When Motivation and Desire Lead to Mid-Career Success

When he was 19, a young Donald Hobbs, RN, enlisted in the US Navy. Now, 22 years later, he has retired from the military and embarked on a second career in nursing.

At the persuasion of his wife, Marianne Golden, RN, also a BWH perioperative nurse, Hobbs made the decision to attend nursing school in 2000. “I finished surgical tech training in 1996 and after doing that for a few years, I thought I needed to enhance my career,” he said. “My wife was definitely a big factor in my motivation to attend nursing school. She was very supportive, but more importantly, she was able to present the pros and cons to help clarify my decision.”

Throughout his schooling, Hobbs continued to serve as a Navy reservist, training two weeks per year and one weekend each month. His career change was delayed one last time when he was called up for active duty just before his last semester. Hobbs spent roughly a year overseas stationed in such places as Japan and Bahrain.

Hobbs received his associate degree in nursing in May and has just started a nine-month orientation in perioperative nursing where he will gain experience in a variety of surgical specialties. “I start out shadowing experienced nurses and then will become more independent over time.” Hobbs will be precepted by nurses experienced in each surgical specialty. He is currently being precepted by Henry Alves, RN whose career transition mirrored Hobbs. “Henry went from being a tech to a nurse just like me, so he understands what I am experiencing,” Hobbs said.

Barbara DiTullio, RN, BSN, assistant nurse manager, said that Hobbs has been a welcome addition to the staff. “Don is a great person and professional. It is great to have him here.”

With plans to stay in the nursing field for the foreseeable future, Hobbs is positive about his career progression. “My decision to get a nursing degree mid-career was definitely worthwhile and another step in the ladder of success,” he said.