[ParrotheadRN2B]

For what it's worth:
I remember reading a Dear Abbey column one time where a guy had written in to her trying to decide if he should go to medical school or not. His particular concern was that he would be 45 when he finished. She replied with the question "well, how old are you going to be if you DON'T go"?

I will be starting an ABSN program and will be 44 when I graduate!

[ready2beAnurse]

Originally Posted by suzy253

Graduating in May 06 at age 53 after having been a secretary my whole life but always interested in nursing. I'm in my final year of a 3-year school and can't wait to get out there!

well I met a Nurse named Charlie - I asked her how long have you been a nurse ? she said " Oh I started Late I became a Nurse at 50, when my husband died" Shes now 65 and said it was the best thing she ever did in her life. It gave me inspiration too Im 42 and just starting.

[ready2beAnurse]

Originally Posted by tropicbound

Todd,

Lots of us out here. I'm 44, father of two (one in college, one in HS) and spent 25 years in business, the last 10 in IT. I've spent the last 2 yrs getting my science prereqs done and am now applying to nursing programs. Like many others, my priorities and interests have changed, and I admit nursing also offers a little more job security and flexibility than "the corporate world."

Keep your focus on your long terms goals and what it will do for you! Age has nothing to do with it, if you start nursing as a vocation at 47, you still have a full career ahead of you. Good Luck!!!

that means a lot Im just getting started (see my thread) and your story is inspiring

[loveabbyfromER]

Originally Posted by bobeeally

My name is Ashley. I am enrolling in school and starting my classes in January. I am VERY excited.

I am older. I will be 33 in January. I have been a stay at home mom for the last 10+ years. My husband (or more precisely, my future ex-husband) was abusive to me and our children. He had an affair with at least one woman. I finally had enough when he started physically abusing our 2 children.

I suddenly found myself in need of a way to support myself and the children, so I decided to go to school.

I am looking forward to starting my new, better life.

God Bless and good luck I wish you and the kids the best

[NURSESOMEDAY?]

I am 52 now and have always wanted to be a nurse deep down. I've had my kids (8) 3 boys still home, a jr in HS, a FM in college and a 25 yr old in college still deciding on med school. Can you get thru NS having hot flashes!!

[NURSESOMEDAY?]

Go for it! What have you got to lose but maybe some sanity. I watched my husband go thru NS and that was 20+ yrs ago and I want to go now but wonder if the corp world has disolved what's left of my grey matter. PS, I'm 52!

[delee99]

Originally Posted by NURSESOMEDAY?

I am 52 now and have always wanted to be a nurse deep down. I've had my kids (8) 3 boys still home, a jr in HS, a FM in college and a 25 yr old in college still deciding on med school. Can you get thru NS having hot flashes!!

I Did!! I Graduated when I was 48 Hot flashes and all. My yongest graduated from college the same day!!! Took my NCLEX 3 weeks latter the same day my 1st grandchild was born!! all in all it was a very good year!!

My Sister 47 is starting Nursing school as well!! Good luck you will enjoy it
Dee

[ss07]

Hey Folks,

I just started my nursing career last year, and I'll be 53 in a couple of weeks. Best decision I could have made. LOVE my job, and make good money to boot. Go for it!

[Mariedith]

I graduated in Manila last 1995, got married here in US, had 3 kids and just took my nclex last december 2007 and passed. I'm currently looking for a job and hopefully landed on one. For me it doesn't matter how old or young you are. the thing that matters most is how you hold on to the path you've chosen.

[ParrotheadRN2B]

My concern with starting a new career "late in life" is my perceived hireability. (is that a word?) Has anyone out there faced any difficulty landing a job by what you believe to be your age? I personally think age can be a great asset as far as life experience and dealing with people but from a hiring standpoint perhaps hospitals feel they are better off investing in the spring chickens. Any insight?

Finz Up, Parrothead!