[longjourneydream]

I had never graduated high school, an not exactly the scholarly type...

At 22 I persued my GED, had my childern and did minimum wage jobs.

At 29 I became a CNA/HHA to become a LPN and could not cut it;so I

worked in homecare until age 39 and I started working as a CNA/PCA,

and felt the real need at 43 to become a real nurse,due to working in a

hospital envirionment.

I had been out of school for so long that I had to take remedial

classes,to take the real classes that were not even credit classes!

I found to be an average age of my class,when in nursing school.

I worked full time in the ER as a tech, while going to school.

On my days off I would study the WHOLE DAY.

When I worked,I would study when I came home from a 12 hour shift.

I would study on lunch breaks, I would study before class, I would

carry flash cards in my pocket, in between patients.

IT ENCOMPASSED MY WHOLE LIFE...

It took me 4 yrs to get through school!!!

In May 2007 I graduated and passed my boards June 14 2007.

I now work in the ER and I really like it.

It is hard, scarry, and exciting all at the same time.

I feel confident about being an RN, because we are in such demand.

If one thing does not work out, there is not a problem finding a job

someplace else.

I think being older makes you tougher, as well as smarter;it is because

there is a life experience base to draw from, this gives you an

advantage over the younger co-workers/nurses.

Our class of May 2007 were called "the overachievers." We were mostly

older students and all had interesting lives, the majority of the class

carried a 3.5 GPA or over.

I carried a 3.43 GPA

Not bad for a high school drop out huh? Sometimes older is better...

[Franemtnurse]

Originally Posted by cweeks

I had never graduated high school, an not exactly the scholarly type...

At 22 I persued my GED, had my childern and did minimum wage jobs.

At 29 I became a CNA/HHA to become a LPN and could not cut it;so I

worked in homecare until age 39 and I started working as a CNA/PCA,

and felt the real need at 43 to become a real nurse,due to working in a

hospital envirionment.

I had been out of school for so long that I had to take remedial

classes,to take the real classes that were not even credit classes!

I found to be an average age of my class,when in nursing school.

I worked full time in the ER as a tech, while going to school.

On my days off I would study the WHOLE DAY.

When I worked,I would study when I came home from a 12 hour shift.

I would study on lunch breaks, I would study before class, I would

carry flash cards in my pocket, in between patients.

IT ENCOMPASSED MY WHOLE LIFE...

It took me 4 yrs to get through school!!!

In May 2007 I graduated and passed my boards June 14 2007.

I now work in the ER and I really like it.

It is hard, scarry, and exciting all at the same time.

I feel confident about being an RN, because we are in such demand.

If one thing does not work out, there is not a problem finding a job

someplace else.

I think being older makes you tougher, as well as smarter;it is because

there is a life experience base to draw from, this gives you an

advantage over the younger co-workers/nurses.

Our class of May 2007 were called "the overachievers." We were mostly

older students and all had interesting lives, the majority of the class

carried a 3.5 GPA or over.

I carried a 3.43 GPA

Not bad for a high school drop out huh? Sometimes older is better...

You go girl! you're a total inspiration to all of us oldies. Congratulations!:Melody::mortarboard:You are living proof that if you want something desperately enough, you will work hard to realize your dreams.

[cardio]

I became a nurse at 42. I think for myself before that I would have hurt some one. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I too did many things before starting on mjy way. It took me 5 yrs of school to get my 2 year degree, but I now work in probably the toughest CSISU in the eastern half of the United states right of school. I am very proud to be a nurse and graduated Cum laude

[cardio]

I became a nurse at 42. I think for myself before that I would have hurt some one. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I too did many things before starting on mjy way. It took me 5 yrs of school to get my 2 year degree, but I now work in probably the toughest CSISU in the eastern half of the United states right of school. I am very proud to be a nurse and graduated Cum laude

[Franemtnurse]

Originally Posted by cardio

I became a nurse at 42. I think for myself before that I would have hurt some one. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I too did many things before starting on mjy way. It took me 5 yrs of school to get my 2 year degree, but I now work in probably the toughest CSISU in the eastern half of the United states right of school. I am very proud to be a nurse and graduated Cum laude

Cardio on a job well done.:mortarboard: Sure wish I could have practiced after I got my license at 55. I just got sick!!!!!

[baimir]

hi tod!
I graduated at 40 (BSN) passed the Licensure Exam at 41 currently enrolled MN major in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing and will start working in the hospital this jan. 2007. By the way I just finished my comprehensive review at Kaplan for NCLEX and still waiting for my exam date early this year.
More importantly I'm a mother of 3 and a housekeeper as well. I did all that (I'm still 41 now). YOU CAN DO IT TOO!

Goodluck!

[simple500]

I am 45 and recently graduated from technical school as a certified medical assistant. I am currently working in a physician's office. I am seriously considering going back to school to persue a career in nursing. I've always wanted to become a nurse. I love caring for people!

[Dewaxyyy]

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

Well Sir you are doing your hearts desire and i must say its a good move and think about the accomplishment.
Weldone and i'd also encourage you to do your Nursing degree or Diploma.
I am a British trained Nurse and studied as a matured woman/student (single mother)with 2 young kids at the time. I graduated in 2000 and havent looked back. I since worked in acute medicine (A&E,Critical care,HDU) and enjoyed it immensely.
I left the NHS and used my clinical skills working as a Senior Analyst/IT Consultant in a Health Informatics company and really appreciate the fact that my skills and knowlege can be adapted and used in several other professions.
I am currently working on getting my US License (Nclex), with the intention to train and qualify as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant..blah!blah!!
In effect the sky is the limit for you and if you do choose to follow through. Encouragement is the most anyone can trully and Honestly give you now.
Go Man, Go FORTH!!!!!!

[carlaveronica]

I'm 42 and I haven't entered NS yet. I will be taking on a PCA position in Oncology Jan 8th 2008 it is a part time position. I then finish my prenursing classes for the BSN program. I'm really nervous about this job. I really want to do my best.

[2008RnGraduate]

I just want to wish everyone here a Happy New Year. But also, just to let you know that I'll be 46 in Feb and will be graduating in May, 2008.