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Thinking of going into nursing, seeking opinions - Sick of MT drama

Posted: Jan 05, 2013

I just need opinions. Due to pay cuts left and right having to complete with India, micromanaging, increasingly having to compete with India for work even within the same MTSOs we work for, having to worry about our USA-only companies being sold to bigger ones that hire offshore workers, continually having great accounts only to be told "oh they're going to VR but you'll still be doing ALL the editing" only to lose your account a month later, etc, I'm just plain sick of this field. Just 5 short years ago I loved my field of work, not so much now.

My question - have any other MTs here gone into another health occupation (hands-on patient care) and done well/liked their job? There's an associate degree nursing program at the new community college only a 15-minute drive from my house, and I can always do an RN-to-BSN program online at the local university and get an MSN later if I decide to go further while working as an RN. That's what I originally went to college to do, at the age of 18. I'm in my mid-30s now, and my grandmother became an RN at the age of 50, so it's never too late, but I'm figuring better sooner than later :)

have not done this - but see message

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If you think you can stand actually dealing with patients (some of us can't), you should go for it. After a few years of hands on, the sky appears to be the limit for nurses, from what I see in my many job searches. Plus you are still young. Go go go.

Nursing is great, but just a comment about - "healthcare" meaning "hands-on."

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Nursing is a great occupation. It can lead to CRNA, nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, etc. One word of warning is that a BSN is becoming the norm in many states, so working with just an associate's drgree is becoming more difficult. Pay in nursing is good, but not for LPNs, and the hours are terrible. You have to like patient care. As someone else said, competition to get into those programs is fierce, so you need to plan on getting straight A grades in math and anatomy and all the rest of the prerequisites.

I just want to make one comment about the idea that the term healthcare refers to "hands-on" occupations. That is a popular misconception that arises because other, equally "healthcare" professionals are relatively invisible. MTs, who hear dictation describing hands-on care, and who work in isolation outside of healthcare facilities, often seem to be unaware that there are other healthcare professionals involved in healthcare. That is unfortunate because it limits you in thinking of other suitable occupations.

Medical technologists and technicians, for instance. Pharmacists. Medical record administrators, including coders, privacy and security officers, informaticists, and healthcare data analysts. Computer engineers, programmers, and technicians.

Pharmacists? Uh, no. - Only the techs are still making $$ in Pharmacy

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80 pharmacists for every job in my state and they are still opening up pharmacy schools. Salaries have been falling for years. No bathroom break, everyone screams at you, my SO is working 15 hour shifts daily just to try to keep up (tech hours keep getting cut). Undergrad + pharmacy school + rotations + 2 years of residencies (minimum) now= 200K plus in loans. Then you graduate and get to compete with the people here on Visas and all of the other grads desperate to get a job. Employers lay off the older workers regularly. Uh, no thanks! Just don't want to see anyone else get suckered into Pharmacy.

I agree. My first husband was a pharmacist... - sm

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He never got to eat lunch or take breaks, had to defuse all the screaming customers who were angry just for the sake of causing a scene and getting attention (for example, ranting and raving when they drop off a prescription and are told it will be a half hour wait when most pharmacies have 2-hour waits or more). Within 5 years of graduating from college he hated his job so much it transferred into his whole attitude even outside of work and it's a huge piece of why we got divorced. Not to mention retail pharmacists have the constant worry of some psycho with a gun desperate for narcotics. One of my ex-husband's pharmacy school classmates was shot by someone who was there to steal OxyContin and died on the sidewalk outside the pharmacy where he crawled for help. Definitely a job not work all the time and money to attain.

Pharmacy - sounds familiar

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Agreed. The descriptions of this job are not exaggerated at all and the inclusion of "pharmacist" with other positions that require only a four year degree is an ignorant mistake which is often made by sites like Yahoo. They list "Pharmacist" as an option for people who want to make 100K after only a four year degree.

I'd like to cybersmack the people who write that articles like that, as well as pharmacy schools who promise jobs to their graduates and don't tell them the truth about how awful the job is. It's how naive young people end up with HORRIBLE debt that is not bankruptable.

The salary, particularly for hospital, often starts under 50K (don't forget that horrible student loan burden or the liability insurance that will eat that up, either). Techs can make close to that, skip the loan debt, and still have a life. There are always tech openings as techs often (yep, often) steal drugs. Although the risk for robbery, retaliation (you would not believe how many scripts are fake- it's why it often takes so long for the rest of us to get our prescriptions filled), and other crime is high.

