6 answers
Demistra
Student
1
Question
Asked
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#Fall24 Why do I feel such a strong pull to go back into Healthcare?
I wanted to become a nurse but could not because my daughter was a preemie, born at 2 pounds 8 ounces. Thank God I am proud to say that she is a college student and pursuing her own educational goals. I feel a strong pull to go back and pursue where I left off. While she was growing up, I did get a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, but I still feel this pull to go back into Healthcare. Is this odd? Thank you for taking your time and reading my post.
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6 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1749
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Demistra,
Wanting to pick up where you left off is not "odd" at all! I encourage you to pursue your dreams of having a professional career.
As an older student who returned to school myself, I would encourage you to start off slowly, so you are setting yourself up for success! Much learning is done on-line now, and it is imperative that you become familiar with your school's portal, where you will be submitting work and communicating with your professors.
Also, I encourage you to being open to exploring other possibilities. For example, if somewhere along the way you find yourself interested in being a radiology tech, don't ignore that calling - explore it, compare it to nursing, and see which way you feel stronger about.
Finally, much has changed in the Healthcare Industry over the last 20 years, esp. since the Pandemic. Try to evaluate Nursing as it is today - talk to people in the field, and ask them the good and bad. Since there are many different roles fulfilled by Nurses, I imagine you will get some different responses. For example, hospital nurses vs. those working in doctor offices.
Essentially, keep your eyes and ears open, and be open-minded about where this journey will end up.
Best of luck!
Kim
Wanting to pick up where you left off is not "odd" at all! I encourage you to pursue your dreams of having a professional career.
As an older student who returned to school myself, I would encourage you to start off slowly, so you are setting yourself up for success! Much learning is done on-line now, and it is imperative that you become familiar with your school's portal, where you will be submitting work and communicating with your professors.
Also, I encourage you to being open to exploring other possibilities. For example, if somewhere along the way you find yourself interested in being a radiology tech, don't ignore that calling - explore it, compare it to nursing, and see which way you feel stronger about.
Finally, much has changed in the Healthcare Industry over the last 20 years, esp. since the Pandemic. Try to evaluate Nursing as it is today - talk to people in the field, and ask them the good and bad. Since there are many different roles fulfilled by Nurses, I imagine you will get some different responses. For example, hospital nurses vs. those working in doctor offices.
Essentially, keep your eyes and ears open, and be open-minded about where this journey will end up.
Best of luck!
Kim
Thank you Kim for your encouraging and inspiring response! Every since the Pandemic, I have been feeling this pull. I used to be a CNA in my early 20's. So I have some Healthcare experience. You are right on by saying that nursing has changed. I have been researching and exploring other careers in the Healthcare field. At this point, I should keep an open mind even if it leads me to being a Surgical Technician, Ultra Sound; etc. Thank you and God bless you!
Demistra
Charles Ituah
School Counsellor
13
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Hello Demistra, first of all, I admire your strength and positive attitude to life as that is a surefire way to get closer to your dream or even succeed in life altogether.
Your desire to go into healthcare is because it truly aligns with your passion, goals, mission, vision, and values and not just, if I get this then I will be happy sort of mindset.
You getting a Bachelor's in Social Work is already a great step in the right direction as you are already aligned to your calling in the healthcare industry.
So I say, you should pursue your dreams and keep moving until you get to the finish line.
Your daugther is a championa and she is so blessed to have you as a mother.
You got this Demistra.
Your desire to go into healthcare is because it truly aligns with your passion, goals, mission, vision, and values and not just, if I get this then I will be happy sort of mindset.
You getting a Bachelor's in Social Work is already a great step in the right direction as you are already aligned to your calling in the healthcare industry.
So I say, you should pursue your dreams and keep moving until you get to the finish line.
Your daugther is a championa and she is so blessed to have you as a mother.
You got this Demistra.
Thank you for the advice Charles! I agree that Healthcare is my passion. I appreciate the time you took to respond to my post. I have been seeking out training in Healthcare programs, for a couple of weeks now. There are plenty of opportunities out there! Thank you for congratulating me on receiving my B.S. Degree in Social Work and mentioning my daughter, who has been a 🏆 champion through it all. May you have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!
Demistra
Trisha Borme
Talent Acquisition - Hiring
27
Answers
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Updated
Trisha’s Answer
I have a cousin that had this same pull. They studied something different in school and wished they did nursing. I do volunteer at Hospice and that gives you some great experience of working alongside the nurses. An option you could consider is to volunteer somewhere that interests you. Another option would be to take a class and see how you feel learning it. Nursing is a challenging field and there is a high need for nurses. Many schools offer scholarships and help you. Trisha
Thank you Trish for your response and sharing your cousins experience with going into a career that's not fulfilling, and now wishing to go back into nursing. My priorities have now changed, and I am able to go back and pursue my hearts desire. I used to be a CNA in my early 20's, so I know where this pull is coming from. I also have some Hospice experience from taking care of my mom before she passed away from cancer. I just wanted to say thank you and may God bless you for being a Hospice volunteer! You are an inspiration. Thank you as well for mentioning scholarships to help me out financially. Take care and blessings to you!
