My Journey from Nursing to Software Engineering: A New Path Ahead

Hello World!

My name is Adrian, and this is the start of my blog, 'Code Compass.' If you're reading this, you're probably curious about my unique journey. How did I transition from being a nurse to becoming a software engineer? Well, it's been a journey of self-discovery, learning, and endless curiosity.

Where I started

Before diving into the world of tech, I devoted years of my life to healthcare as a Licensed Practical Nurse. This career shaped me – it honed my empathy, taught me the depth of patience, and underscored the immense value of relentless dedication.

However, following the onset of the global pandemic, the pressure and intensity of nursing took a significant toll on me. The unprecedented challenges, coupled with the stress of the pandemic, led to a period of burnout. Yet, this challenging time wasn't void of silver linings. It served as a wake-up call, a catalyst for introspection and reassessment of my career path.

In the face of burnout, I found an unexpected spark, a yearning for a different kind of challenge. I sought a new direction that would allow me to continue making a positive impact, but in a way that catered to my burgeoning interest in technology. This led me to the field of software engineering.

While the pandemic brought about considerable strain, it also ushered me towards a new path, the prospect of building solutions that could enhance people's lives, much like what I did as a nurse, but in a whole new way. This transition ignited an excitement in me that I had not felt for a while.

The Spark

As I engaged more with technology in my day-to-day nursing duties, my fascination grew. I found myself intrigued by the systems we used, the databases where we stored patient information, and the software that made our work possible. The question in my mind shifted from 'How do we use this software?' to 'How is this software built?'

Making the Leap

Deciding to transition careers was daunting. Embarking on a journey to become a full-stack software developer meant starting from scratch – learning a new set of skills, new languages (of the programming variety!), and a new way of thinking. But I was excited and ready for the challenge.

Coding: The New Journey

Today, I'm immersed in my software engineering studies. Every day presents a new learning opportunity, from understanding complex data structures to creating beautiful and functional user interfaces. And in many ways, I've found that my nursing background has given me a unique perspective in tech.

Looking Ahead

My dream is to become a digital nomad, working remotely and venturing into different corners of the world, all while doing what I love – coding. As I navigate this journey, I'll use 'Code Compass' to share insights, experiences, and everything I learn along the way.

Join Me!

Whether you're a fellow coding enthusiast, a career transitioner, or simply curious, I invite you to join me on this exciting journey. Stay tuned for posts on my learning process, coding projects, tech insights, and of course, the occasional digression about life as a digital nomad.

Until next time, Adrian