If you don't believe me, go do a search in the "student doc forum" or on indeed.com and see what real pharmacists say. Not the students (because the schools lie), but the people who can't find jobs. Or go ask a pharmacist who is trying to work a double drive-through, give flu shots, ring up a Snickers, answer a bunch of phone lines, and fill prescriptions. Chances are, they are completely alone or have one tech.

Outsourcing is frustrating, but so is the fact that our country is FILLED with people here on visas for many of the career options mentioned.

As long as people can get their prescriptions filled for $4 at Wal-Mart, though, they don't care that their pharmacist can't speak English very well. Never mind that prescription errors kill many every year.

I think most of us realize there is - more going on in healthcare

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than just "hands-on" patient care. However, these are usually the jobs that are in the most demand, and at one time at least, graduating as a nurse meant almost a guaranteed job with a fairly decent wage that only required a moderate amount of schooling.

you need way more than a course or a program to become - a pharmacist

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don't confuse jobs in a pharmacy with being an actual pharmacist. Pharmacy is a hugely demanding major.

Yes, and RHIA takes 4 years and even then ... - The problem is that ...

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Right, you need more than "a course or program" for that. You need a 4-year degree that is only offered at certain schools for RHIA and then have to pass an exam like the CPA exam that more than half the candidates fail. Speech therapy and audiology, physical therapy, library science, med technologist . . . they all take time and effort. And then you have to apply for a job. It is work to learn it, work to get a job, and work to do the job. And you have to start over from the beginning.

The problem with a lot of MTs here is that they don't want to make any effort, whether it is in terms of learning or to get a job. They want everything handed to them on a platter.

4 year degrees - Perhaps you are right...

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that some people here might not want to make much of an effort. I spoke up out of kindness. A 4 year degree doesn't mean what it used to. For myself, I chose to learn a trade more quickly and to be able to make $20/hr with benefits while deciding what to do next.

Many of the alternatives to nursing listed in this conversation are dead-end degrees or over-saturated already. Everyone went into healthcare, especially around 2008. Library Science is an worthless degree. I have a relative who is a librarian. It's almost impossible to find an opening as librarians never seem to retire.

Just because some of us are speaking up about hard facts doesn't mean that we don't agree that there are good jobs out there for retiring MTs. It doesn't do anyone any good to steer people toward researching degrees with little to no future. Many schools will say anything to students to collect the student loan money. It's not just the trade schools or matchbook schools and it's despicable.

Not sure which poster you originally were here... - sm

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do you mind saying or restating what trade you pursued that was quick to learn and results in $20/hr pay scale?

RHIA, etc - Anonymous

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Many MTs are in their late 50s and older. Realistically, who wants to go to school for 4 years at age 60 when your chances of finding a job and starting a new career at age 65 are slim to none. It is not that people don't want to make the effort; there are financial issues for many, going back to college is expensive. By the way, how do you know how much effort people are willing to make?

By the way, how do you know how much effort people are willing to make? - I was going to ask you the same thing

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n

My Comm. College had an info - session on nursing program.

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At least where I am, it is not a question any more of just signing up... competition is fierce, especially with younger kids who have their prereqs fresh out of high school. Before the economy tanked, 2 men friends of mine became nurses through CCs, one got LPN and then RN and the other went straight for RN. Now it might be a lot harder, but I guess it depends on where you live.

If you really think you could do patient care, or even not, I would start by checking with a guidance counselor at your CC to find out what you need. I think it's very doable at your age if it's something you really want.

I am doing this - sm

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I am a former MT, actually still working nights while I'm in school. I am working towards my LPN, then will go for my RN which will take one more year, then will do RN to BSN online. I had to apply very early to my local CC for the nursing program as they only take a certain number of people each semester. I was lucky to have all my pre-req's done at this same college years ago. If I did not have these done, I would have to finish those then be on a waiting list to get into the LPN program. So, the poster above who said to make sure you check out what the competition is like, is correct. Definitely talk to a counselor at the school and to the nursing program director. I am 35, so you are not too old!

My best friend is a nurse...sm - anon

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She works for a major hospital and she is getting cancelled left and right to where she only works one shift a week. She works the night shift and makes about $30 per hour (after 10 years). I definitely make more than that as an MT. The hospital is overhiring. I have several other friends working as nurses in different fields. Home healthcare---they are definitely overworked here. Surgery centers are closing all over the place here (I live in a a major medical area. There always seems to be listings for jobs though.