Demistra
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
65
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
I think you feel that pull because that's where your heart lies. Hesthcare is one of the most challenging careers, but also one of the most rewarding.
We see the importance of our efforts to heal, save lives, and make the world a better place. Go for it!
We see the importance of our efforts to heal, save lives, and make the world a better place. Go for it!
Thank you Kathleen for your response and insight on the reason why I should pursue Healthcare! Yes, I truly believe it is where my heart is. I also used to be a CNA in my early 20's. It was challenging, but rewarding. Thank you for your encouraging and inspirational response! Take care and God bless you!
Demistra
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
231
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Demistra,
I personally don't think it's odd at all. In fact, if I had pursued social work (which I seriously considered as a career path) all those years ago, I might still be thinking about 'what if I had chosen health care.' Instead I chose medicine and this is basically how I decided I wanted to help others, which I feel gives me and many of my healthcare colleagues a shared passion and interest in helping.
How long have you worked in social work? Have you thought about the reason(s) you're considering revisiting a healthcare career? I believe that a good career is one that you genuinely enjoy, so I hope you have found or will find that career for yourself.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Hwal
I personally don't think it's odd at all. In fact, if I had pursued social work (which I seriously considered as a career path) all those years ago, I might still be thinking about 'what if I had chosen health care.' Instead I chose medicine and this is basically how I decided I wanted to help others, which I feel gives me and many of my healthcare colleagues a shared passion and interest in helping.
How long have you worked in social work? Have you thought about the reason(s) you're considering revisiting a healthcare career? I believe that a good career is one that you genuinely enjoy, so I hope you have found or will find that career for yourself.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Hwal
Thank you Hwal! I appreciate your time and sharing your perspective and your personal experience of why you chose medicine. I have been in Social Services for 10 years, but after the Pandemic I started feeling this strong pull and interest, as if I should be at a hospital helping to save lives. In my early 20's, I used to be a CNA, before I decided to get my Bachelor's in Social Services. Even as a CNA, the work was challenging, but rewarding. I wanted to further my nursing career after working as a CNA for a few years, but couldn't because of my motherly duty to take care of my preemie baby. You sound very happy and fulfilled! I hope to find that too,
as I seek out training in the Healthcare field. Take care and God bless you!
Demistra
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
771
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Demistra, there's nothing strange about your feelings. Quite the contrary, it's a testament to your deep sense of purpose and resilience. Many individuals find their personal and professional goals interwoven with significant life experiences. Your initial desire to become a nurse, which you selflessly set aside to tend to your daughter, is a shining example of your dedication. Now, with your daughter flourishing and chasing her dreams, it's perfectly natural for you to feel a renewed sense of opportunity and a longing to revisit your own ambitions.
Your journey, Demistra, juggling the responsibilities of motherhood while earning a Bachelor's in Social Work, is a clear demonstration of your commitment to aiding others and your capacity to evolve and grow. This combination of personal experience and professional growth uniquely positions you to make meaningful and impactful contributions.
The tug you're experiencing to return to healthcare is a testament to your unwavering passion for caregiving and your yearning to make a tangible difference in people's lives. It's not uncommon for individuals to feel a sense of "unfinished business" when a previously postponed calling resurfaces due to life's twists and turns. The fact that you're considering this now, after successfully nurturing your daughter, signals the start of a new chapter in your life—a time when your own dreams and aspirations can be revisited and realized.
Embracing this pull towards healthcare is not just a powerful nod to your past but also a forward-looking opportunity to blend your background in social work, your personal experiences, and your passion for helping others. It's an opportunity to make an even larger impact in a field where compassion and empathy are the cornerstone of care.
Your journey, Demistra, juggling the responsibilities of motherhood while earning a Bachelor's in Social Work, is a clear demonstration of your commitment to aiding others and your capacity to evolve and grow. This combination of personal experience and professional growth uniquely positions you to make meaningful and impactful contributions.
The tug you're experiencing to return to healthcare is a testament to your unwavering passion for caregiving and your yearning to make a tangible difference in people's lives. It's not uncommon for individuals to feel a sense of "unfinished business" when a previously postponed calling resurfaces due to life's twists and turns. The fact that you're considering this now, after successfully nurturing your daughter, signals the start of a new chapter in your life—a time when your own dreams and aspirations can be revisited and realized.
Embracing this pull towards healthcare is not just a powerful nod to your past but also a forward-looking opportunity to blend your background in social work, your personal experiences, and your passion for helping others. It's an opportunity to make an even larger impact in a field where compassion and empathy are the cornerstone of care.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. I thank you for your insights and heartfelt reasons why I should pursue going back to the Healthcare field. You are truly encouraging and inspiring. Wishing you
a blessed and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
Demistra