[Carla33]

What are your experiences with nurses who have gone into nursing as a second career? I m applying to nursing school after spending 10 years as a chemical engineer and was wondering what it was like for people who enter the field after prior work experience outside of nursing. I have a CNA license so I have spent some time working around nursing and have seen what it is like. I've been looking at doing this since 2004 when I took my first pre-req and am finally ready to do this. However, I would like to work in pediatrics ( pediatric ICU or ER). Is this possible right out of nursing school or are you pretty much required to start in med-surg out of school? Any thoughts or advice is appreciated.

[AmandaWIRN]

You can definitely work in PICU or Peds ICU as a new grad- I did it, and know others who have as well (I work Adult ER now, but started in Peds Onclolgy & PICU). Just make sure you find a hospital that has a very thorough new grad orientation program.