Career Change

[SweetErika]

I looked into that NP program in the university that's 45 minutes away from where E lives. They allow part time students. I may have to take extra classes like Ms Cate says since I don't have a nursing degree...but three years of school isn't bad.

Wonderful! It sounds like it's definitely worth investigating further. Maybe you could talk to some of the (part-time) students in the program to see how they're doing and also a couple of NPs in your/E's area to scope out the job situation?

High demand and good salary are two of some of the important qualities (the others are serving the public and being appreciated) for an ideal job (at least for me, anyway). I think it's significant for me to have a job where I can be hired any where. E is definitely thinking about going back to the military once he finishes grad school so I know that when we get married, I have to go where he goes (unless they send him somewhere where I can't be with him.) And money, of course, is a big factor.

I hope that I don't sound like I'm just in it for the money. Well, I am - in a way, but in a practical way. If I go back to school, I know I'll probably get a school loan...so I'll need a job that has a salary that's high enough for me to help me pay it off (including the ones I owe now). And I would like to have a family someday, and be financially stable enough to support one. Yeah, sure, my husband will help me, but since I was a little girl, my mother pounded it into my head that I can't completely depend on a man to support me and that I should be able to stand on my own two feet. She told me that you can never tell what happens, and I agree. I'm not trying to be negative. Just being practical and prepared.

Your mom's a smart woman, and so are you for listening to her. We usually think of death or divorce as the big reasons for needing to support ourselves, but I've found others even in my short time being married. My hubby has been the primary wage-earner for the past few years because I've been working on getting myself together and gaining some other experience, but his last job was absolutely horrible and I begged him to quit several times knowing we had the same education and I could take care of us just as well. The knowledge that each of us can take care of each other/the family in times of health or emotional problems, or even just simple unhappiness with a current job, is really important.

You're right...it's about being practical, responsible, and prepared. Considering what the jerkballs in the current administration just did to student loans, it'd be foolish to rack up a bunch of them in a field that won't allow you to pay them off and support yourself.

I'm really excited for you, and look forward to seeing where this leads!

 

[onlyerics]

I have seen NPs for years. Unfortunately a few years back I became sick and needed the ''big guys'', mostly for their contacts with other specialists.

Oh, sorry to hear that.

I now have far too many doctors and see the specialists as required but in my primary care office my first choice is the NP. We have an excellent relationship, she spends the time the MDs can't and she's far more clear and understands the real life verus the theory of what I should do.

I'm glad that you have a healthcare provider that you are comfortable with. I appreciate you sharing your experience. I do admit that I have hesitated to inquire more about NP or PA programs because I often wonder if people would see MDs rather than NPs or PAs. Maybe it's because it's been like that for a long time. It's different now, of course, because we have more diseases, and yet the at the same time people are living longer.

The info you've mentioned about the NP track sounds do-able and I think it'd be more rewarding then an MD or even PA program. But I'm prejudice because nurses are some of my favorite people in the world. They are the ones that truly do help care for you - hands on and with their mind.

My mom has been an RN for over 25 years, so I thank you for that comment.

 

[onlyerics]

Wonderful! It sounds like it's definitely worth investigating further. Maybe you could talk to some of the (part-time) students in the program to see how they're doing and also a couple of NPs in your/E's area to scope out the job situation?

I actually called the university yesterday morning to find out more. There's an information session about the NP program that's coming up in April. They will look at my transcripts and see what classes I would need to take.

Your mom's a smart woman, and so are you for listening to her.

Thank you. I always read your posts and threads. I think you're very wise.

We usually think of death or divorce as the big reasons for needing to support ourselves, but I've found others even in my short time being married. My hubby has been the primary wage-earner for the past few years because I've been working on getting myself together and gaining some other experience, but his last job was absolutely horrible and I begged him to quit several times knowing we had the same education and I could take care of us just as well. The knowledge that each of us can take care of each other/the family in times of health or emotional problems, or even just simple unhappiness with a current job, is really important.

Yes, I agree how difficult that must have been. These days, especially with our unpredicatable economy and cost of living is getting higher, both have to work. Unless, of course, the person is married to someone who can solely provide for the whole family. But you can never tell. One might get injured on the job or get into an accident. Again, I'm not being negative. I'm just being realistic.
A long time ago, E has told me that when we get married, he could provide for us both. Sure. I think it's wonderful for him to say that, but I don't think that's feasible though since I have my student loans and other bills. Besides, they're my responsibility, not his.

I'm really excited for you, and look forward to seeing where this leads!

Thanks! I'm excited myself. I haven't exactly made up mind what to do yet. I am also looking into the pharmacy program in that same university. It's nice to have some other options.

 

[Eilan]

I actually called the university yesterday morning to find out more. There's an information session about the NP program that's coming up in April. They will look at my transcripts and see what classes I would need to take.

Good for you.