Career Change

[onlyerics]

Hi, everyone. I have been trying to write this post for the past two days. I had no idea how to put it, but here goes. If I don't make any sense, please accept my apologies in advance, and I'll try to be clear later.

For the past year or so, I have been feeling a little depressed at my job. I work as a tech in the lab in the evenings. We are often isolated from patient contact unless an inpatient or outpatient needs their labs drawn. Unlike doctors or nurses, who do have patient contact, the lab doesn't really get the glory even though we help in diagnosis and treatment. We are often underappreciated and don't get the respect. We get negative feedback because they complain that we aren't fast enough to get the results out. What they (doctors, nurses, and patients) don't understand is that we get tons of specimen. And it's not just in one wave, but there's one after another. As much as I can, I try to manage my time and work as fast as I can. However, this often leaves me exhausted. Last night for instance around 9 pm, I had a specimen incubating for 10 minutes. I haven't had dinner yet so I figured that I could eat in 10 minutes. So I went on a break, but then a specimen from the ER came. The doctor called and wanted the results RIGHT NOW because the test was ordered an hour ago. Unfortunately, the order was not entered by his nurse in the computer. He b****ed and hung up on me as I was explaining this. Anyway, I did the test. By the time I got through with the ER specimen, it was time for me to do the other. I never got to eat my dinner until I got home at midnight. This happens nearly everyday, and I'm getting sick of it. I'm sick of the heavy workload, the doctors and nurses complaints, the low pay, and especially the underappreciation and disrespect we receive from our peers.

As always I try to look at the positive side of my job. My co-workers are like family and we all get along well. I get to see interesting cases. I am amazed and fascinated how the human body works and responds to any diseased state...and with the skills and knowledge I use in my job, I can get a picture of what's happening to the patient.

I do admit that I miss patient contact. When I was in pre-med, I worked as a nursing assistant. I wasn't making a lot of money, and it was exhausting, but I liked it. I figured this would help me get some work experience since I wanted to be a doctor. Becoming a physician was my dream. However, I ended up dropping out because of my medical condition. Towards the end of my first year of med school, I was diagnosed with a thyroid problem. Because it went on being undiagnosed for a long time, it became very severe. I went for treatment for a long time and ended up having surgery. My thyroid had to be taken out, and I now take thyroid replacement hormone. Anyway, since I ended up missing a lot of days, I just decided to quit med school. It was very hard for me not to get depressed, and I tried to tell myself that it was better for me to leave school since I had to focus on getting better. Because my pre-med degree was in medical technology, I decided to work in the lab.

Most of my friends are now doctors, and I envy them sometimes. (I hate saying that.) I actually thought about going back to medical school, but I am not sure if I can physically handle it. My body just isn't how it use to be. I get tired very easily. I'm also older that than the average med student. (I'm 29, BTW) Then of course, there's the financial factor. Med school is expensive.

My BF, E, has encouraged me to go back to school since he knows that I am unhappy with my job. The problem is that there are so many graduate programs out there. I thought about leaving the medical field, but medicine is really all I know. I thought about getting a graduate degree in the field I am in right now, but I'm not really sure if I want to stick with it. These are the choices I can come up with, and I'm just not very good when it comes to making life-altering decisions.

I am sorry if I had complained too much. I really don't do this, and try to be optimistic and tell myself things like, "It could have been worse." I guess I am just frustrated. Or burn out. Or just plain tired.

Thanks for reading.

 

[EJFan]

all of the hell and none of the heaven... it sounds like most people's jobs. lol. i understand where you're coming from though.

i don't think you really asked a question, but i'll say this:
if you can make a responsible decision to move toward a change, the WORST that could happen is that you don't like it and change again or return to where you were... which isn't all that bad because you've added new experiences to your "bag of tricks."

the only caveat, in my mind, is that the decision has to be a responsible one. by that i mean a decision that isn't going to jeopardize your commitments in life (bills, family, friends, etc.).

that being said, i'd say go for it if you can. it never, NEVER hurts to try new things. it's rare that we find a career niche that really feeds our souls (that's why we enjoy our recreational time so much) but if you do happen upon it it can be quite fulfilling.

good luck to you in pondering this decision!

