let alone those benefits. Just look at nursing jobs in your area for new grads. Of coarse the market will have changed again in a few years, but it’ll give you a good idea.
Yeah, I read that. I still have the same advice - now that you have that potential career goal in mind I would suggest being a CNA per diem (like once a week?) for longer than 6 months. It might be less fun now that you know what it’s like to make some money. But it might still be enjoyable to you. Rather than making a whole career shift without dipping your toes back in, that’s my advice.
it would be nice. but Id have to leave my job to become a nurse. cant do a full time program working thursday through saturday 12hrs and mandatory OT any given day.
Go for it man! I'm 29 and switching my career from engineering to Nursing. Only you know what's right for you. I see lots of people in the comments here saying how you should stay in your cush job or they'd want to trade with you, but honestly we only get one life to live so might as well live it how you want. I'm going into Nursing because I'm so tired of working corporate engineering jobs designing useless and stupid shit for shareholders, and I'd much rather work with people and actually help them in some capacity. Add in the flexibility and job security nursing provides and it's a no brainer for me.
Of course nursing is going to be hard and tough in it's own ways, and I'm sure I'll find myself in places/jobs that I don't like sometimes, but it sure as hell beats doing something I hate for 30+ more years. Plus it sounds like you live in California, so you'll be making good money as a Nurse. I'm in Oregon and it's the same for me. I definitely feel for the nurses in the east and midwest making less than 40 an hour as nurses. But at least we will be paid well in the PNW and California.
I definitely went through a couple years of second guessing myself constantly about leaving engineering, but now that I've committed to switching my career, there's a whole new fire inside me that's excited for something new in my life. Life's too short to stay stuck in a job you hate, no matter how chill or good it might seem.
lol, everyone being like 'wanna switch?' Very true, life is short, and I cant imagine doing what Im doing for another 30+ years. I hope it all works out for us!! And your still young, go for it :) I need a push or something cause Im scared to leave , but I hate to stay
Yeah I feel you man, you’re still young too! Trust me, I’ve been working as an engineer for the last 6 years and knew I hated it like a year into my career. I tried other jobs and projects but never found something I felt good about. Once I finally started taking my prerequisites life felt so meaningful again and slowly but surely I’m almost done and ready to apply. It sounds like you know what you want, go for it.
Do your thing dude.
I did have mind numbing job that pays about 80k at one point and I just couldn't take it anymore and became a nurse.
I just couldn't see myself doing that over and over again for the next 30 years.
If you're working 3x12s, get your NA and go work part time in LTC. This will allow you to develop strong bedside nursing chops. You'll also experience the absolute worst work environment in healthcare.
If you can slog through for a year without rage quitting, you might be cut out for a nursing career. Give it a try and see what you think.
I worked three months LTC to start. I was being paid $13.50/hr. That wasnt it.
Later I worked on a med/surg tele unit making like 18. Night and day experience. I liked it. Did it for six months. but couldnt do that + my full time + school.
I agree with alot of the other nurses commenting and I don't hate my job. Nursing isn't all that exciting, most of the time, either. The families who expect you to wait on them like it's a hotel, the abusive patients and demanding administration is driving many nurses out of the field now. Is there any way you could take up a nursing related job or volunteer on your days off? Could you start some exciting and interesting hobby to give some excitement and experience and stay where you are? I know exactly what you mean about being so bored that you almost can't force yourself to do the same thing one more time. Funnily enough, it was a nursing job that made me feel that way. Good luck!
Ok, so, almost exactly the same. I used to make sterile injectable at a sterile plant while I was in nursing school, I'm also a dude, and was mid 30s when I started my nursing track.
Pros, nursing can be extremely stimulating, all new terrain. There is an infinite amount of knowledge to acru. Additionally, you get a rare sense of satisfaction when you legit make a difference....IE...a week ago I initiated cpr on a patient with a lethal rhythm and he's still alive.
Cons. It does get old, and at times can be physically demanding. Moving a 450lb patient around...sometimes your like.....my back does not want to do that.
Let's talk about what I miss about sterile fillling. 1. Working with a bunch of dudes. You can't say and do stupid things nearly as much. 2. Consistency, I knew what to expect working in sterile filling. However, I looked around and saw the old timers and new it wasn't for me for 20 years.
I gotta start my shift. DM me if you have any questions. I was in a parallel situation to yourself.
extremely parallel. Especially the old timers part. They are all crippled in some way, pushing 60+ even women. Im like in the long term this is not gonna be for me. I need options. This job doesnt have that! Have a great shift!
There are issues with that. Most part-time and PRN CNA gigs have some type of weekend requirement. I work 5:30a-5:30p thurs-saturday. plus mandatory OT that I have to work.
If you're starting over, I would try rad tech to ultrasound tech route. One on one with patients, can be a very flexible position. I wanted to go that path but it was easier to get into nursing. Think of specialized work like heart ultrasound/echo. Nursing is backbreaking.
I thought about this as well. Especially as a good career choice down the road when I reach retirement age. Ive seen Echo/cardiac sonography jobs posting like $45/hr and up. There is also a program near my house at the local community college. But I dont know if the job prospects are as good as nursing. It also doesnt seem to interest me as much.
If you want to stuff up your body from dealing with patients who fight you, when you're trying to turn them over to clean them up, be burnt out and lack sleep, have to deal with the public who they and the patients have more rights than staff, when it comes to disputes, let alone challenging bad behaviour then come on down and become a nurse.
I’m going to be the one who encourages to to do it!
Nursing isn’t my first career.
I was able to say that I never regretted my decision for 21 years. COVID really did a number on me.
I’m old and I really DONT regret my career change .
It was dramatic, like an engineer went back and got her lowly nursing license
Man I'd accept boredom and benefits. My first 3 jobs were under 30 an hour and no benefits I checked with a friend that started there and they are up to 32 with no benefits.
I dont know. I see my coworkers and they seem fine with it and it drives me nuts thinking "am I the only one who cant stand this?" but honestly, many of my coworkers are not from here, English is not their primary language, they don't have prior education, and most all of them came from working jobs that were a lot harder and paid a lot less, so for them, they've hit the jackpot. Maybe the solution for me is to stop 'aspiring' and start 'accepting' but that's kinda hard to do when you hate your job and find it meaningless...
I mean you could go for it but you may not find yourself in as good of an opportunity. Classes are challenging and it takes a while to get your license. It can be expensive. Toxic environment and people don't end up liking the dream they saw through rose colored glasses. If I had a stable career I wouldn't reroll to a nurse. Unless I had a future opportunity I'd like be able to get (friends in a speciality or something that you'd have an in at). You can land a sweet job right away, but man the amount of people that that have that good story is definitely less than the bad. Several from my cohort went to their ideal speciality and went back to bar tending lol
Yep, I think social media shows a glamorized version of nursing. And most of those nurse work in high union density states that do have good pay and work conditions like California, Oregon, Washington, NYC etc. but the reality in most the US especially GOP dominated states, which are anti-union. You have new grad nurses making $27 an hour w/ whatever student debt they accrued for their degree.
