[salsps]

I am taking CNA and pre requisite classes to become an RN (started this year). It will take me at least 3 years. It is a long tough journey to return to school at age 48 but I am looking forward to the day I become a qualified RN.

With a degree and over 20 years in HR, accounting, admin and a few years running my own business, i took a break after my 2nd marriage when I moved to U.S. I decided to choose a career where it is not solely for the money but more of making a difference in somone's life. At my age, I look at life at a different angle, I want to do something worthwhile and meaningful. I was impressed by the standard of nursing in this country. It is definitely not easy to study (science classes are tough), alot of hard work and peserverence. It is indeed a prestigous job.

I even thought of going further than RN but now I am taking one step at a time ... slowly and steadily. Before I started erollment, I told myself that I can work for 15 years. I want to do well in my classes and movivate women in my age group that nothing is impossible if we put our head and mind into it. Age is not a barrier. Be committed and go for it!!!!

[Asia53]

I was 46 when I started Nursing School, after a few stops and starts (full/time job interfered), doing 2nd year part/time; theory in the fall, clinicals in the spring; I graduated at 51.

[BlueRidgeHomeRN]

Originally Posted by Don3218

Todd,

I'm 48 and in my first semester of nursing school. I already have a degree in business, so this is a second career for me.

And, believe it or not, I'm not the oldest in my class. There are lots of us out there, and these forums are a great place to connect with others who can share and inspire.

Much good luck and success to you, whatever you decide to do.

Don

Almost Ditto--B.A. in business, Army officer in the 1980's, SAHM, then got my BSN and graduated at age 33--wasn't even close to being the oldest in my class, and that was 17 years ago..

[scarymary]

I come from a military background and didn't do nurse training until late. I was 40 when I graduated and not the oldest in my group either. Interesting to note that a lot of the younger students left during their training but not so many of us more mature students.

[Womankind]

Todd - I was on the 19-year-plan getting through my first degree and only switched to a nursing marjor for the last two years. It's never too late! What might be more impoortant is to take a good look at the 'why' you would chose nursing. Even though it's a great career path with lots of job security it's definently not for the faint-at-heart or for those who are considering nursing for just theose reasons.

that said I would encourage you to look at some of the 'bridge programs'. with your degree already you can likely complete an Nurse Practitioner program in the same amount of time it will take you to become an RN and you'll have even more career opportunities!

Goodluck!

"A late bloomng nurse"

[cheerfuldoer]

Originally Posted by canicare4u

I graduated with my nursing degree at the age of 38 and am now 40. The old adage "it's never too late" did not hold true for me. I was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Leiomyosarcoma, stage IV, 9 months before graduation. I underwent a thoracotomy and TAH/BSO over the summer, as well as six cycles of Adriamycin, Ifosfomide, and Mesna during my last and most difficult year of nursing. I attended class and clinicals wearing a mask when neutropenic, and took zofran for the N/V. I was determined to become a nurse. I was hired on the med/ surg floor at a local hospital one month after graduation and continued evening school for perioperative nursing (My hope was to be an RNFA in surgery some day). Six months of this and my next CT scan indicated many new tumors. I have spent the last 8 months on medical leave after nephrectomy, a failed chemo trial and two thoracoctomy's for 269 lung mets (4mm- 1 cm, removed in Germany by laser resection, standard procedure in Europe). I have not given up hope of returning to nursing, but I now must begin another chemo trial 3000 miles from my home due to 20 new very small lung mets. No time for work. I cherish those six months of work on the med/surg floor and admire all of you who choose to dedicate yourself to the field of nursing. Kim

Just wanted to leave you a few hugs. You are an inspiration! Hope you see this...wonder how you are doing today?

[vemiliob]

“cheerfuldoer” Please! I can’t find “canicare4u” post. Would you mind to send him this link? http://www.crescenti.com.ar/
E-mail me for further explanations.

I love you all!!!

Emilio

[hassled]

Hot flushes Nuh..think of them as power surges. The best of luck to you and all forty, fifty and older ones doing it. Just think of the life experience and intuition we have built in already. Go for it girls.!!!

[TheLuckyOne454]

I'm 45 and I'm about to go for my LPN. I've been a CNA for 15 years and I feel it's way past time to take it to the next level. It's never too late. I've been out of school for so long and I'm nervous about taking the HESI, but I'm studying. I'm determined to do this and if I can do it, so can you. Good luck!

[valkyria]

I think that it is never too late. I am 41 and I was married before and I taught high school so people look at me funny and assume that my Masters is in nursing, it is in Human Resource Development and Education. In my heart, I feel that if you come to nursing later after you have been kicked around by life for a while,(figuratively speaking of course) you are seasoned and you have more to bring to your patients and your nursing education. You can bring, at least, a different perspective. And, with your background in IT you will be very popular as medicine and health care is moving down the information superhighway, though sometimes it is hardly a smooth ride.