Potential Career Change
Hi All,
TLDR: Engineering sector worker considering change to nursing profession to tick the "helping society" box whilst finding something interesting to enjoy and learn about. Questions at the bottom.
I'm (36M) currently working in the engineering field (have done for 15+ years) and have got to a point where I feel as though I'm not progressing professionally, nor financially. I have been soul searching for quite some time trying to work out what I could do in the future. I've always had an unexplained knack for understanding medical conditions from their formal latin names, enjoyed understanding science with an interest in anatomy (yes I'm that weird family member that watches surgical videos when I hear another family member requires a particular surgical procedure), and I've never been anything close to be considered a "blokey-bloke". Quite the opposite now I have children.
I have reached the current state of mind that I'm considering studying nursing remotely whilst working my usual 9-5 (really 7-6) with the intention of eventually becoming a full-time nurse. As for what field, I'm currently unsure. Maybe Emergency Dept for variety. I think I would enjoy providing care, as my current employment no longer really tickles the "helping someone" component within me since they've transitioned away from providing designs for residential homes to large corporate buildings and industrial design. Also, I cannot help but note when researching, if I were employed as a first year RN in a government setting, I'd receive a $25k/yr pay rise straight away.
I understand this increase in wage comes with many caveats: shift work, responsibility for human life, and exposure to emotionally charged situations. I guess I have some questions I would like some answers on:
What is the first thing that comes to mind that I should be aware of before pursuing this career path?
A university I am considering offers the course remote with practical training arranged locally with the course being completed in 4 years. By this time I will have a 8 year old and a 5 year old. How compatible with family life would you consider nursing to be?
Do male nurses still experience questioning around their sexuality etc.?
Is the rivalry between Drs and nurses really that intense?
Is there something you regret about your career in nursing?
Are there good prospects in further learning and career progression?
What do you prefer: Private or Public sector?
In the case of emergency department work, when dealing with patients suffering from horrific injuries such as amputation, do you get used to seeing such sights or is it something that will always make you question your choices? I ask as I'm pretty okay with blood etc. but am a little apprehensive about the possibility of dealing with a mangled, bloody mess where a hand used to be.
Most enjoyable thing about nursing?
The one thing you wish was different?