I’m feeling a bit uncertain about my path in healthcare. I have my GED and will soon complete my billing and coding certification, but I’m starting to question if that’s the right direction for me. I’m passionate about healthcare and love working with individuals who have neurological disorders and diseases. My experience as an aide at a memory care facility for a couple of years was incredibly fulfilling; I enjoyed connecting with the residents, understanding their needs, and finding effective ways to support them. However, the pay in that field is a concern.
I’ve considered pursuing a nursing degree, exploring psychology, or even looking into social work, but I’m not sure which route to take.
Since I’m a stay-at-home mom to a 3-year-old, I need to pursue my education online. My goal is to have a degree or be close to finishing by the time she starts school, so I can work during her hours. Right now, though, I’m feeling a bit lost and unsure about my next steps. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I’m located in Ohio.
It’s completely normal to feel lost when considering your future, especially in a field as broad and impactful as health care. It sounds like you have a strong passion for working with individuals who have neurological disorders, which is a great starting point to help guide your decision.
You mentioned enjoying the interaction with patients and wanting to understand their needs better. Both nursing and social work could provide you with meaningful opportunities to engage with people directly and make a difference in their lives.
Nursing: If you’re leaning towards nursing, you might want to consider an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or even a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN). Registered Nurses (RNs) have a wide range of opportunities and the pay is generally better than in many support roles. While nursing programs can be demanding, there are many online or hybrid options that might fit your schedule as a stay-at-home mom.
Psychology: If you’re interested in the mental health aspect, a degree in psychology could lead you to roles such as a counselor or therapist. While you’d likely need a master’s degree to practice, the foundational knowledge can be incredibly rewarding and opens the door to many paths in mental health.
Social Work: Social work can be a fulfilling career, especially if you want to advocate for your patients and help them navigate health care systems. As a social worker, you could focus on those with neurological diseases and work collaboratively with health care teams.
Since you’re hoping to take classes online, be sure to research accredited programs in Ohio that offer the flexibility you need. It might also be helpful to speak with a career counselor or someone in the field to get firsthand insights and advice. Remember, it’s okay to take your time figuring things out and change paths as you discover more about your interests. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and many people take time to find their niche. Your experiences and passion for helping others will surely guide you in the right direction!