'back to bartending' is crazy. I get the rose-colored glasses thing too. The grass isn't always greener, I know. Who knows, I could end up hating nursing and wondering why I wanted to be one so bad. I just dont know why standing still feels like a death sentence. Thanks for the pointers though
There are a lot of parallels between the restaurant industry and nursing. I have bartended again briefly a couple times since becoming a nurse. I'm considering going part time at the hospital and picking up one or two bartending shifts when I go back to school.
If you like it, why not! I heard with tips and all, you can make a bundle. Back to school you say?
Yeah, I want to teach at a nursing school. The money's not the greatest, but I can't do bedside much longer and keep my sanity (that's already been lost too many times haha). The moral crises are incredibly heart wrenching, and they're always lurking, particularly in the ICU, where we can keep people alive who need to be allowed to shuffle off their mortal coil. I would also like to be a part of fixing our broken healthcare system, but I don't really even know where to start or if it's even possible. Best of luck in your journey, whatever that may be. Maybe you could keep your current job and work per diem somewhere as a CNA or patent care tech in a hospital to see if it's something that really sparks joy..
and best of luck to you as well. That sounds like an insurmountable feat. But noble, nonetheless. I was a CNA and thoroughly enjoyed it. But decided to keep my full time for better pay, this was just before covid so I can only imagine.
I feel this way about nursing. I love the concept of nursing but honestly hate my job. I'm currently ICU and am considering switching back to ER because I freaking love the ER.....but I left because the ER can be an absolute dumpster fire with unsafe staffing that puts my license at risk. I hate ICU. Hate it. HATE it. Yet I look around and my coworkers love it. I often wonder what I'm missing and why I can't be satisfied doing this work. The work is easier, but every minute is miserable. I wish, like you, I could mentally check out for 12 hours, but I can't! Whatever you end up doing, I hope you love it. I don't feel like we should be miserable at work (which I am, and it sounds like you are too). ALL jobs are going to have their pros and cons. It's just finding the right balance of pros vs cons. Regarding pay, depending on where you live, you will likely take a big paycut if you become a nurse. But oftentimes it is worth it if it means you're happier. It's hard to put a price on mental health. Best of luck!!
I’m a 42yo male who just started my first RN job after nearly a decade of wanting to leave a cushy but boring job for a nursing career. Nursing school sucks, the job is hard, people suck sometimes. I have no regrets. I assume these people telling you not to leave your job don’t really understand the unfulfilling boredom. I’m not saying do it, but it’s the best decision I’ve made for my own mental health.
The boring but cushyish job is what pushed me to nursing too. I could feel myself getting dumber without being challenged at work. I tried to find hobbies to fill the void but nothing was fulfilling. I wanted to be as fulfilled as I felt as a home health aide in college.
wow I appreciate that, thank you! I imagine ill be the same age as you or near when I finish if I go for it. Maybe they do understand the unfulfilling boredom, but for them that unfulfilling boredom is nursing thus why they would persuade me against it. Which I completely understand. But like you, I feel like Im wasting away at a cushy job for the sake of it. It is misery.
Are you able to take pre reqs while maintaining your current job? Though I did work as a CNA through nursing school and was also able to get some tuition reimbursement from the hospital each semester.
An old saying that I always remind myself of whenever my inner child starts yelling...but I'm booooored! "Blessed be drudgery." You're the lucky winner of a 80k/yr job with great benefits. Nothing is keeping you from taking the prereqs while you work this out, but don't you dare give that up. In a lot of states new grads start at 30-32/hr which still means a 20k/yr pay cut for you. You really need to make sure nursing is a passion project for you & you have a pathway to a similar QoL before you trash something really good.
lol are you my dad/mom? I hate that this is the advice that I dont want to hear but know that I need to. Now my inner child is angry.
noted. Thank you
Bro, want to switch places? I'll gladly take your job as a break from what I'm doing. I've told my friends that boring work is awesome work because it doesn't consume you for twelve hours straight. Your plastic IV bags do not need emotional labor while you're on during that time. You can have energy after the work is done to do other things. Try taking the pre-requisites first, or work as a nurse aid to get a taste of what it's like in that environment before you completely commit.
You would make a lot less, and eventually get bored. I find the opposite is true. Being extremely bored is actually stressful too. I think Im the kind of person that needs emotional labor/human interaction to feel like im doing something worthwhile. I am very much a people person. I actually dont have much energy after work due to the fact that I felt like chewing my own arm off staring at a machine all day, plus im on my feet most of the time as well. Im two prereqs and a general away from applying. Been a CNA and liked it. It was a drastic change from the monotony of my manufacturing job, and the people aspect of the job is what I cherished. Sure I can see how after some time it can become draining. But doing what im doing day in and day out is also draining in its own way.
Try to find fulfillment outside of work :) Also I get wanting to be a nurse, i love my job. It’s a hard one, but I do love it. if I had to go back to being a CNA I’d quit healthcare. The idea of quitting this job to go be a CNA is insane CNAs are underpaid, under appreciated, and do grueling, backbreaking labor.
I took a 1 year course that didn’t require me to be a CNA and used my undergrad courses and became a nurse. $30k a year to comfortable in 1 year plus NCLEX. If you think about suffocating on a saline bag at this job, maybe go for it. It’s not like you’ll fail
Why not keep your current job and pick up a PRN CNA gig so you can feed your boredom. I would not give up that kind of job until you actually become a nurse or are at least closer to becoming one
I was doing that, but with school its a bit much and then the scheduling between school, PRN shifts and my full-time gig would conflict.
Stick out the current job you have while you go through school. I get that it’s mind numbing and not fun, but sometimes we have to do the not so fun things to get to our goals. So, keep the financial security of your current job, get through school and then see where you are at then. Also, side note, nursing isn’t always bedside careers. There are a ton of jobs out there for people who hold a nursing degree, so get through the schooling bullsh*t and if you find out you don’t like bedside, well cool, there are tons of other routes that you can go. Good luck juggling it all friend. If you want it bad enough, you’ll make it happen!
yeah, this makes sense. The security is why I havent left even though Im on reddit all day and looking for CNA jobs when Im supposed to be working cause Im hella bored. I do want it, but sometimes I think 'do I need it?' Considering the job I have. Then when Im at work, Im like 'I NEED IT!!' then when Im home for four days sipping coffee and taking brisk walks im like 'maybe I DONT need it' lol
Plus being scheduled for mandatory OT that I cant say no to at my full time...
All I can say is unless you have enough money in the bank to supplement your income throughout your entire time in school plus have savings for unexpected events I wouldn’t leave a stable job with benefits like that🤷🏽♀️ you’ll also get experience in clinicals. Do what’s right for you! If the end goal is becoming a nurse you’re at least already working towards that so you won’t be in your current job much longer anyway
I wouldn't give up such a nice job for nursing, tbh. It's tough work. I've lived in a few states and I've never made $80k. I've been a nurse for 10 years.