Good luck!

eh, it depends what ur looking for - tobemt

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Now, it's a different choice for everyone. I'm in my 30s too. I was considering nursing school myself a couple yrs go - Keyword: Was. I already have a B.A. in psychology and i liked the idea of caring for the sick being a nurse and making that steady good money. Now, i've become aware that the entry-level jobs are not as plentiful now as advertised by college recruiters. The reality is ur going to have to train in a hospital and start your career in one. Of course, after some years of exp'ce u'll be able to do work for other places like insurance companies and home agencies, altho hospitals/hospital systems are the main employers. HOspitals today run a tight ship - many of them now are forcing employees to get an annual flu shot or get fired. Now, that might be okay with some ppl, but I can't go for that. As a nurse, just know that mental, physical and emotional STRESS will go along with the rewards of the job. I would do some searching on indeed.com and simplyhired.com for entry-level nurse jobs in ur area and see what's out there before taking the plunge. It would probably be also be a good idea to talk to those that are in the field now. good luck with whatever u choose.

I'm in school now for nursing. One of instructors got - me

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into teaching because of changes in the hospital setting. They are hiring CNAs (our hospital system has different levels and the higher levels can do about the same skills as an LPN, and in fact an LPN can also be listed on state registry as a CNA II). CNAs are paid less and because they can do more skills then they need less RNs.

I had another hospital RN tell me that there are cycles where they lay off/hire RNs. Our current hospital system has openings for at least 30 RNs, but a couple of years ago they were laying off RNs. I think a lot of doctor's offices/clinics are going with CMA, as you don't typically need higher skill set in that setting.

I don't think anyone can say what our healthcare system will be like 5 years from now. I'm trying to take a variety of classes so I can have a varied skill base so that I could transition fairly easily to a different position in the healthcare setting if things change.

I think currently going into nursing is a good choice, but healthcare is changing and I don't think you can be comfortable with thinking you'll always have a job and you may need to re-evaluate your situation along the way and prepare for changes, much as MTs are having to do today. Who knew 5 years ago that we'd be where we are in this industry.

I think being an MT has helped me in my nursing classes with my terminology and knowledge base. It sure has made it classes fairly easy for me thus far.

I did go from MT to MA - MTtoMA

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I have not regretted it one bit. For the first time in years, I had off for the holidays and was paid, I have PTO, I have benefits, I am paid on time, and if I work overtime I am paid for it.

I use what I learned as an MT every day. The only drawback I think is that now I have to drive in crappy weather. That is small compared to the peace of mind I have now. I don't make as much probably as I did when I started MT, but the money is regular, I know what it will be, and that alone has reduced stress.

I don't think I'll take my MA to any higher degree, but I'm sure glad I took the plunge and got out of the house. I was afraid at first and then realized there was nothing to be afraid of, it was only my perception that needed to change.

I have my RN license - and can tell you

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my experience was not a good one. Plan on more days than not being in a panic from the minute you hit the floor to an hour after you were supposed to leave because of understaffing. Plan on being blamed for everything, for every department, whether or not it is beyond your control. Plan on being the brunt of anger from both ends, the physicians and the patients, and being expected to take it all, again and again, with a smile plastered on your face. Most of all, you had better be good, REALLY good, at multitasking and thinking well under fire, because people might die or you might lose your license if you forget something. I think the number of licensed RNs who are not working in nursing is a testament to how difficult the job is. I graduated nursing school in 2005. By 2010 less than half of us were still in the field. Also, carefully research whether or not hospitals in your area are even hiring new nurses. Job opp's for experienced nurses are great, but new grads have been waiting for literally years to get a hospital to invest in their graduate nurse programs. Allnurses.com is a good resource.

I like your perspective - on taking it again and again

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from both sides, the doctors and the patients. The anger and blaming aspect of this position is rarely discussed openly, particularly to anyone trying to get into the field or even considering taking classes. If you LIKE getting yelled at by egotistical god-complexed doctors and angry patients who perceive their care is not good enough and let's face it, don't feel well or they wouldn't be in the hospital in the first place, and have no qualms about hitting, pushing, pulling hair, etc. and also not to mention the extent of heavy lifting involved with gurney's, beds, equipment, and obese patients, you have to be quite "fit" as well. I am not trying to discourage anyone either, but just state parts of the job that are not talked about regularly.

At least you get paid decently for it... - XXX

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Hmm...so, you can get yelled at by doctors and patients for a minimum of $25 an hour to start...or you can sit on the other side of a computer screen and work (or wait for work) for $10 an hour listening to doctors burp, fart and smack their way through dictation on one side and dealing with overzealous QA personnel on the other side, always with the threat of pay decreases, outsourcing or automation threatening your livelihood? Tough call (rolls eyes).

