[xbcparamedic]

I need to wade in on this topic....I just turned forty and let me tell you I have a significant advantage over the "twenty somethings" in my class. We have just finished semester 2 and our first clinical rotation of the Bsn program and the advantages I have are clear. First I know what it is like to work!! and I know what a 12 hour shift feels like, how to cope with the 3:30 am crash.. If you stay healthy and use common sense you will avoid injury within the workplace. I only plan on working another 10-15 years after grad, unless a nice cushy community nursing position or a Critical Care Transport position in the States wants a casual. Stay healthy, mind and body. 6 semesters to go....ugh

[EDERAU]

i AM STILL ON MY THIRD YEAR AND I AM 42 YEARS OLD AND WORKING AS ASST. MANAGER OF A BANK. MY DAUGHTER IS ALSO TAKING UP NURSING AND WE ARE ALMOST ON SAME YEAR TO GRADUATE HOPEFULLY. I HAD MY DUTIES FROM 11 TO 7 AM AND SOMETIMES THE SPIRIT IS WILLING BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK BUT STILL CAN MANAGE IT. AGE DOES NOT MATTER AND IN FACT I AM MORE ENTHUSIASTIC THAN EVER TO LEARN NURSING SKILLS EVEN SURPASSING THE VIGOR OF MY YOUNGER CLASSMATES. THE EXPECTATIONS ARE GREAT FROM ME THAT IS WHY I STUDY HARD AND SHOW TO MY C.I. ,CLASSMATES, AND MY FAMILY THAT THEY ARE WRONG ON THEIR EARLIER PERCEPTION AND PESSIMISM.TAKING UP NURSING MADE ME AND MY DAUGHTER EVEN CLOSER BECAUSE WE DISCUSS OUR ASSIGNMENTS AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES. MY ONLY DIFFICULTY IS HOW TO DIVIDE MY TIME WITH MY CLASSES AND MY WORK. I AM PLANNING TO RESIGN NEXT YEAR BECAUSE OF MY DUTIES.FOR MY OTHER SIX OTHER SECOND COURSERS COLLEAGUES HANG IN THERE AND WITH GOD'S BLESSING WE CAN FINISH IT DESPITE THE DIFFULTIES AND THE INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS.

[Fiona59]

Where in Canada can you go to school and continue to work as a bank manager????

[xbcparamedic]

Where are you going to school? Who has time for work? I hardly have time for sleep, let alone work....Must be a light course load or a very forgiving employer...

[bluekermode]

If you have the desire to go into nursing then go for it. Probably a good idea to do some research about different areas of nursing first. I am just graduating and am in my early forties. I had to make a career change due to lack of work in my previous profession which paid well and I loved it but c'est la vie.

Inbetween at the time I could only find retail. On my feet all day for wages that a person can't possibly live on, no sick days, no paid vacation, and abusive people, plus it's just not my thing. At least in nursing you get a living wage, diversity, choice in life etc.

Curious why you want to leave teaching. Maybe you could do some nursing courses (even prereqs like anatomy and physiology) while your still working to test the waters?

I decided to go for it as I have always been interested in this field. That being said I am definitely aware of energy levels, take good care of myself, eat well, etc. I found energy shifts when I was about 39.

I anticipate moving into different areas of nursing as I age but I want to build a good base first.

Most of my class was about 26 years old but I enjoyed them, and like any group of people there are mixes of personalities.

Good luck with your choice, and enjoy life.

[puppyrules]

We live in a youth obsessed culture, so age does matter, but the only place it ultimately matters is between your ears. "Older" nurses can do whatever younger ones can. Just keep in shape and do resistance training a few days a week and you will be in as good a position as a younger nurse would be to do lifting, etc. You will, in fact, have an advantage. The older we become, the wiser we most likely become. An older persons ego is stronger and therefore not as easily ruffled by office politics that can threaten younger, less emotionally and spiritually developed individuals.

Go for it and don't look back.

[BarbraJean]

I graduated 24 yrs ago age 35 & I retire in 3 yrs 2mos Can I hardly wait? You bet! BUT not a day goes by that I don't find amazing about what I do. I came out of working acute care medicine/CCU stepdown 9 yrs ago to go into homecare that is just as demanding just as long as the Hospital was. I never regret becoming a Nurse but the result of the long hard days, evenings & nights? I have HTN, NIDDM bad back & bad legs. There are 2 that are tied for the worst shifts My 9th (yes 9th! 12hr night shift in Emerg & I was 8 mos pregnant. The 2nd was my last 12hr night shift #4) a day nurse didn't show up & I worked 16hrs. Having said that
there is humour, sadness sometimes amazing joy & even on occasion gratitude from a patient with something so simple as a thank you. Knowing what I know now would I do it all over again? A resounding yes.

[Fiona59]

Thank you for your years of care and service. And the reality of what nursing does to our bodies.

[Spritz]

I am starting semester 3 (acute care) in the PN programme. I am 45 and have been told that my life experience and skills far outweigh any age problems. According to some of the instructors, a facility would rather hite an *older adult* with some life and people skills over a highschool 20 something. I live in the Victoria, B.C. area.
I am thoroughly enjoying class and the practicums we have had thus far - community and most recently ECU.
Go for your dreams and let nothing hold you back.
hugz and all the best your way

[safta24]

in reference to entering nursing at later ages. Way back I entered nursing at 23 while the others in my class were new high school
grads.
As our clinical experience progressed so did my opinion of what ages should nurses to be start their career. I felt the more mature person which I thought I was, was better equipped to cope with patients mostly older than themselves.
Always wondered how patients felt about a young nurse knowing enough to take care of them
a bit of a ramble here, sorry
safta24