 

[silverwhisper]

are you sure that becoming a doctor is necessarily the right course of action? after all, every profession has its issues.

nurses get shit from doctors, doctors get shit from patients/patients' families, patients and their families are in a strange place w/ usually too little contact w/ doctors...

if you get tired easily, med school definitely sounds like the wrong solution, IMHO. you know that residents pull 24-36 hour shifts, right? i know some hospitals are trying to end that "sink or swim" approach, but that isn't exactly the norm, either.

have you considered talking to one of your friends about the rigors of med school, or even getting a "grass is always greener" speech?

if you do decide to enter med school, what specialty would you select? anesthesiologists make a mint.

ed

 

[Guest]

 

[Guest]

 

[EJFan]

good point ed. every job I have had had some kind of baggage and bullshit with it.

i hear THAT.

one job that i had in the early/mid '90s had me quitting about once a week. i absolutely DETESTED that job... until the place closed down (which, unlike that buffet restaurant, wasn't my fault). to this day... 10 years later... i have incredible memories of that place and wish i was still working there.

 

[cloakedlover]

I bet so many of us out there are unfulfilled professionally. I have been questioning my career choices for a while now, so I can commiserate with your feelings. I contemplated going back for a PhD and am still thinking on it. My hubby has been very supportive, but doesn't understand the frustration I feel with the situation. He sees me as intelligent and persistent and believes I can do anything I put my mind to...that should be so warming. But inside, though I know I possess these traits, I fear it. He suggested I may fear rejection because I always expect to do well. I know I'll need to hit the self-help books, right?

He even would love to be self-employed; however, responsibilities currently dictate otherwise. And believe me, with today's economy, we don't have the luxury of one of us sitting on the playing field on a career quest. So I know that can be bothersome as well.

Dream Sequence Flashback
All I wanted was to go to the Peabody Institute of Music and pursue a career in performance or education, but my Dad refused to fund the other part that the scholarship didn't and explained I would be better served getting a Business degree. LOL. Well I'm soooo practical I couldn't see loading myself down with huge education loans.

So, wahlah off to the world of public university I went and double degreed in Finance and Journalism. They didn't even have a music department; though they offered a few courses and I could get private lessons from a decent teacher. Graduated and worked in finance until I was car-jacked by a couple of high school kids and suddenly I was fueled to know what the hell was going on with the raising of kids and the pitfalls of the public education system. So I went back and got a Masters In Education and taught for 5 years. I really was a great teacher , much to my chagrin - but the beaucracy and the pay killed my spirit. They wanted us to do a plethora of worksheets worksheets workshits and everything I've ever known fought against that theory.
End Flashback

So here I am back in Finance - and not fulfilled.....

Just my story.

I understand the leap it takes to get out of your comfort zone, but, as you can see, I'm still not satisfied. All these experiences (which span the spectrum) have brought a lot to me personally - that I can certainly attest to.

Research and soul search - that's all I can currently think of.

 

[Cathleen]

I can sympathize with you. Being in a job where you are isolated is difficut enough. Adding the bs that comes with any job and you've got long unfulfilling days.

It does seem as though you really would like patient contact. Would you consider a NP or maybe a PA? It would require more schooling but in my experience when we're doing and studying what we want it's energizing in and of its self.

Also, is there a way to improve the conditions now? Scaly mentioned talking with your department supervisor, I'd also suggest talking with your co-workers so there'd be a cohesive-ness - that strength in numbers idea.

Is there a possibility of switching shifts? You might have more patient contact that way. Hopsitals are so departmentalized that it's tough to use a more broad stroke but it's worth checking out I think.

I know there aren't easy answers but maybe something someone says that will help.

 

[silverwhisper]

cloaked lover: that's superb advice, and the voice of experience lends it added weight in my eyes.

ed

 

[Eilan]

Good post, cloakedlover. Welcome to Lit.

I was going to suggest what Cate did--look into a NP or PA program.

I knew, from the time that I was five years old, that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. Having a wonderful high-school math teacher, who made it all just "click" for me, only made me more enthusiastic; I, too, wanted to be the high-school math teacher who made things click for her students.

