Ms. Malienation had an operation last year, and I had to take care of her (change dressings, give shots, look stern when she wanted to do something she wasn’t supposed to yet, etc.). I sorta liked it. Her doctor liked the way I did her dressings. Some people would get weirded out by the experience (especially the shot-giving part), but not me. I am not the squeamish type when it comes to bodily processes. I am sensitive to the pain others may feel, but understand that sometimes that must be ignored to truly help them (I can maintain distance). She half-jokingly said that I should become a nurse. I did entertain the idea (I am a Technical Consultant), but found a way to talk myself out of it. I still thought about it, though. My consulting money is drying up, and the work is…work. Although I don’t hate it, it rarely thrills me. I wouldn’t mind challenging myself with something different, but too many companies are uninterested in a jack-of-all-trades, which is what I am. Besides, too much technical stuff is being outsourced.
My dad died last Tuesday. He had been in declining health for some time, and had had half a leg amputated only a few days before. This was done because of circulatory problems (he had diabetes) in a foot that had been served by a vein removed for a bypass operation. Although he seemed okay immediately after the operation, a couple of days later he collapsed and could not be revived. His death shocked us all; we expected to have him for at least a year or two. His funeral was on Friday. I grieve, but I came to the conclusion when my Grandmother died 2 years ago that some people deal with death well, some don’t. I do. I loved my dad and my grandmother, but I understand: it was their time.
At the funeral was a cousin escorting my dad’s brother. I hadn’t seen her in over 30 years. She is a nurse, like my aunt. I told her about my experience taking care of my gf and she was enthusiastic about the idea of me becoming a nurse. Suddenly, the idea doesn’t seem so stupid. I figure I am smart enough, and am strong on analytical skills. I see nursing as a “suck it up” occupation, and I don’t panic or scare easily. In a jolt of inspiration, I even came up with an cynically dark idea for an intense nursing tattoo. Maybe a complete change is in order.
Tell me about nursing. What sort of education is involved? What kind of money is involved? She said it was good, but I am wary; I have been hearing about a nursing shortage for years and years. If the money is good, why would there be a perpetual shortage for so long? She said nurses get burned out after a while and drop out. True? And why? Money’s not the top issue, but I can’t say it’s irrelevant. Can one become an RN in stages, i.e., first an LPN, then an RN (while working as an LPN)? If so, is that the way to go, or should one shoot for the RN all at once? Seems like the “all at once” approach would be faster, but the LPN -> RN would give me a better feel for how far I want to go (if I find out nursing’s not my thing, I would waste less time and money on education). I already have a BA (Psych), AAS (Electrical Technology), and didn’t quite get a BS in Electrical Engineering (ran out of money and interest). How likely is it that someone used to solving technical problems (electrical circuitry, some programming, etc.) can use their analytical mind to good effect in the nursing field? And how long will it take, and where (live in Germantown, MD)? Then there’s the issue of career length. How long can I do it for? My health is generally good; I am 46 and a little heavy, but exercise regularly (I figure that’s important for an “on your feet” occupation).
