Expert: Irma G., RN - 10/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: I know you can't answer my life questions for me but I'm in a conundrum. I have a BA in creative writing, and am currently working part-time as a marketing specialist for a nonprofit and a wedding photographer. My mother was a nurse for 35 years, and loved it. I would love to go back to get my BS in nursing but am wondering if that is crazy - I'm still paying off my 1st school loan, and am busy with both jobs. However, I don't feel like writing is the most "career-safe" area, and doubt I will find anything close if I lose this job. Although my mom loved her job, she's always trying to talk me out of being a nurse saying "it's different now", "there too much paperwork and computers", etc., etc. and that it's more hassle than one-on-one. Do you think that's true? I absolutely love the health field and helping others, but is it smart to go on when you're already in debt?

ANSWER: Hello Heidi,

You pose a question (2nd degree & 2nd career) that often gets asked.

What you do not tell me is your approximate age group and the amount of debt you are in.

That being said,  I'd like to address your mother and her 35 years of nursing experience.  
Yes, we ARE in the computer/IT age and by 2012 I expect all hospitals to be "in line" with electronic charting, patient medication dispensing, and other areas saturated with 21st century computer and IT knowledge.  It sometimes IS more time consuming to use computers but especially for those who did not (naturally) grow up using them.  Those nurses are in the largest group that are having the most difficulty with this change.

Patient care should still be a nursing function.  Computers are for charting and other "tasks" not for actual patient care.  "One to one" makes me think your mom must have been and ER, ICU or OR nurse.  Even in the ICU's the patients are 2 (sometimes 3) to 1.  Ward (floor) nurses have higher patient ratios, dependent upon the state you live in.

Although only you can be the judge of whether it is wise to get (minimally) a 2 year degree in nursing and incur the additional debt,  let me give you some considerations as food for thought:
  
  1.  What is the starting salary for nurses in your area?
  2.  What is the cost of 2+ years of nursing school (usually community college)
      in your area?
  3.  What could you reasonably live on after finishing school?
  4.  What could you reasonably SAVE (to pay off your loans) after school
  5.  Is the financial pay back worth your time and investment into a new career??
  6.  Can you tolerate the physical, emotional and biological aspects
      of taking care of patients?
  7.  What areas of nursing would you be interested in pursuing
      What additional education, work experience, etc. would that area take?
  

If you answer these questions to yourself you might be able to have some insight into whether this field is suited for you financially.

I will tell you that you will have an opportunity to use your writing skills in the field, either by writing fiction, poetry, educational materials, presenting, etc.

I will also tell you I was 35 when I graduated in 1985.  I have had a long career that has been the most rewarding.  I went in solely because I needed a "career-safe" and "financially stable/lasting" job because I was raising 2 children at the time by myself.  I took to nursing like a duck to water.  Amazed and delighted me.

I went into the operating (OR) and intensive care (ICU) fields and joined the USAF reserves. For certain areas of nursing they would pay off a stipend from your student loan for each "good year" you had in the reserves.   Just food for thought for you.  Like I said, I don't know your age.

The computer age did not phase me, but I almost HAD to join in because I had a young son to keep up with.  If I wanted to know what he was doing, I also had to be comfortable around computers.
I have used the IT field/knowledge in both my nursing profession and in the rest of my life. It has opened doors for me, not inhibited me or closed them.

I wish you the best and I hope this helps you make the right decision for you.

Best wishes,

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your thorough answer - with questions that I have answered as best I can. I would like to give you those answers and again get your professional opinion. I promise, after that I'm on my own:)
- I am 35 years old and have a 2 and 7 year old
- I owe $8000 from my past degree
- The two year, ADN program at Miami University, Ohio, would cost me approximately $14,000 (including daycare, gas, books, fees)
- From salary.com for my area, nurses are paid a wide range between $35,000 to $70,000. I'm going off the $35,000 salary to be safe.
- I could live on $15,000 a year because I do have my husband's income. If he wasn't employed, it would be a different scenario.
- Best scenario, he remains employed and I save $12-$15,000 a year to pay back a total of $22,000 in loans, so 2 years for payback if I'm very dedicated and I'm still financially supported. If not, it would obviously take much longer.
- I am absolutely prepared for all of the aspects of nursing. I am calm in emergencies, was practically raised in a nursing home:), and love helping people, etc. I could go on, but suffice to say, yes, I'm prepared.
Owning my own business and my other current job has forced me to become tech savvy, and I do enjoy it. This part does not bother me. Perhaps my mother was simply intimidated because it is not her strong suit, and that intimidation colored her opinion.

I just wanted to give you a clearer picture, and see if that changed anything in your opinion. Thanks again for your time and attention!
-Heidi


Answer
Hello again Heidi ;-)

It sounds like you would make a really good RN!

If your husband is supportive and willing/able to help with the kids while you do clinical and study, I would say "go for it".  I think all the other factors fit nicely.  And the return on your money justifies the expense.  When your kids are older, you can go back and do RN to BSN (or MSN if you wish).  I got my higher degree in after age 40 ;-).

I wish you the best of luck.  Mine were little (6 and 4) when I was going to school AND I was a single mom.  Having family support will make it so much more do-able for you!

Best regards,