However, during my senior year of college and with only three education courses to go, I changed my mind. I had a negative field experience (basically sexual harassment), and my inexperience (and lack of the cuntitude that I now possess) made it that much worse. That's when I decided to pursue a second major in English (it was my minor) and go to grad school. Which I proceeded to not finish after completing the coursework and getting a High Pass on the exam.

I taught a full-time load for part-time pay at my undergrad alma mater for five years, until I decided to stay home with my kids after the youngest was born. Would I like to go back? Sometimes. I'm still considered to be an employee. But hearing the horror stories from one of my best friends (who's a tenured full professor) makes me reconsider.

I'm looking into other things to do right now, particularly things that won't interfere all that much with child care (I'm opposed to babysitters/day care). But I feel for you, onelyrics, because it's scary as hell. What if I fail?

Good luck.

 

[Guest]

 

[jerseyman1963]

I got a message loud and clear from your post. It sounds like you already know what you want to do: either change jobs to a gig that has more people contact, or even go back to school and finish becoming a doctor. Just sounds like you're working up to it. I say go for it, and don't let the fact that you're 29 stand in the way. 29, 39, 49, 59.... that's no big fat hairy deal. Think about it this way: you don't want to wake up one day and realize you're 39, and still thinking about making a change, do you? Wouldn't you like to wake up one day and find out you're 39 or 49 and look back and realize that you put all this behind you a long time ago? I made a career change a few years out of college and all my friends thought I was nuts, that I was taking on something I couldn't handle. Long story short, I knew in my gut it was what I wanted and I never ooked back and it worked out great. Several years after that I went to grad school. The career change was no big deal. I didn't like my current job, I got a phone call and jumped at the chance. Grad school was another matter. It took me two years to work myself up to it because I was scared that I would be in class with a bunch of geniuses who were born to be in the field and I wouldn't be able to handle it, which was pretty much my high school and college experience (feeling like I just barely understood what was going on). Long story short, I loved it, and I thrived, because by then, at that point in my life, my mid to late 20's, I'd been around the block, knew exactly what I wanted, and what I wanted to get out of the experience, and I could bring real world experience to class with me. It was a great experience. It was hell doing it, because I worked a full time job and went to school full time for two years. And then of course there were the decades of massive student loans after that. But what made me go for it was that one day I woke up and said to myself that I'd been thinking about it for two years, and if I didn't do something soon, I was going to wake up one day and fuind out that I was 40 and had been thinking about it for 15 years and now it was too late, or at the least, it was going to be so much harder with a 40 year old's obligations. But now, past 40, even on my worst day, I can still look back and realize that I did do it, and it was a good move, and it's long behind me, and I never have to go to school again! (Even though life in my 40's is not at all like I pictured it!) Sounds like your work place ain't gonna change, so you have to. They don't care about your happiness, so you have to. Those little vials are gonna keep on coming, everything is gonna be needed stat (isn't that what they say on TV all the time?), and there's never gonna be enough staff to handle the work flow. So if you have a notion (and it sounds like you do) that you would like to be doing something else, go for it. What've you got to lose? Take one class and see how it goes and take it from there. At the very least, it'll be something different that engages your mind.

 

[wicked woman]

I got a message loud and clear from your post. It sounds like you already know what you want to do: either change jobs to a gig that has more people contact, or even go back to school and finish becoming a doctor. Just sounds like you're working up to it. I say go for it, and don't let the fact that you're 29 stand in the way. 29, 39, 49, 59.... that's no big fat hairy deal.

Think about it this way: you don't want to wake up one day and realize you're 39, and still thinking about making a change, do you? Wouldn't you like to wake up one day and find out you're 39 or 49 and look back and realize that you put all this behind you a long time ago?

I made a career change a few years out of college and all my friends thought I was nuts, that I was taking on something I couldn't handle. Long story short, I knew in my gut it was what I wanted and I never looked back and it worked out great.

Several years after that I went to grad school. The career change was no big deal. I didn't like my current job, I got a phone call and jumped at the chance. Grad school was another matter. It took me two years to work myself up to it because I was scared that I would be in class with a bunch of geniuses who were born to be in the field and I wouldn't be able to handle it, which was pretty much my high school and college experience (feeling like I just barely understood what was going on).

