Three men who lost their jobs at an Idaho sawmill mill switched gears and pursued gainful, rewarding careers in the healthcare field, according to a published report.
After being laid off, the three men – Dan Meyers, 53; Steve Ball, 43 and Mark Breshears, 54 – chased nursing jobs by studying at Walla Walla Community College, The Lewiston Tribune reports. Each of them were acquainted with one another at Three Rivers Timber in Kamiah, in the north central region of the state.
One instructor said she has no doubt that the burly men coming from labor-intensive jobs are perfectly suited to switch careers and fulfill tasks as caregivers.
"They're compassionate and caring," Sherri Jones of the community college told the publication. "They are very dedicated to studying and getting through this program and sticking to it."
They moved on to the new profession in late 2008, when the mill was shut. Motives for becoming nurses include the chance to be of assistance to others, increased financial opportunity and observing the gradual improvement that comes with healing.
Responsibilities of nurses include providing and coordinating patient care, informing patients about health, and advising patients and their families, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.