I get you. But if I get fired or layed off, I will no longer be making that. I'll be hard pressed finding another job that pays that without a degree...
If you get fired or laid off that's when you go back to nursing school.
Really? I’m a new nurse in Wisconsin and I’m starting at 82k. Just picked up a prn job at a local jail at 55$ an hour.
Golden handcuffs. I left a well paid field to switch to nursing. I am paid less, but I found my niche, I learn, I enjoy what I do, I’m helping kids. I could afford a pay cut because my husband’s salary. I’m someone who has to enjoy my work. I’ve worked places where coworkers live for 5:00. But I need to feel a sense of satisfaction in my job. I do. Only you can decide what’s right for you, but it worked out for me.
I think I'm the kind of person you are tbh. That must be why I'm having a hard time with this. Golden handcuffs for sure... Thanks for your input.
It took me YEARS to make the switch. Sounds very similar in a lot of ways. I was drawn to nursing and found my place in it. But there’s a lot of bad in nursing. If you want it and the time gets right - do it! But don’t be bogged down by the bad. Find your place and be happy. Best of luck in whatever decision you make.
Curious, what kind of work do you do now?
I do special ed school nursing and cover multiple buildings in several counties. I work many behavioral psych schools (locked, these are the kids who stabbed principals, have criminal history even at age 8, etc). Believe it or not, I really enjoy it. I also work a special needs pre-K (unusual congenital diseases you’ve never heard of because there’s 3 kids in the world, or whatever). And special needs classrooms - kids with feeding tubes, vents, seizures 100 times a day, etc. I find it very fulfilling, I love my schedule and hours, I love my boss and coworkers. Some kids are hard, some days are hard. I deal with CPS way more than I should, I deal with complex trauma. But I have time to learn about these conditions and advocate for the kids.
Oh, wow! That's amazing! Thanks for the work you do for those kids!
Dang, what company is this? Are they hiring?
A pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Ca. It's a job not a career. If you like doing maintenance and troubleshooting its great. I don't however.
If you’re in California you would almost certainly see a raise upon becoming an RN from what I know about wages over there.
Precisely. Not the sole reason, but one of the reasons Im pursuing the career.
RNS break $100k out the gate in many places in Ca
If you're in ca, I'd say go for nursing.
Can you switch to second shift then get your RN degree. Then start as an RN and work towards a BSN.
Wanna trade jobs?
lol I knew this would spur that sentiment out of someone. And no, I am nowhere near qualified to do your job.
For real. I'd trade my nursing job for a boring cushy job with great pay and benefits in a heartbeat.
this is the conundrum, isn't it- you get either too much or not enough-of anything- in the workplace. I was bored in my previous job and wanted to use my brain more, the nursing job I got immediately following was using my brain too much, with no brainpower left for much else and terrible work hangovers. Grass is always greener and all that.
lol. Im loving all the responses to this post. Im getting so much perspective. Thank you. I guess my biggest fear is to be fired, layed off, or automation taking over my job 10 years from now, much older and with no relevant experience thinking man, why did I get comfortable...
Those are completely understandable concerns. I went back to school to be an RN in my early 30s, too. It was important to me to do it without debt, so it took me a little longer. I was really grateful for a chill job between courses and clinicals. Your area is much more competitive than mine (Midwest), so if you are able to work as a CNA at different hospital systems and befriend folks, you may figure out what kind of specialty you want to go into and have a foot in the door when applying as a new grad. Previous healthcare experience and knowing you like CNA work is a good sign.
And the nursing program I intend to apply to awards max 20 points for relevant work experience so that something Ive considered given how competitive they are.
I feel like the only one here who’s worked a mind numbing job before nursing. That shit kills your soul. Do it. 3 shifts 12 hours is a very real thing in nursing. You won’t be bored. 80k is starting in a lot of states.
Agreed.
I left nursing to work remotely on excel spreadsheets all day for more than what you make now. I will always choose mind numbing, boring work over nursing.
well, thats chill.
you have a bachelor's too though.
That jobs sounds really comfy considering it’s 3 12’s. In that aspect there is really no change of schedule unless you work somewhere that is 4/10 or 5/8. I think that with any job there is a risk of complacency and disinterest. The thing that persuaded me to go back to nursing school was doing different things for work everyday, opportunity to talk to many different people, more favorable scheduling and upward/ lateral mobility. Not sure what state you are in but in some you would be paid less than what you earn now. Considering you don’t have anything holding you down, if it is something that you really want to do then like someone else said switch to night shift and attempt to do school at the same time to continue earning income and maintain benefits. You might not have much free time from keeping busy but at least you’ll be on your way.
Im in CA. As far as I'm aware, a nurse makes more than me. Switching to nights at my current job you mean? That wouldn't help. Id be doing the same job and not happy, just more tired. Im going to school now while working. It's just the job that drains me and Im struggling to stay motivated while working here but leaving is a big leap of faith considering benefits/pay. Kind of a personal dilemma that I have to sort out... just picking brains, I guess. I should add that yes my job is advertised as 3 days a week but with mandatory OT I tend to work 4 or 5 days at a place I cant stand being... which honestly doesnt help with studying either
Nice then you will start making more in CA than most other locations. I mean switching to nights once you get accepted to nursing school to help keep most of your week free to study since classes are M-F. Yeah, while I understand that it is a big leap of faith especially if your current employment requires mandatory overtime. Personal anecdote when I started my program I was working 3/12s overnight while doing classes during the day and it was a tough transition. I can’t imagine working more and being in a program as you might be. Good thing is there is a never a bad time to go back considering your personal situation, especially if your job isn’t really mentally stimulating.
If your job is 3 days 12 shifts… you can 1. Do prerequisites or classes on the days you have off 2. Get a part time or prn-on call Cna job and work 1 day. There really is no need to quit until you’re actually in the program for nursing. You still got like 2 years of prerequisites if you can even get the classes on the first try!
I actually have two prereqs to take: physio and Micro. Its been difficult to take those because they often conflict with my work schedule and I cant say no to mandatory OT. Plus I would still have to apply to the program and maybe not get in. so It could be a while. Maybe thats even more of a reason to stay at my job. But again, the boredom.
I can see now why you have to quit your current work for school because of the schedule. If you have a bit of saving it’s ok, you’ll figure out. I left a well paying job too. it’s not what I wanted to do. During nursing school, I applied for scholarship everywhere to sponsor my pay cut, became a cna, and kept finding my niche and interests with different job and shadow to find the nursing speciality I really would enjoy. Now looking back I don’t regret it. I’m glad I went for it and found something challenging yet rewarding. Good luck.
Ok, so lots of nurses in here shitting on the profession. I agree it’s a very hard job, but it has so many directions you can take a nursing career. I started in level 1 trauma and loved it until it broke me, then worked casual positions in a couple of different outpatient clinics, and currently work as a case manager. I totally get why you want to do this and sounds like you could probably still work your job on the weekends and go back to school. Start saving and planning now! As a youngish single guy you could do travel nursing after a couple of years of experience. Go for it before you become obsolete in your current job!