Long story short, I loved it, and I thrived, because by then, at that point in my life, my mid to late 20's, I'd been around the block, knew exactly what I wanted, and what I wanted to get out of the experience, and I could bring real world experience to class with me.

It was a great experience. It was hell doing it, because I worked a full time job and went to school full time for two years. And then of course there were the decades of massive student loans after that. But what made me go for it was that one day I woke up and said to myself that I'd been thinking about it for two years, and if I didn't do something soon, I was going to wake up one day and find out that I was 40 and had been thinking about it for 15 years and now it was too late, or at the least, it was going to be so much harder with a 40 year old's obligations.

But now, past 40, even on my worst day, I can still look back and realize that I did do it, and it was a good move, and it's long behind me, and I never have to go to school again! (Even though life in my 40's is not at all like I pictured it!)

Sounds like your work place ain't gonna change, so you have to. They don't care about your happiness, so you have to. Those little vials are gonna keep on coming, everything is gonna be needed stat (isn't that what they say on TV all the time?), and there's never gonna be enough staff to handle the work flow. So if you have a notion (and it sounds like you do) that you would like to be doing something else, go for it. What've you got to lose? Take one class and see how it goes and take it from there. At the very least, it'll be something different that engages your mind.

jerseyman...not to be cruel...trying to be helpful in fact...if you want people to read a post this long try breaking it into paragraphs. It's difficult to read as you posted...and frankly a number of people just won't bother. We come here for fun not to work...so if it's too difficult we won't bother.

As for your comments...I agree. At 38 I made a major career change. Much like you, worked full time, went to school part time, moved my family to do it and was a single parent at the same time. My peers were 15 years younger and some of my partners (bosses) were around the same age as me.

My career has always been the road less travelled. But it's worked for me.

Think it through, then go for it. Life's too short to stay in a job you hate, if you don't have to.

 

[Mr. Mann]

Live as if you may die tomorrow.

Learn as if you might live forever.

My best advice...

Picture what you would choose to do if you were absolutley guaranteed success and you could not possibly fail - what is that?

I think it was George Burns who said that he would rather be a failure at something he loved than a success at something he hated.

As far as jobs go, it has been my experience that a job is only as good as the people you work with, and when people quit, they tend to actually quit bosses, not jobs.

A job is just what you do. It isn't who you are. And as much as you may love your job, a job can never love you back.

Hope this helps.

 

[Vixandra]

Not all jobs within the medical feild are hospital oriented either.

It sounds like you've got solid experiance with blood draws, etc and a knowledge of the crap nurses and doctors can dish.

Why not look into Emergency Medical Services?
Go for your Paramedic's license or even try dispatch.

 

[onlyerics]

Wow! So many responses! A lot can happen in two days. LOL! Sorry for the late post, though. Yesterday, I was suppose to be off duty but at the very last minute, I had to come in because someone else called in sick. Oh, well. At least I get some extra money. Ka-ching! $$$

I do appreciate everyone's input. I am also grateful for anyone who shared their experiences. If I seemed too whiny at my first post, I apologize. Even though the patients have no idea what kind of work I do, I work very hard for them. The put-downs, the underappreciation, and the negative feedback from our peers happens so often that I really should just let them fly over my head...but sometimes a person could only tolerate so much. And I've just about had enough that night.

There is a shortage among lab personnel so I know that the workload in all hospitals are heavy. I know that some techs (and it's not just in our lab) have gone through the same thing I'm feeling right now. They left to go back to nursing or pharmacy school.

Scalywag: It seems to me there is a lack of communication between the supervisor of your area and the other departments that yours services, and you end up taking the brunt of it.

The thing is our shift doesn't have a supervisor. The morning shift has one for each department (there are 5 departments), and there are two techs for each department. In the evenings (my shift), however, there are only three (and if we're lucky 4) techs...and then two techs for the night shift. Lucky for night shift, they are actually going to get a night time supervisor. My shift requested to have one as well. We have an evening tech who's been here for several years and we would love to have him as our supervisor. However, according to management and hospital administration they "can't accomodate our request because of the hospital budget." Then they asked him if he would take the postion without the supervisor's pay, but he refused. I don't really blame him because not only he has to manage us, he also has to work as a bench tech.

