Hi Everyone,

My name is Jennie Fields. I'll atart out with a little background on myself and an introduction to my plea for help. I got married late last year and in January of this year, was laid off from my job as an intern architect. Granted, it's not the best situation, but I've taken it as a blessing, because I had come to learn pretty quickly out of school that architecture was not the right path for me. As the economy is, there are approximately zero jobs for me out there at the moment (which could possibly be a good thing, considering I don't particualrly want to pursue architecture anymore). For many reasons, I am seriously considering getting into nursing, not just because of the job security. I've been talking with a career counselor and my husband and doing a lot of research. I also plan on getting certified as a nursing assistant this summer. But the one thing that I would like to do, before I dive in, is talk with some real-life nurses and get their take on nursing and their career paths to find out if I have what it takes and to get some advice to see it through and excel.

I've called a few area (Des Moines, IA) hospitals to see if they would be able to connect me with some nurses that may be able to help me, but the best I've gotten is being transferred to a collee admissions counselor. Not exactly what I was hoping for.

I'm asking that a few nurses offer to take my little questionaire of about 25 questions. Any specialty will do, as I am only starting out and do not know where my preferences will lie in the future. Initially, though, I am leaning toward becoming a Surgical, ER, Critical Care, or Transplant Nurse. That could always change once I actually start doing clinical work.

Anyone that is willing to help me out would be a huge help! Just respond to this discussion and I will send you my questions.

A thousand thank yous to those who are willing to give me a little advice!

Jennie Fields