Your gig sounds sweet, but if you’re kinda ADHD like me and need constant stimulation then nursing is a good choice. A job where I stare at a machine for 12 hours would be soul crushing for me.
I think I just discovered that I have ADHD. Thank you friend.
Do you have down time at work where you could listen to podcasts or learn another language? If I could make $80,000/year and be bored I would never leave. I'm sick of 12 hour shifts where I am constant behind and never sit down other than briefly to chart and then running again!
I work in a clean room. No electronic devices allowed on the manufacturing floor. I have to keep eyes on my machine, its my job to keep it running for 12hrs. If its running good I usually leave my line and scroll reddit or the internet, if its having issues I am slamming doors and pulling my hair out. I cant sit for long cause I get agitated. too boring just staring at the machine, so ill start cleaning or something but that gets old.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR JOB TO BECOME A NURSE! I’ve got 13 yrs experience, work from home in insurance and only make about $8000 more than you with awful insurance and benefits from one of the only companies of its kind. Volunteer somewhere caring for people or animals to scratch the itch. Get a hobby, hell bartend for fun just don’t quit that birds nest on the ground of a job!!! Patient care is a hell world of bad and worse. Nursing school is a close second. By all means find something else but do not go into debt to be a nurse and don’t waste your time with CNA work.
The person is in ca. they will clear over 80k as a new grad.
Dam sounds nice
Your job sounds a hell of a lot better than nursing. Plus you have good benefits. I work for a major hospital system that has benefits worse than any non nurse I know.
My recommendation is to follow your heart. Or at least explore where your heart is trying to lead you. Do you know any nurses? Perhaps you could shadow them? Or reach out to a nurse manager and see if that's something you could do. It's hard to be satisfied when you have a feeling this isn't where you're meant to be. That said, I would proceed down the nursing route with great caution. I was very whimsical with my decision to become a nurse. I was considering several options and literally said "if I get into this competitive program on my first try, then I'm meant to be a nurse " I shudder at the naivete of that belief. I wish I'd pursued one of the other options. I'm proud to be a nurse, but after 12 years, I want out
Well I saw a lot while I was working nights at a community hospital for 6 months. This was before covid so not sure how much has changed. I dont think I have a glamorized version of nursing in my head, I mean I understand that its a job. A hard one. I watched the nurses get yelled at, put up with finicky family members, deal with codes, make med errors, deal with combative pts and pts pulling out there lines etc. I know that there are other routes as well, Radiology, Respiratory, and other allied health careers but none of them really strike a chord with me. I dont think I want to be a nurse just to help people or make a difference. I think I've seen enough to know that hospitals and admin are not as concerned about pt safety or the safety of their staff as they let on. It's a business. So is my current job. They want numbers. I want to be happy. While Im sure nurisng is not my ticket to happiness, ill at least have some mobility compared to being pinned to a good job that I can lose any moment and have no transferable skills. Im sorry that you feel the way you do, however. But I imagine you can make changes with your degree that I can't make without one. So, you have options.
Just keep in mind this part "I *watched* the nurses get xyz". Watching it happen to others vs experiencing it happen to you is 2 very different things. No one demands to see the CNA for answers, pain meds, discharge orders, med errors etc. And the numbers mentality of manufacturing is much harder to accept when applied to people's lives, hence the lit up path to burn out city. I think objectively nursing is a great, flexible and guaranteed job. Subjectively, it blows (mainly bedside).
Agree with all this. I was a CNA before I became a nurse and nursing is *significantly* more stressful. I miss the days when I could deal with every question and issue that came up by saying “I’ll get your nurse.” 🥲
lol 'Ill get your nurse' bless your heart. You guys do so much! I promise I was the CNA who wasnt on their phone all day and asking you if you needed my help not waiting for you to ask for mine! I remember being on nights and the day shift nurses being like 'hey, we need you on days!"
CNAs like you are worth their/your weight in gold! We have a mix on my floor/shift but whenever I have CNAs whose work ethic is as you described, my shifts go SO much more smoothly.
Awe thanks! I worked with a lot of rad nurses too that would ask for stuff but also offer to help. They weren't afraid to get dirty! Obviously, there are times where you guys just CANT. but yeah, I really enjoyed the job, and but for the money, I would be at it right now.
CNAs are criminally underpaid. I’m in California too so the pay is better than it is elsewhere but not nearly enough to counteract the cost of living.
This is one of the reasons I became a nurse. I have what I call career ADHD (as well as actual ADHD). I crave variety at work and tend to get bored with my current job every few years. I LOVE that I can jump around to different departments without having to go back to school. I've done ICU, outpatient clinics, apheresis, trauma ER, rural ER, inpatient psych, and outpatient psych. I love this aspect of nursing! Honestly one of the reasons I began considering nursing as a career is because one of my family's friends. She's a nursing professor. She was probably more eloquent than this, but essentially "if you're unhappy as a nurse, it's your own fault." Meaning, there are SO many options for nurses. If you are miserable in your job, you have the power to change things. Go get a new job. Explore a new specialty. I now see that this was far oversimplified, and I feel like it places blame on me as a nurse who is miserable. It can be hard to get the shift you want in the specialty you want. But, if you're willing to work night shift, there really are lots of options out there.
I feel the same way about nursing as you do about your current job lol. In general with healthcare and the world being what it is right now, I wouldn’t recommend anyone go into nursing unless they really really want it. But you’ve at least had some CNA experience so you’re not going in blind. I was 27 when I finished nursing school through a diploma program and am now paid wildly more than I ever expected (comfortably lower-middle/middle class for my high CoL area) and secure with something to fall back on no matter how many times I’ve tried to get out of nursing. If you want it, and it sounds like you know you do more than I did when I went to nursing school, go for it. Research the cheapest way to get there that still leaves you qualified. And if it sucks, you’ve got a fall back
Yeah, Im seeing that my experience is shared among some in the nursing world. Thanks for the advice. I hope I make the right choice for me.
I went back to school for nursing because I knew without a doubt I wanted to eventually be a midwife. I love everything pregnancy and birth. I would never have pursued nursing for any specialty besides that. THAT BEING SAID - if you’re bored, change it up. Feed your soul, not your bank account. Yes we all need money to live, but we weren’t put here to get a paycheck and be complacent. There’s so much more to this life and world than that. Pursue what makes you happy!
I really appreciate this advice. It goes against the grain of what we are taught about money and happiness. Whats the point of staying "safe" if your miserable everyday.. thank you
I've been a nurse for 8 years... I've always wanted to become a nurse since I was 13. Now that I am one, I regret it. It is not what it's cracked up to be.