Jerseyman1963: Sounds like your work place ain't gonna change, so you have to. They don't care about your happiness, so you have to.

You're right. I believe that the work load is heavy in all hospitals. I remember when I first started working (and this was in a different hospital), after two weeks of orientation, the manager put me on night shift where I was the tech and the phlebotomist! I was the LAB. Talk about the stress! Because I was just green, half of the time I had no idea what I was doing. I had to learn quick.

Silverwhisper: if you get tired easily, med school definitely sounds like the wrong solution, IMHO. you know that residents pull 24-36 hour shifts, right? i know some hospitals are trying to end that "sink or swim" approach, but that isn't exactly the norm, either.

Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking. That's why I hesitate to take the plunge. As I mentioned before, going to back to med school at 29 is a big concern to me as well as the tuition. I took out school loans when I was in undergrad and med school, and I still pay for them. The med school loan was a whopper.

Cate and Eilan: I did think about going to PA school. There is only one PA school in the state, which is an hour and a half away from where I live, and they only take certain applicants in a year. And they recommend that students don't work. At all. They won't even consider part time study because the school believes that the PA program should be a top priority for the student. And I just don't see myself not working especially if I have some responsibilities.

A nurse practioner sounds good...something I didn't even think about looking into. I know the state university here offers an NP program tailored to the applicant who doesn't have to have a bachelor's in nursing. I haven't looked at it in detail but I will later.

LOL! I just remembered something. Not too long ago, my major was nursing...but I quit because I heard that med school applicants who have a bachelor's in medical technology had a higher chance of going to med school than those with a nursing degree. My mom, who's a nurse, told me to stick with nursing because she said it was all the same and I would have more patient contact. Had I listened to her, I'd be making good money and continue to take care of patients directly. Oh, yes, it's all coming back to me. This is one of those moments where I wished I had listened to my mom.

Eilan:But I feel for you, onelyrics, because it's scary as hell. What if I fail?
Fail? Oh, yes, I am scared as heck to fail. It's been awhile since I sat in the classroom.

I really have a lot more to say...but it's almost time for me to go to work. If I failed to address some of your questions, I apologize. I'll come back and post my replies. For now, I'm out of time.

Thanks.

 

[silverwhisper]

onlyerics: is pharmacy school an option for you? if you become a pharmacist, would that still meet your goals of helping people and working with the public more?

ed

 

[SweetErika]

I don't have much to add to the wonderful advice you've been given. Like Cate and Eilan, I was thinking PA or NP, especially because I've always had the best care from those two...they can really treat and work through problems (not that RNs can't, but prescribing privileges help), and always seem to have more time to spend with me than most doctors. My future mother-in-law is a NP, and has said they're in high demand and it's good money. Maybe it'd be a happy medium for you?

Alternately, maybe something like a nurse anesthetist would tie in with your med. tech degree and experience nicely?

 

[Eilan]

I did think about going to PA school. There is only one PA school in the state, which is an hour and a half away from where I live, and they only take certain applicants in a year. And they recommend that students don't work. At all. They won't even consider part time study because the school believes that the PA program should be a top priority for the student. And I just don't see myself not working especially if I have some responsibilities.

Ooh, that makes it tough, then.

I've always had the best care from those two...they can really treat and work through problems (not that RNs can't, but prescribing privileges help), and always seem to have more time to spend with me than most doctors.

I've noticed this as well. I've never seen an NP myself, but there are a few in the local pediatrics department, and I've been very satisfied with the care that they've given my kids.

Don't get me wrong--I like my kids' pediatrician, but he travels to several clinic locations and he isn't at our facility every day.

 

[onlyerics]

Okay. I'm back.

EJFAN: if you can make a responsible decision to move toward a change, the WORST that could happen is that you don't like it and change again or return to where you were... which isn't all that bad because you've added new experiences to your "bag of tricks."

the only caveat, in my mind, is that the decision has to be a responsible one. by that i mean a decision that isn't going to jeopardize your commitments in life (bills, family, friends, etc.).

Thanks for this, EJ. My family has always been supportive of me going back to school as well as my boyfriend. I think what I'm really concerned about are bills. I think I mentioned this in my last post. I can't quit working nor could I go part time because of my bills. I've thought of distance learning so I won't have to sacrifice my work hours, but I'm used to the traditional way (going to the classroom).

