Social Work to Nursing?

I'm a 37 y/o, single mom. I have my Bachelors and Masters in Social Work, working for 10 years in the field, and $60,000 in student loans, I was fired from my last position b/c it "wasn't a good fit." I am considering getting my RN, I have a GI Bill and could probably work for a hospital to offset the rest of the cost of school and any living expenses.





I have never really liked Social Work, not the job, not coworkers, and sometimes no clients (yes, i realize this influenced the termination). I'm afraid that if i spend the time and money to get a nursing degree I'll be in the same boat. I





'm very creative and social. Blood doesn't bother me. So... my question is: has anyone experienced this conundrum?


If so what was your decision and how did it work out?





Time with my son and the ability to provide for him are my priorities, as well as, job satisfaction. Thanks!

Social Work to Nursing?
Social work to nursing = good fit. You have experience in client advocacy which is a HUGE part of nursing. In fact, that is something that takes longer to develop than the good sense to pass meds correctly. You will incur some more education debt, BUT....what with the current nursing shortage hospitals are offering big money in bonuses, loan forgiveness money and all types of incentives for new nurses.


I say, DO IT!
Reply:I live in the UK and although our education systems will be different, being a Social Worker will not.


I too trained as a SW and hated every minute of it from the petty rules, political correctness, lazy co-workers who took a day off if they broke their nail, to the ungrateful clients who know their "rights", but none of their responsibilities.


Here in the UK, you could do voluntary work in a hospital to see if it is the career you want, or even work as a, we call them "auxiliary nurses" ( the unqualified nurse who does all the work!).


Try it. I'm sure with your qualifications they will bite your hand off. You will be able to bring valuable experience to the role. And if they can't appreciate you in the US, move to Blighty, the weather ain't brilliant in the winter, but you'll never see a finer view than an English meadow on a summers day.
Reply:If the hospital setting appeals to you, have you tried seeking a position in the hospital as a social worker? a nursing home? Consider other possibilities with your current degree before giving up!





Nursing is a wonderful profession for those who are hard workers, dedicated, and who are patient enough to help others. If you are having trouble getting along with co-workers and caring about your clients, this may not be a good "fit" for you either.





Try seeking out a career counselor to help you with your decision. You could possibly talk to friends, or even your previous employer to see if they have suggestions for you, as well.
Reply:I have totally been in your place...although while I was going to psych tech school, then transferred nursing, I DISCOVERED I was not enjoying the politics, protocol, or health risks. I know what it's like to want more out of life, and to love getting up in the morning, and justifying putting my son in daycare.





Consider becoming a hairstylist. SOCIALIZE all day, express yourself creatively, and lastly a can have a flexible schedule to be a mother to your son. You can work as much as you want and earn a TON or just do it for kicks in the evening after you've been a dron all day as a social worker.





The education is fast (1600 hrs) 12 months usually, cost about $400.00 a semester.





Best wishes, check out local community colleges if they offer Cosmetology.
Reply:If I were you - serious debt, single mom, etc., I think I would look for something where I could use the degrees I have. If you didn't like your social work clients, you will probably like sick people even less.





You could look into the administrative part of social work. You could look at federal or state agencies where a social work degree would be very beneficial (the federal Department of Health and Human Services, for example, hires many social workers.) Since you have practical experience, you would probably qualify for a program or management analyst positions. Some of these positions pay $60,000 - 90,000 yearly.


Also, one benefit of working for some federal agencies is if you agree to work for at least three years, they will pay off your student loans, up to about $10,000 per year. You would have to check with the particular agency for more details.





You may just be suited more to more administrative-type functions. Going into more debt doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Good luck.


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