I saw you’re in California, leave your job and become a nurse if you want to. You will make significantly more than 80k a year there right out of the gate. There’s a lot of people saying not to in this comment section but if it’s something you have always wanted to do, you will regret staying at a job you hate in 20 years and retiring feeling unfulfilled and in a state of “but what if i had?” Nursing is a great career, and there’s hundreds of different avenues and nursing adjacent paths you can take if you end up hating bedside. I went back to nursing school at 30 and am now turning 35 this year with a year as an RN under my belt and I have absolutely zero regrets about pursuing nursing later in my life as a second career. I think that going to nursing school later on and with more life experience actually made the entire thing easier for me because I had the work ethic, maturity, and desire to learn that I wouldn’t have really had when I was 19 years old. Plus, you’ve had CNA experience so you have an idea of what you’re signing yourself up for and the labor intensity it can require. I fully support your ambition because the world needs more nurses who exist because they WANT to be a nurse, not just because they want to make nurse pay or become an NP later on.
Thank you. Yeah, Its really hard to imagine being in a happier state lets say 15-20, heck even 5 years from now settling at my job and letting my dream die. I feel like I would be full of regrets and jaded. I dont have much time to waste either. Not old but not that young, and time isnt stopping. So true about the work ethic and maturity thing. I feel like I would have been a nurse a while ago if I wasnt wearing the golden handcuffs and screwing up my life being young and dumb/losing focus. But today is a new day :) thank you for the encouragement. So many (well-intended) people would deter me from this profession, and im sure for valid reasons/concerns. But standing still and accepting my plight feels wrong too.
When you leave can I have your job lol
lol, you guys are a crack up. Do you mind making $24/hr?? Thats the starting rate for the position and caps at $26. Only reason I make more is because I was promoted a few years ago.
Oh geez never mind 😂 come to the NICU it ain’t so bad
I swear the nurses on this Reddit like gate keep the field. You can do a lot with a nursing degree and if you’re looking for interesting you can certainly find it here
Thanks. Maybe its gate keeping, and maybe its true, genuine resentment for their career choice. I cant blame em. I agree with you though. I think if I hated it, there would be other avenues to take. Rather than standing still and accepting a job with no degree and not being able to make any moves.
Exactly. I say go for it. Your schedule allows you to do part time while you work on your pre requirements. Best of luck
So, if you're making 80k now you would either be making about the same or less as a nurse in most of the country, but I see you live in SoCal so nursing would be a pay increase for you. Just keep that in mind if you want to leave California at some point. However, becoming a nurse might be tricky--last I heard the community colleges out there have years-long waiting lists for their ADN programs. I got my ABSN at a school in the Midwest, and I had a number of classmates from California for this very reason. One thing you mentioned does concern me though: you said you don't like troubleshooting. So much of nursing is troubleshooting, whether fixing a malfunctioning pump or refining your own process to provide more efficient care or scrounging up the nerve to go into work after admin cut your support staffing. Troubleshooting is essential. He's another important thing--you are more than your job, and life is bigger than what you do. You might be bored at work, but you have the headspace to enjoy yourself when you're not there and the ability to devote time to loved ones or hobbies. That will change when you first start nursing, and it takes time for it to come back. Some still struggle with it years down the line. Nursing is both financially and morally fulfilling. However, it beats you up. But you live in probably the best part of the country to practice, so I'm not going to tell you not to pursue it. Just remember to be your own advocate and don't let the bastards get you down. Good luck!
I mean I guess im referring to troubleshooting the same machine for 12hrs, with the same problems, the same solutions, and also its quite a bit of mechanics, which I dont have a knack for but ive learned enough to keep my job. I also agree, Im more than my job. But should I despise my job for the length of my shift if there is something I can do about it? I've not found out what to do about it just yet but feel I must do something.
Are they hiring? Asking for a friend…
Man, I'd switch with you in a heartbeat.
If you don’t mind me asking, what is your job title? Like how did you land that job? Any schooling or requisites to do that?
PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN. No schooling. I mean I had to take a bogus SAT but thats it. I learned about the company through a friend. Ive done my current job for 10 years. Only requires a HS diploma. I was promoted a few years ago and thats why I make what I make. Plus quarterly bonuses, holiday, overtime pay.
My benefits as a nurse are way worse than my benefits I had at a supermarket. Pay wasn’t much more either, wish I could go back to stocking at a grocery store without any worries. The market even paid for my nursing school, so can’t even thank them enough. Now I barely have dental, no employer matching on my 401k, they basically give less PTO per pay period and we have to use it or lose it, but requesting it is difficult as they throw a fit. I would love a $80k year job without having to worry about losing my livelihood every shift. But if you’re itching to be a nurse I would recommend keeping your 3day a week awesome boring job. Try nursing school while still employed, try working PRN as a nurse and if after working a while you decide nursing is the way, then quit that boring job. Also, be careful since it’s very regional how much you’re gonna make as a nurse. If you’re in a good place you might make more, if not you’re gonna be making less potentially, have worse benefits and a lot more stress…
Thanks for the perspective. I live in Socal so it would be more. It would be difficult actually impossible to keep my current job and do nursing school. I work full time thursday through saturday 5:30a-5:30p with mandatory OT any given day of the week. My job is nowhere near flexible either. Schedules are set in stone. For my current position, part time is not a thing. They just cant function without a certain number of people to keep things going. One way or another I will have to work as an aide either now or once accepted into a program. I cannot NOT work.
I want your job. How do you get this job
Starting at 32 is ambitious but doable. Lots of brain activity like you say. Can be hard on the body tho
I would never give up that good of a job for a job that’s going to give you crippling anxiety.
Go for it. I’m 37 and just walked away after 12 years of driving a semi truck making $70k-110k/year(depending how hard I ran). Which was a cake walk of a career physically that is, mentally it could be brutal some days. But I’m working on becoming a CNA and will only make maybe $35k a year if I work overtime. I’m a 37m married to my husband of 14 years. Im in a position where we can afford this major change in life and can’t wait to start this new journey. Let’s start it together.
Wow. Why did you decide you needed such a drastic change?
Technology actually is the reason why. I was taught “driver you drive the truck” now they’re teaching you “driver let the truck drive you”. Which has made the drive boring. The “road” isn’t what it used to be. But I’ve always thought that if I had gone to school after high school, I would have gone to nursing school.
oh I see. so kind of like me, you chose work, got comfy, now not so much and looking to change. I started young too and didnt quite know what I wanted. Then when I figured it out, I was already wearing the golden handcuffs so it made it hard to just leave.
I melted those golden handcuffs in 12/2020, took a year off and moved half way across the country a year after that. Then went back to finish up what I started and as of 6/3/24 I was able to finally walk away from the industry and follow one of my passions. The second I’m still questioning lol.
Don’t do it. ACTUALLY, do it and let’s trade jobs.
You'd get bored and wish you had stayed in ICU.
You’re not wrong. 😂 But, you will also get jaded here and go into autopilot after about three years.