Silverwhisper: have you considered talking to one of your friends about the rigors of med school, or even getting a "grass is always greener" speech?

They actually said the same thing: You will live and breathe med school for four years. I get mixed feelings from them when I ask if they like being a doctor. One of my best friends loves being a pediatrician. Another guy I use to date absolutely hates being a doctor. He hated the hours and cost him some relationships (not ours, of course...because we were just better off friends).

My mom gives me that grass is always greener speech when I say, "I wish I had continued med school..." Though she encourages me to go back to school, she thinks that med school is a bad choice. It's not because she thinks I'll fail or anything, but I think she's just worried about my health.

Cloakedlover: My hubby has been very supportive, but doesn't understand the frustration I feel with the situation. He sees me as intelligent and persistent and believes I can do anything I put my mind to...that should be so warming. But inside, though I know I possess these traits, I fear it. He suggested I may fear rejection because I always expect to do well.

What a wonderful husband you have to be so encouraging! My boyfriend, a huge advocate of getting a higher education, says the same thing. He believes that I can excel in anything. I've always done well in school, but I just have this fear of failing.

Also, Cloakedlover, thanks for sharing your story. And I might be late in saying this but welcome to the Lit!

Eilan: I taught a full-time load for part-time pay at my undergrad alma mater for five years, until I decided to stay home with my kids after the youngest was born. Would I like to go back? Sometimes. I'm still considered to be an employee. But hearing the horror stories from one of my best friends (who's a tenured full professor) makes me reconsider.

And what horror stories would that be? I'm just curious. I thought about getting a masters in my field and then teach...but who knows? I'm still undecided what field I should get into.

BTW, I'm sorry that you had to go through the sexual harassment experience. Nobody should have to go through that.

Cate: Is there a possibility of switching shifts?

No, I'm afraid not, Miss Cate. They are full-staffed in days. There is this dayshift position in a hospital in the area where my BF lives. I thought about applying there because the colleges and universities are closer (about 30-45 minutes away) in his area which isn't a bad commute. And I'll be near him.

Wicked woman: At 38 I made a major career change. Much like you, worked full time, went to school part time, moved my family to do it and was a single parent at the same time.

Wickedwoman, I applaud you for this. That must have been tough, but you do what you have to do, right?

Vixandra: Why not look into Emergency Medical Services?

Thanks, Vixandra, for posting. Not sure if EMS is for me though, but it's worth a thought.

Silverwhisper: is pharmacy school an option for you? if you become a pharmacist, would that still meet your goals of helping people and working with the public more?

Pharmacy school is a very good option, but very tough to get into. I think the length of finishing pharmacy school is just as long as going to medical school. I know pharmacists make great money also. It's worth checking out. Thanks, Ed!

Mr. Mann and everyone else who gave me encouragement and sharing your words of wisdom , thanks. I really have appreciated your time for posting and listening. You guys are great.

 

[onlyerics]

I don't have much to add to the wonderful advice you've been given. Like Cate and Eilan, I was thinking PA or NP, especially because I've always had the best care from those two...they can really treat and work through problems (not that RNs can't, but prescribing privileges help), and always seem to have more time to spend with me than most doctors. My future mother-in-law is a NP, and has said they're in high demand and it's good money. Maybe it'd be a happy medium for you?

Alternately, maybe something like a nurse anesthetist would tie in with your med. tech degree and experience nicely?

Erika, I was waiting for you to post! Your posts are always welcome, of course. Thank you for sharing the experience you had with the NP and PA. I heard that they also tend to spend more time with patients.

High demand and good salary are two of some of the important qualities (the others are serving the public and being appreciated) for an ideal job (at least for me, anyway). I think it's significant for me to have a job where I can be hired any where. E is definitely thinking about going back to the military once he finishes grad school so I know that when we get married, I have to go where he goes (unless they send him somewhere where I can't be with him.) And money, of course, is a big factor.

