[mstigerlily]

Had a BA in another field did a couple of different things. Started taking prereqs at 30, had baby, finished prereqs, waited on waiting list, started nursing school, had another baby, took a semester off, finished last semester and finally finished at 36. Been working a little over 2 yrs now, wish I would have started soon but oh well, just happy I did it. Nex things I'm tackling: working on RN-C (need more experience), IBCLC (need more hours) and BSN (need three more classes).

Originally Posted by toddster

I would be happy to hear from anyone here that started their career late in life, perhaps Nursing is a second career. For a number of reasons, I am seriously considering changing careers, and for a number of reasons am looking at a career as a Nurse as a possibility. I am a 44/yo Male with a BA and a Masters degree, though not in life sciences, BA in business and Masters in Information Systems. I would be most appreciative to anyone with similar circomstances to share their experiences. I will be reposting this every few days so If I offend, I extend my humble appology in advance.

Thanks,

Todd

[Myxel67]

Originally Posted by mstigerlily

Had a BA in another field did a couple of different things. Started taking prereqs at 30, had baby, finished prereqs, waited on waiting list, started nursing school, had another baby, took a semester off, finished last semester and finally finished at 36. Been working a little over 2 yrs now, wish I would have started soon but oh well, just happy I did it. Nex things I'm tackling: working on RN-C (need more experience), IBCLC (need more hours) and BSN (need three more classes).

Nursing informatics is very big now. Perhaps you can combine the two. I started nursing school at age 43. Worst part was instructors who treated everyone as 18-year old new HS graduates--continually harping about teaching us to think critically. I had a BA in English and secondary education. Still nursing after all these years....

[cheerfulmonkeybuns]

I didn't start my college adventure until I was 36 with 5 kids under my belt. I took it slow and graduated with a AAS degree in nursing when I turned 41. There were at least 5 student nurses that were in their 50's that graduated as well. I am very happy I did it but it is my only degree. I can't offer any advice on changing occupations though. Good luck! Its do-able!!

[wneil]

I graduated this year and I am 44. I am happy to say I am glad I am done but I still have to take my boards. I did not pass them the first time so now I have to wait until May to retake them. I recommend going through the nursing program if you are sure that is what you want to do. It is a tough program but it is worth it.

Originally Posted by toddster

I would be happy to hear from anyone here that started their career late in life, perhaps Nursing is a second career. For a number of reasons, I am seriously considering changing careers, and for a number of reasons am looking at a career as a Nurse as a possibility. I am a 44/yo Male with a BA and a Masters degree, though not in life sciences, BA in business and Masters in Information Systems. I would be most appreciative to anyone with similar circomstances to share their experiences. I will be reposting this every few days so If I offend, I extend my humble appology in advance.

Thanks,

Todd

[latrinidad]

I'm 58 and preparing for my NCLEX-RN next month. There's no age limit to whatever will make us happy and fullfilled! I say GO GET IT!

[meynzai]

I graduated Nursing in 2006 as my second course..I am 42 years old now.

Its never too late to start over again!!!!Godspeed

[heywazzupdude]

I'm 36. I will graduate this May. This will be my 3rd career. I have a BS in chemistry, computer programming diploma and a MS in Info Systems. Planning to combine nursing and computers at some point in my career --- might get involved in nursing informatics. It's never too late to change careers as long are motivated to do it.

[alliestar]

I know it's been a while since you posted this message. But I hope I hear from you. How did you go to school with a 2 year old? I just recently had a baby and am applying to nursing school. Concerned about missing time with my son. Will he still know who I am when I get finished? Am I being selfish going back to school?

[purple_ylem]

h'lo. nursing is not my first course too. i already had four years in college when i decided to shift to nursing and i'm glad i made that choice.
during my college years, i had lots of batchmates that are known as "second coursers". i heard that in some schools some were even bank managers, engineers, and get this--mostly, were doctors.
it never is late...

[Enoch911]

I don't feel it is late in my life, as I still am not quite a half a century old. My youngest went to kindergarten, I went to school, back in 1991.
Nursing cannot be matched. It is the one of the most challenging and most rewarding career paths.

I say, GO FOR IT! You will not be sorry. You will be challenged and you will want to quit. Daddy said, "Anything worthwhile, you have to work for". Daddy was right.

I wish you the best. Go on... get started. It is just one day at a time. That is all I can handle. Just do your best. GO BROTHER!