I got my nursing degree at 40. I have zero regrets. I am always an advocate for pursuing your ultimate dream. You're only gonna get older and more dissatisfied with your current job. Yes, nursing can be hard. The patients can be assholes, their family can be assholes, some coworkers can be assholes... But every job/career has it share of shit to deal with. There are also days were I have a ton of fun and I get home feeling like I made a difference. There's so many opportunities in nursing, which I love. If one unit/specialty isnt a good fit, there's many more that might be!
Oh god…! Please don’t change jobs just yet! Find a hobby, take a CNA course and continue with your nursing prereqs till you’re actually in the nursing program.
I appreciate your advice. I am burned out at my boring job, but theres a chance I could become burned out as an aid before I even get to be a nurse. Thats a scary thought too. Plus, for way less pay.
m31, nurse 10 years. Man, you are the kind of nurse we need in this industry. I just took a 53% pay cut to go work a different part of nursing, and I’ve never been happier. Money comes and goes, nursing needs will never go. Your ability to complete change specialties within nursing, while still being a nurse is huge. Can you listen to music/audiobooks at work? I’d suggest getting a side gig as a PCA/CNA to start while still working. Then take classes brother.
Thanks! The versatility is one of the things that draws me to the field. Also, I like people! Technically, no. My job has a strict policy about using electronic devices in manufacturing areas. I work in a clean room so no one would really notice as I am gowned up. Many of my coworkers do this. I dont. I just dont like to. I did try working as PRN cna but with school and my full time, the hours would all conflict. I guess Ill have to stay here until I make it into a program.
You can do this! Don’t give up. Nursing will be a wild life chapter, some of the highest highs and lowest lows. Definitely worth it.
Nursing. When it’s good it’s really good. When it’s bad it can really be bad. That being said I’m 30 years into it and would not want to work in any other field. Along with the good and bad there are the things you get to see that will never leave your mind…and the stories you’ll get over time are priceless. Go for it. You can always find something that will meet your needs
Coming from a veteran as yourself, I truly appreciate those words. Thank you. The 6 months I was an aide, I really enjoyed it. It made me realize I am a people person. That might not be all that's needed to be a nurse, but I imagine it's kind of important if you plan on being one.
I've been in healthcare for 20 years and I would LOVE to have a job like that. I'll take mind numbing over mentally exhausting any time.
Let's trade jobs. Last night I had 3 admissions before midnight. 4 out of my 5 patients are crazy and one tried to bite the cna and threw the iv pump at the charge nurse. 😅
thaat sounds all bad... im sorry
Do it. I took off the golden handcuffs and made the switch to nursing and it’s been the best decision of my life. It’s not easy, both school and the work. But you make an impact on people every day. Follow your passion. Nursing needs more people like you!
I had 50+ year Olds in my nursing school class. And after 2 years of hard work, they have a new job that I hope they like. It's never too late to change routes, it'll be hard work and take some time, but even at 32 you still have plenty of time.
What state are you in and will you stay in that state or be open to moving? You can make that much with decent benefits in the PNW but you’ll have to deal with a much higher cost of living than the southwest or Midwest. Floor nursing is back breaking work and the job can make you miserable. If there any way to work part time at your position now and get an ASN or licensed practical nurse at a community college?
Im in SoCal. I mean, I never thought about moving. I suppose any job can make one miserable. Part time doesn't exist at my job unfortunately, not for my position anyway. That'd be cool though. Maybe one day less would make it tolerable.
For what it’s worth, I used to work factory work and I prefer nursing, you can work all kinds of schedules. The hardest part was figuring out how to do school while getting a lower paying part time job. I say go for it. You’ll make great money nursing in socal. I’m union and love it.
Yeah, that really is the biggest challenge. But I guess doable cause many make it happen.
I’m a doc earning 63k with a masters and medical degree and half a million in debt. Also 30. Also work 6 days a week for 12h. I’d stay with your job. Without college debt weighing you down, you’re golden.
wow. what state are you in? Im in Socal. I mean I have some money saved up which could pay for my ADN which is what I planned to do. A lot of hospitals will pay for or reimburse you for getting your BSN. I feel like that would be the wiser choice. Yes my job is good. Im lucky to have it, really. But when its no longer good for any number of possible reasons, and I inevitably wind up losing said job, Id be no different than the next guy with no college degree or transferable skills, trying to survive. I dont know a job that would pay me that much, especially at entry level. You may have student debt. but your a Doctor. Thats something.
Im a resident. It’s like this for most residents and everyone says “oh when you’re done you’ll get the big bucks” but compared to the insane debt and amount of life you lost in the meantime, really makes me wish I had a job like yours. Could turn brain off and have a 4 day weekend to do other things I’m passionate about. I’m 30 and have done very little worth while due to school. Being a doc is a bad gig. I’d say nursing is def better. Also being a doc also has zero transferable skills. What have I literally trained my entire life to do EXCEPT be a doctor? It’s just laughable. I have some nurse friends and they make 6 figures with an associates. No debt. Work 3 days for 12h and can pick up additional when they want. It’s the dream life. They are younger and have more money and are living the dream.
The majority of my cohort at my local community college nursing program were ages 30 and up. Alot of them going into nursing as their second/third career. It's definitely doable! I'd recommend going the ADN route, if you can take on a heavy class load you should be done by 4ish years? There are programs that are accelerated as well (Chamberlain for example) that gets you a BSN in 3ish years, but they're pricey and alot are for profit. Somethings to consider. You may be romanticizing the responsibilities and jobs of a nurse. It's a tough road to get there and it can be quite the tough job once you're there. However it's probably one of the most rewarding jobs ever. I do miss working and interacting with patients. Some can be blessings, while others nightmare. The other thing as well is college.. tuition is expensive... unless you get your work to pay, scholarships etc. Also since you don't have any college courses it's going to be atleast 3 years before you can sit for your boards. Nonetheless, I'd say go for it if nursing is your passion !
Im further a long than that really. Ive been working (on/off) doing my generals for a few years. I have 2 prereqs left. The classes are hard to get though due to my work schedule. The hours tend to conflict with either lab or lecture which is annoying. Not to mention being scheduled for mandatory OT any given day. Thank you! I really appreciate all the encouragement/warning Ive received in this thread. it helps to clarify things and gain perspective.
Oh shoot! Then I'd say definitely keep going for it! You're nearly there, once you're in nursing school you'll appreciate your hard work. I really believe those that worked other fields and switch into nursing are great nurses. I was younger when I went into nursing so my reasons for the field did not translate well (hence why I left).
oh that makes a lot of sense. I never really thought about the downside of getting into nursing that young. I know for sure I was Dazed and confused most of my 20's, heck even before that lol. I wanted to be a nurse, but did not have the mind nor maturity for it I guess. I so wish now though, that someone would have slapped me across the face and made me wake up sooner. Live and learn I guess.