I hope that I don't sound like I'm just in it for the money. Well, I am - in a way, but in a practical way. If I go back to school, I know I'll probably get a school loan...so I'll need a job that has a salary that's high enough for me to help me pay it off (including the ones I owe now). And I would like to have a family someday, and be financially stable enough to support one. Yeah, sure, my husband will help me, but since I was a little girl, my mother pounded it into my head that I can't completely depend on a man to support me and that I should be able to stand on my own two feet. She told me that you can never tell what happens, and I agree. I'm not trying to be negative. Just being practical and prepared.

 

[onlyerics]

Ooh, that makes it tough, then.

I've noticed this as well. I've never seen an NP myself, but there are a few in the local pediatrics department, and I've been very satisfied with the care that they've given my kids.

Don't get me wrong--I like my kids' pediatrician, but he travels to several clinic locations and he isn't at our facility every day.

Another positive feedback! Thanks, Eilan!

I looked into that NP program in the university that's 45 minutes away from where E lives. They allow part time students. I may have to take extra classes like Ms Cate says since I don't have a nursing degree...but three years of school isn't bad.

 

[Eilan]

And what horror stories would that be? I'm just curious. I thought about getting a masters in my field and then teach...but who knows? I'm still undecided what field I should get into.

The horror stories apply primarily to my former employer and the administrators and university attorneys who try to bully the faculty. The faculty, despite their union and their tenure, are seeing their rights slowly get taken away from them.

Example: Last week, the faculty had to meet with the university attorney regarding the new student confidentiality policy. The more the attorney tried to explain it, the less clear it became. When the faculty asked questions, the attorney got defensive and pissy. At the end of the meeting, the profs. were to sign a paper stating that they had read and understood the confidentiality policy. Some people said, "What if I read the paper but I didn't understand it?" The attorney replied, "Your continued employment depends on whether or not you sign this paper." Um, tenure, anyone?

BTW, I'm sorry that you had to go through the sexual harassment experience. Nobody should have to go through that.

Sometimes I think that people should spend some time in other jobs before they teach. Sometimes it's difficult for a 20-21 year old to exercise authority over people who aren't that much younger than they are, particularly when the so-called "master teachers" are very hands-off. It wouldn't happen to me today. I'm older and wiser and bitchier now.

 

[onlyerics]

Example: Last week, the faculty had to meet with the university attorney regarding the new student confidentiality policy. The more the attorney tried to explain it, the less clear it became. When the faculty asked questions, the attorney got defensive and pissy. At the end of the meeting, the profs. were to sign a paper stating that they had read and understood the confidentiality policy. Some people said, "What if I read the paper but I didn't understand it?" The attorney replied, "Your continued employment depends on whether or not you sign this paper." Um, tenure, anyone?

That's crazy! The hospital I used to work did something like that. They'll say something like, "Oh, you have to attend this meeting because Dr. so-so is giving the lecture, and if you don't attend you could lose your job." It always makes me mad when they blackmail us like that.

Sometimes I think that people should spend some time in other jobs before they teach. Sometimes it's difficult for a 20-21 year old to exercise authority over people who aren't that much younger than they are, particularly when the so-called "master teachers" are very hands-off.

I have a cousin in the Philippines who is a high school teacher. She was in her early 20's when she started teaching, and having no work experience, it was difficult for her. She had a few episodes of touchy-feely from her male high school students, particularly the seniors. Once the principal's son felt up her skirt. She immediately brought this to the prinicipal's attention who defended her son. My cousin ended up quitting because she was afraid of getting fired. She still teaches though but in a different school.

It wouldn't happen to me today. I'm older and wiser and bitchier now.

LOL! My cousin said the same thing. I applaud you both!

 

[Cathleen]

I have seen NPs for years. Unfortunately a few years back I became sick and needed the ''big guys'', mostly for their contacts with other specialists. I now have far too many doctors and see the specialists as required but in my primary care office my first choice is the NP. We have an excellent relationship, she spends the time the MDs can't and she's far more clear and understands the real life verus the theory of what I should do. I did have the most wonderful resident but she's moved on and my new one is just ... well, let's say I can't wait for her to move on (and I hope it's into research because she doesn't do well with people).

The info you've mentioned about the NP track sounds do-able and I think it'd be more rewarding then an MD or even PA program. But I'm prejudice because nurses are some of my favorite people in the world. They are the ones that truly do help care for you - hands on and with their mind.