I worked in healthcare management for 5 years, then got married and started a family, working as an MT for nearly 15 years. I am now less than 2 semesters away from finishing my associate degree in nursing. I wouldn't discourage anyone from pursuing nursing if they believe that it is a good fit for them. I have quite a few friends who are nurses, who are STILL nurses after many years in the field. The key to really enjoying your career as a nurse is recognizing when you are getting burnt out in your current setting. They have told us that in class multiple times. You can apply your nursing degree in a multitude of ways, and not all involve direct patient care. Case managers, risk managers, quality improvement specialists all work AROUND patient care, but don't typically include hands-on care. My old job in business development now requires a clinical degree on top of the business degree.

I can't think of anybody among my friends or relatives who HASN'T gotten yelled at by a customer, patient, boss, co-worker, etc. That comes with the territory any time you work directly with people. I think maybe MTs have been so distanced from direct interpersonal contact in a work context that maybe they never learned (or forgot) that conflict resolution is a skull they'll need everywhere.

Even though I haven't graduated my program yet, the experiences I have had have been simply amazing. There is nothing like being an active member of a team helping to bring a baby into the world, or watching a patient go from being on a ventilator and near death to being able to walk unassisted, talk and eat solid food again. If that rush doesn't compensate for the adversity that you run into as a nurse, then maybe you need a change of scenery.

I agree with a lot of what you said - and I think

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the key is whether or not nursing is a good fit. No matter how much you know your stuff, you'd better be good at retrieving it under chaotic circumstances, and you'd better thrive on dealing with difficult personalities and have a very thick skin. If you do, the highs of nursing can be incredibly rewarding, but they can be few and far between, and that $25 an hour becomes far less important when you dread going to work every day. I'm not trying to discourage anyone either, just encouraging people to research it and be honest with themselves beforehand.

going back to school - anon

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I am also in my mid 30s and going back to school to get out of MT and will start my second semester in a week. I, too, am studying a field in which I originally went to college for. It was good to have credits from previous that would transfer, cutting down on the number of classes I need to take now while still working FT.

I am so enjoying being back in school after being frustrated and isolated working at home as an MT. I like the community college experience and can also further my education afterwards at other institutions/online.

My job is holding out for now, but I know that could end tomorrow. I say go back to school now! It's never too late or too early to make a change.

My mom became an RN in her late 40s. Yes it was demanding, stressful work on the patient-care side. But being an RN does open up so many more opportunities to go into in the healthcare field. I know in my neck of the woods, nurses are seemingly always in demand. I don't hear of RNs around here who can't find employment, like is happening in so many other fields. It would be good to check on the demand where you live though.

Good luck to you! If you decide to go back to school, I hope you find it rewarding and promising for your future.

Never too late??? - Back to school at 62

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What to do? Walk out in front of a bus?

Well, no "goodbye" to drama, for sure - sm

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I actually did it the other way around, got my degree and worked as a nurse until I became sick and tired of it and then I started working as an MT. With the industry dying now I am going back to school for marketing. Nursing is full of drama as well though, maybe more than the MT field because you have more people you work with on a daily basis. If you want to do it though, anything is probably better than this industry right now for sure.

I went back and became an RN - Former MT

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I went back and became an RN. You can do it if you work hard and stay organized. You will make more money than MT. I am an ADN (associate degree) currently, and I'm still in demand. Go for it and good luck.

Just finished my first semester of ... - 4vrtpng

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Radiology technology school at my local CC. It was great getting back into the world of living people and not just a voice in my head that only I get to hear because of the headphones. This field of expertise has such a wide array of avenues to take after I get my degree. I plan to certify in mammograms, CT scans, MRI and probably even ultrasound eventually, just to name a few. I am also looking at maybe even radiation therapy or nuclear medicine as well. But, so far learning to take x-rays has been very rewarding. I am around people all day and have a part in patient care while they are in my department, but not the full on care that a RN or LPN provides.

Don't be afraid to go back to school, if you're older. I am the second oldest in my class at 46 (almost 47) and am not the oldest student in the history of the program at my college. You still have valuable time to make a difference. I plan to have at least a 20 year career. Am so looking forward to a regular 8 hour shift making a decent wage and not fighting for lines every day to make my crappy pay for the period. I lost 2 years of working time because I thought I couldn't do it and didn't put my application in. I could kick myself for not doing it before. I got into my program on the first try and I think it was because of my MT background because I had no college and had not been in school for 25+ years. I was one of 15 out of 100 applicants this year that made it into the program.

So, I have 16 months and counting until I graduate and I am counting the days. Each day in this chair is another day closer to the day I don't have to sit in it anymore.

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