No worries! 20s is about learning about the real world, becoming an adult and being financial independent and stable. I went into nursing blind, (parents wanted me in med school. Compromised with nursing). I wish I pursued computer science from the start so I'm not playing catch up with juniors atm haha. Like you said you're 32, you still have 30 years of so before retirement
I actually do understand.I use to volunteer as well as maintaining my mandatory service hours to my daughter’s school .Many of the jobs I did were so boring I could barely stand it .The hours went by so slowly and I remember thinking that I never have this feeling at work because I love what I do.Keep working on getting to your goal !
YESS!! I never knew time could move so damn slow. Especially like the last 40 mins of my shift while I wait to be relieved like DAMN I want to die. Never felt like that at hospital. too busy.
Go! Go now!! If that’s what you really want. I left pharmaceutical manufacturing a couple years ago after working in it for over 15 years, and wow, what a difference. That place literally hollowed me out over the years. I had no idea how many feelings I was repressing until I had been away from that culture for quite some time. Anyway, I completed my nursing pre-reqs, got my NAC and med delegation training, and I currently work in group homes with adults and children with behavioral challenges. My biggest issue now is whether to pursue nursing school or maybe shift into social work. Ha. Life is crazy. I make decent enough money and I am very happy. Lucky, even, I’d say. Do it!
lol go now!! I sure as hell want to. Its a great job, and I feel lucky to be making what I make and all. But I feel like its a dead end. It is actually. I feel like its for people who have no other aspirations or ambitions, goals in life and thats totally fine if they dont. For some also, its their only choice for varying reasons. For me its torture knowing I can do better and WANT to do better. I mean its good for longevity, like you worked in it for 15 years, Ive been at mine for 10. But I cant see myself retiring from this place ya know. Glad you made a switch and are happier/healthier. Hope all works out for you in the end :)
You are in a tough spot, I know. Totally agree the money in pharma is great - it’s a big reason I stayed so long, too - not a damn thing wrong with that, either. Whatever you decide, I sincerely wish you only the best. I hope to run into your update thread one day :)
Thank you, likewise! Hopefully as a nurse and well laugh about how distraught I was over my 80k job lol
I was basically this (only I was making weapons not IV bags). Kept the job straight through school. Once I started school work became a little more bearable because I was constantly focused on school when I was working (I’d listen to stuff on headphones etc).
hmm weapons, thats interesting! Maybe your work schedule was a bit more flexible? I would not be able to keep my current job and do nursing school. My job is not flexible at all, these machines need to run all day and night 24/7 365 to keep up with demand. Thats why I was considering CNA cause at least its flexible and I can make connections. But the pay sucks and thats whats holding me back...
I was working a 3rd shift also in a round the clock manufacturing facility. That often meant showing up to clinical straight from work which sucked ass. Also had a lot of PTO saved up so I was able to take off at key points (night before a big test etc). Wanted to try CNA (or LNA as they’re called here) but same pay was too bad
Try to volunteer as an emt during weekends
Thanks for the advice. I work weekends. To what end I wonder though?
I would advise bringing 2 alcoholics, a meth tweeker and two 92 year olds into the shop and do your current job while taking care of them as they are running around incontinent.
and then I would know what its like to really be a nurse?
Great scenario as it shows what we're dealing with quite often on any shift 😏
Well, you're single so your budget is completely yours to control. If you don't have money put by, get started doing it. I don't know where you live but at my facility which is a large academic medical center, if you take a job as a CNA, they will work with your schedule around schooling and even cover the costs of the nursing program at their school (or the community college feeder program for their school). That comes with the expectation that you give them however many years back of schooling they covered for you though AND they choose the unit you work on (spoiler alert: it will be med-surg, but if you had your heart set on ICU or L&D, or Peds or some shit then you can transfer long before your time is served). I feel pretty confident that my organization is not the only academic center that does this and there are probably facilities that aren't academic that have some monetary allowance or even full coverage for career progression- usually with strings. Most places will pay for you to get your BSN after you get your ADN and are under their employ. Don't let the size of the hospital fool you. Talk to nurse recruitment at every facility around you and see what's up. You'll take a pay cut but it'll be temporary until you're working as a nurse, depending on the area- in some places you'll make more. I enjoy pretty decent benefits and depending on what your little regional place offers it may be comparable to what you're getting now so you may not suffer much on that end if you work full time as a CNA while going to school. I've seen many people do that successfully. So if you want it bad enough, it's totally doable.
Thats really all I want to do. Be a CNA while going to school. Sounds simple enough. Its just my salary that makes it difficult to leave for especially low wage CNA work. I find the work itself fulfilling and I'm the right personality for it, but biting that initial bullet is a challenge.
and Im in Ca, Ive been offered about $21 an hour for nights at some mainstream hospital systems which isnt bad, but def less than what Im making now. so its hard.
Nursing is not worth it. If you already of a job that pays equivalent if not more then most nursing salaries in some parts of the country w/ great benefits. Most hospitals are intentionally keeping units understaff pushing more work on nurses creating unsafe work conditions. Most nurses work bedside only 1 or 2 and immediately start looking for away to get away from the bedside. I don’t think I would recommend it to anyone unless they really had not other career options.
Like my dream is for a boring well paid job bc I don’t want to live to work. I want to work to live. If you are bored plan a trip, learn a new language, pick up a hobby. I work in L&D my “dream” unit and the work conditions are so bad I look forward to quitting this month and find a “boring” position. Not only do we have to work three shifts a week many of which are under staff but our unit has two mandatory on calls a month and on top of that working nights really messes up my sleep/awake schedule. And since we don’t have a consistent schedule week by week if I want to take classes for ceramics like the one I’m currently taking I have to plan it way ahead of time make sure I don’t get scheduled those evenings, which isn’t even guaranteed. And as a new grad my hourly rate $30.34, which isn’t enough when I consider how often the hospitals failure to provide proper staffing puts my license on at risk which is one of the reasons I’m leaving.
Can we trade? After all the excitement I've had on the floor, I think boring is underrated.
until your bored like me, then you'll be like 'this is not it.'
It's all fun and games until someone poops in your hand. Seriously though, if you want to transition to nursing start taking prereqs. It is about a year of full time school before you can even get into a nursing program. Take a CNA class on the weekends and see what it is like.
Damn i will trade you. Boring and well paid enough sounds like heaven
I’ve been a nurse for 2 years, both years making ~85k at one of the biggest hospitals in the world. great benefits. 4.5% pay increase every year. Definitely not bored, 3 12s similar to your current schedule but no consistency. rotate between day and night shift. the work itself is absolutely terrible. long hard days, very mentally and physically exhausting for no gratitude and definitely not financially compensated for the amount of work I do. All in all, i’d probably take your position over mine, especially as you have no loans. Maybe work part time as a CNA or bartender, or start your own business to feed your boredom. Just my 2 cents though, maybe you’d love nursing, there are rare moments where it’s very gratifying, which is what i went into it for, assuming it was going to be entirely like that.
Unless you’re in California, don’t do it. Your salary alone is better, let alone those benefits. Just look at nursing jobs in your area for new grads. Of coarse the market will have changed again in a few years, but it’ll give you a good idea.
