This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ross Rosales
Transitioning from a Registered Nurse to a self-taught software engineer has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions of my life. It’s a journey fueled by passion, persistence, and a desire to solve larger problems through technology. If you’re considering a similar path or just curious about how I made the leap, here’s my story.
💡 What Inspired the Transition?
I’ve always been passionate about making a positive difference in the world. As a nurse, I found fulfillment in helping others, but I also had a deep love for technology—whether it was tinkering with computers, building hardware, or playing video games. Over time, I realized that software engineering could allow me to combine my problem-solving skills with my passion for technology to create solutions on a larger scale. That realization was the spark that set me on this path.
🏥 -> 💻 The Biggest Challenges
The transition wasn’t easy. Balancing my time was one of the toughest hurdles. Working night shifts as a nurse left me with limited energy and time to dedicate to learning. There were moments when I felt stuck, blocked for hours (or even days) on a single problem. Finding the right resources to learn was another challenge, especially since I couldn’t afford to go back to school. But I was determined to make it work.
📚 How I Approached Learning Software Engineering
I started by interviewing friends and reaching out to software engineers in the field to understand the gaps in my knowledge. Their advice was invaluable. I discovered free resources like online courses, coding communities, and open-source projects, which became the foundation of my learning journey. To add structure to my self-taught path, I pursued a data science certificate, which helped me apply new skills in a practical way.
One of the most transformative steps I took was joining the Microsoft LEAP program. This immersive experience not only deepened my technical skills but also connected me with mentors and peers who guided me through real-world challenges. LEAP gave me the confidence to tackle complex problems and reinforced the importance of collaboration in tech.
The key to my progress was staying consistent and leveraging every opportunity to grow—whether it was contributing to open-source projects, building personal projects, or networking with professionals in the field. Every step, no matter how small, brought me closer to my goal.
The Moment I Felt Like a Software Engineer
The first time I made an open-source contribution, I felt a sense of accomplishment that was hard to describe. It wasn’t just about writing code—it was about making a tangible difference. That moment solidified my belief that I was on the right path.
How My Nursing Background Helped
My nursing experience has been surprisingly relevant in my software engineering journey. The problem-solving skills I developed in the ER translate directly to debugging and designing systems. My ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team has also been a huge asset. And let’s not forget the importance of staying calm under pressure—whether it’s a critical patient or a production outage, I’ve learned to plan, execute, and adapt quickly.
Advice for Others Considering a Career Transition
If you’re thinking about making a similar transition, here’s my advice:
Don’t give up. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Progress takes time, and that’s okay.
Be passionate. If you’re not genuinely excited about the field, it will be hard to stay motivated.
Take care of yourself. Burnout is real, so prioritize your mental and physical health.
My Goals Moving Forward
I’m continuing to contribute to open-source projects because I love the collaborative spirit and the impact it creates. Right now, I’m focused on mastering cloud technologies and exploring AI to get a feel for its potential. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.
🚀 My Proudest Achievement
One of my proudest moments was making my first deployment to Microsoft. Knowing that my work was being used on such a large scale was a breakthrough for me. It gave me the momentum to keep going and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from nursing to software engineering has been a transformative experience. It’s taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of community, and the power of believing in yourself. If you’re on a similar path, remember that every step—no matter how small—brings you closer to your goals. Keep learning, keep growing, and don’t be afraid to chase your passions.
💬 What’s your career transition story? Share it in the comments below!
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ross Rosales
Ross Rosales | Sciencx (2025-02-03T01:58:36+00:00) From Nurse to Software Engineer: My Journey. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/02/03/from-nurse-to-software-engineer-my-journey/
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