Nursing Careers: The Economy Made Me Do It

A few short years ago, as time was passing by me faster than ever, monumental decisions were being made, and a cataclysmic economic disaster forced me to change the path I had chosen for my life. This is how I decided upon a career in nursing.

I had pursued undergrad with a passion for Psychology and English. Naturally I was drawn to these subjects not only because I excelled in them, but also because they fascinated me to a degree that no other subjects even held a candle. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in English. I had planned to work for a year or two after graduating, and finally feel what it was like to be financially independent. Then after saving up for a couple years and getting my living situation in order, I planned to go back to graduate school to pursue a degree in a field of psychology that I was passionate about. I had envisioned myself years down the road working in a private practice setting, or possibly working in a long term care facility. However, with the crash of the housing market and the ensuing economic downturn, my dreams of pursuing the slow and steady route to my dream job were dashed.

I couldn't even get hired as a case manager without 50 more qualified and experienced candidates clambering for the position. I went on countless interviews, and because of being in school full time I didn't have the best employment record which couldn't have helped my case. So after a full year of not having any luck getting the type of employment I felt would further my career in psychology, I decided to take a different route.

I talked to a friend of my fathers that was a Mental Health Nurse, who educated me in what exactly his position involved and how exactly I could use my degree later after completing a basic nursing program. I wouldn't have known anything about Psychiatric-mental health nursing if it wasn't for my dad's friend in the field, and am forever grateful to him for opening my eyes to the possibilities within the nursing field.

Not only could I excel with a general Registered Nursing program, but I could use this path to further use my previous degree in psychology where my passions arise. With all of the available career paths, and varying specialties within every hospital, it makes sense to take this step as a jumping off point, but this program is sufficient to provide a lifestyle and career choice in and of itself. All the diversity in the nursing field alone is the best reason for anyone, and also for myself to pursue a degree and further my education in the medical field.