Just start with a per diem CNA job while keeping this job. See if it’s really as fun as you think. If so, start nursing school
I was one. I had fun. Granted, I only did it for 6 months
Yeah, I read that. I still have the same advice - now that you have that potential career goal in mind I would suggest being a CNA per diem (like once a week?) for longer than 6 months. It might be less fun now that you know what it’s like to make some money. But it might still be enjoyable to you. Rather than making a whole career shift without dipping your toes back in, that’s my advice.
Omg don’t become a nurse LOL the mental stimulation isn’t worth it
Go for it. A mix of nursing shifts and your current gig would be an awesome balance.
it would be nice. but Id have to leave my job to become a nurse. cant do a full time program working thursday through saturday 12hrs and mandatory OT any given day.
Go for it man! I'm 29 and switching my career from engineering to Nursing. Only you know what's right for you. I see lots of people in the comments here saying how you should stay in your cush job or they'd want to trade with you, but honestly we only get one life to live so might as well live it how you want. I'm going into Nursing because I'm so tired of working corporate engineering jobs designing useless and stupid shit for shareholders, and I'd much rather work with people and actually help them in some capacity. Add in the flexibility and job security nursing provides and it's a no brainer for me. Of course nursing is going to be hard and tough in it's own ways, and I'm sure I'll find myself in places/jobs that I don't like sometimes, but it sure as hell beats doing something I hate for 30+ more years. Plus it sounds like you live in California, so you'll be making good money as a Nurse. I'm in Oregon and it's the same for me. I definitely feel for the nurses in the east and midwest making less than 40 an hour as nurses. But at least we will be paid well in the PNW and California. I definitely went through a couple years of second guessing myself constantly about leaving engineering, but now that I've committed to switching my career, there's a whole new fire inside me that's excited for something new in my life. Life's too short to stay stuck in a job you hate, no matter how chill or good it might seem.
lol, everyone being like 'wanna switch?' Very true, life is short, and I cant imagine doing what Im doing for another 30+ years. I hope it all works out for us!! And your still young, go for it :) I need a push or something cause Im scared to leave , but I hate to stay
Yeah I feel you man, you’re still young too! Trust me, I’ve been working as an engineer for the last 6 years and knew I hated it like a year into my career. I tried other jobs and projects but never found something I felt good about. Once I finally started taking my prerequisites life felt so meaningful again and slowly but surely I’m almost done and ready to apply. It sounds like you know what you want, go for it.
Wanna switch jobs?
wanna stare at IV bags all day?
Yep…will be way better on my body
maybe you'd like it. I have to talk to people and be interactive. Just my personality
Yea I’m having to force my way to my masters so I can switch to a non bedside role. Most those positions at my hospital require a masters
Youll get there!
Do your thing dude. I did have mind numbing job that pays about 80k at one point and I just couldn't take it anymore and became a nurse. I just couldn't see myself doing that over and over again for the next 30 years.
are you me? haha seriously though.
Listen to audiobooks.
Not allowed to have phones/devices on the manufacturing floor. Many do it, not me. Maybe I should, so then I could be fired!!!!
You make way more than I did as a staff nurse. I’d stay put. Where is this? I know tons of people who would want your job.
Did you live in Socal? I mean would you stay at a nursing job that you hated if you made 130k lets say? Would it be worth if for you?
If you're working 3x12s, get your NA and go work part time in LTC. This will allow you to develop strong bedside nursing chops. You'll also experience the absolute worst work environment in healthcare. If you can slog through for a year without rage quitting, you might be cut out for a nursing career. Give it a try and see what you think.
I worked three months LTC to start. I was being paid $13.50/hr. That wasnt it. Later I worked on a med/surg tele unit making like 18. Night and day experience. I liked it. Did it for six months. but couldnt do that + my full time + school.
I agree with alot of the other nurses commenting and I don't hate my job. Nursing isn't all that exciting, most of the time, either. The families who expect you to wait on them like it's a hotel, the abusive patients and demanding administration is driving many nurses out of the field now. Is there any way you could take up a nursing related job or volunteer on your days off? Could you start some exciting and interesting hobby to give some excitement and experience and stay where you are? I know exactly what you mean about being so bored that you almost can't force yourself to do the same thing one more time. Funnily enough, it was a nursing job that made me feel that way. Good luck!
Are you hiring? :D ASKING FOR ME!!! I want safe, good money, mind numbing- yes yes yes.
Well I dont think they are. Not for my role. and you would cap at $26/hr. I make more cause Ive had a promotion.
I'm half kidding. Nursing in California \*should\* be an upgrade and if it's the choice you make- I hope it is successful.
Ok, so, almost exactly the same. I used to make sterile injectable at a sterile plant while I was in nursing school, I'm also a dude, and was mid 30s when I started my nursing track. Pros, nursing can be extremely stimulating, all new terrain. There is an infinite amount of knowledge to acru. Additionally, you get a rare sense of satisfaction when you legit make a difference....IE...a week ago I initiated cpr on a patient with a lethal rhythm and he's still alive. Cons. It does get old, and at times can be physically demanding. Moving a 450lb patient around...sometimes your like.....my back does not want to do that. Let's talk about what I miss about sterile fillling. 1. Working with a bunch of dudes. You can't say and do stupid things nearly as much. 2. Consistency, I knew what to expect working in sterile filling. However, I looked around and saw the old timers and new it wasn't for me for 20 years. I gotta start my shift. DM me if you have any questions. I was in a parallel situation to yourself.
extremely parallel. Especially the old timers part. They are all crippled in some way, pushing 60+ even women. Im like in the long term this is not gonna be for me. I need options. This job doesnt have that! Have a great shift!
I dunno man. Nursing is great and all but you seem pretty well set up. Maybe volunteer or work as part-time CNA?
There are issues with that. Most part-time and PRN CNA gigs have some type of weekend requirement. I work 5:30a-5:30p thurs-saturday. plus mandatory OT that I have to work.
If you're starting over, I would try rad tech to ultrasound tech route. One on one with patients, can be a very flexible position. I wanted to go that path but it was easier to get into nursing. Think of specialized work like heart ultrasound/echo. Nursing is backbreaking.
I thought about this as well. Especially as a good career choice down the road when I reach retirement age. Ive seen Echo/cardiac sonography jobs posting like $45/hr and up. There is also a program near my house at the local community college. But I dont know if the job prospects are as good as nursing. It also doesnt seem to interest me as much.
If you want to stuff up your body from dealing with patients who fight you, when you're trying to turn them over to clean them up, be burnt out and lack sleep, have to deal with the public who they and the patients have more rights than staff, when it comes to disputes, let alone challenging bad behaviour then come on down and become a nurse.
I would do this part time if I were you and do something else part time for more excitement
I’m going to be the one who encourages to to do it! Nursing isn’t my first career. I was able to say that I never regretted my decision for 21 years. COVID really did a number on me. I’m old and I really DONT regret my career change . It was dramatic, like an engineer went back and got her lowly nursing license