Should I change careers?

[geniann]

I am considering changing careers- This is a VERY big thing since I have been a nurse for so long- I have been in healthcare almost my entire adult life. I love it mostly but it is physically tearing me down. I am young but I have numerous back and neck problems and it is only getting worse. I hate to say I would love a cushy desk job, but I think I need it. The thing is, is that I have NO experience in anything but nursing. Noone will hire me with no experience. I love secretary type work and even though I type well and love to write and can file efficiently, I don't know programs and intense technical stuff. What should I do? Anyone been here before? I am 32 and I need a job with a retirement and good insurance. :confused:

[Kathy]

What an exciting idea! I think there are many things you could do and what experience you don't have, you could learn.

One idea would be to check with a local community college for evening classes in office technology. Many times they offer classes with excellent hands on skills to teach you what an employer would desire in an employee.

Keep us posted on your investigation! We can all learn from you as you explore your options. :bounce:

[GirlyGirl]

Hi Geni,

Have you considered working for a health care administrator? The nurses at my company tell me its a good position to get into. There are a lot of companies here in Florida and some of them will let you telecommute if you're interested.

[LuvMaui]

I think change is wonderful. One warning about the desk jobs... You can end up with a large fat fanny in a very short period of time. Desk jobs should come with a fitness center membership.

I hope you find something great!

[jcme]

Geni,

If nursing is the issue, and not the healthcare field, I would look for another opportunity in the same field.

First, I would start considering what jobs you want to do then figure out how your past experiences play into them. The next step is to identify what skills you lack and look for classes or training programs to take. Then when applying for a position, play up your past experience and how it can help in your new role. If you are enrolled in the classes you can show that you are taking the initiative to learn the other skills you need.

Have you considered staying in nursing and just changing roles? I'm not that familar with the healthcare field but know my my insurance company has nurses on staff for consultations and to coordinate hospital care and LOAs. Also when my mother got out of the hospital the home health care company had a nurses who coordinated and oversaw all the care that was required.

Good luck

[Manistique]

If you are an R.N., you might consider becoming a medical paralegal. Law firms often hire R.N.s to assist on malpractice and personal injury cases---your medical background will be very valuable both for interviewing clients and writing "interrogatories" (questions to which answers are recorded for court proceedings) about the medical aspects of the case.

You might check with your local community college to see if it offers a paralegal course. An associates as a paralegal, coupled with your nursing degree, will make you a valued commodity.

[ofgrace]

Hi Geniann,
Don't sell yourself short. I would think there would be plenty of private practice offices with entry level desk jobs you may be well qualified for. Having no background in medical terminology is a stumbling block for many us who could do the administrative part but lack the medical knowledge necessary. I know I have seen help wanted adds many times in our local papers offering office training but requiring medical knowledge.

You should think about doing medical transcribing or coding? I have a friend who does this from home working for a company with a headset and the internet. She has a required amount of hours but chooses when and how long each time. I have often looked at the course requirements and you sound like you may be half way there already to me. Good luck!

[Marian Paroo]

If you are an R.N., you might consider becoming a medical paralegal. Law firms often hire R.N.s to assist on malpractice and personal injury cases---your medical background will be very valuable both for interviewing clients and writing "interrogatories" (questions to which answers are recorded for court proceedings) about the medical aspects of the case.

You might check with your local community college to see if it offers a paralegal course. An associates as a paralegal, coupled with your nursing degree, will make you a valued commodity.

This sounds like a good choice IMHO.

Transcribing records sounds dreadful to me, even if it is flextime. Flextime/working at home sounds like something that could become full time /double time piecework to me.

[GirlyGirl]

Flextime/working at home sounds like something that could become full time /double time piecework to me.

Hi Marian,

I've been working at home for my company for the last 6 years. Just think....I dont fight traffic and everyday is casual day! Depending on any telephone conferences or meetings I might have scheduled for the day, I can pretty much set my own start and stop time. I work 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. I dont have to take time off of work for sick kids, doctor's appointments, banking, going to the gym, etc. I just arrange my schedule around the day's requirements. Working from home has been great while my children are young. Now that they are in school full-time and my DH work's from home, I am exploring the option of working outside the home again. I do miss the interaction with people.

[geniann]

These are some great ideas- thanks ladies. I kinda like the medical trasnscriptonist idea, but I knew a couple guys who did it and they said that overall they liked it but some of the doctors mumble and they would have to leave blanks or send notes asking the doc to clarify. I like the idea of staying at home but am afraid that with that freedom I may get lazy- :rolleyes: I am looking into doing some private duty for some elderly people who need a comanion- I would mostly just keep them company. Here where I live there are ALOT of very wealthy people who need a little help and they don't mind paying for it. I don't know- we'll see. Thanks for the ideas- keep em coming!!!

[Marian Paroo]

GirlyGirl =

You have more self respect and self discipline than a lot of people I know that run their business from home!

Sometimes I think they work like those poor kids who sew soccer balls for 20 hours a day at the kitchen table!

[Manistique]

GirlyGirl:

What kind of at-home work do you do?