[nghtfltguy]

in my humble opinion... i agree w/ everyone else...

you are not old. and if you want to be a nurse.. then do it.
seems to me you have the exact attitude to do so...
i wish you the best of luck.. and if you ever need anything during your studies... books, help, whatever... feel free to send me a message and i would be glad to help...

[Dr.Nurse2b]

Originally Posted by coop47

Need some opinions here. I am a 39 year old married father of 3 considering a career change to nursing. I have worked in the corporate world for the past 18 years and have hated most of them. I have always wanted a job helping people and a job that gave me the satisfaction that I am helping making the world a better place versus making rich stockholders richer. My question is, does anyone know how successful older nursing students are, and more specifically how successful older male nursing students are. Having the responsibilities that I do, I would have to continue to work full time, while going to school part time. The program I am looking into is a 4 year program, 3 evenings per week and every other weekend. Has anyone taken on a task like this at this stage of their life? Best case is I would graduate at 43 or 44. How hard is it to find employment as a brand new graduate that is in their mid 40's and male? Does anyone have any personal experience or know anyone that has done this. On one hand, I feel pretty confident I would make a very good nurse and it would give me great job satisfaction, on the other hand I think I am nuts for even considering it.

Feel free to PM me...

I am 37 years old with a degree in business. I worked for several years in office positions, manager, etc. My wife and I are married six years. I was the primary wage earner when we made the decision for me to enter nursing school...I will graduate in 2010 right around the age of the big FOUR - O.

I currently work in the ICU as a tech...For reference, most of the nurses, myself included are slightly "nuts". And yet the facility is very happy to have me and is excited about getting an RN in 2010. Although I am not earning what I did in the past I am paid very well. My wife now works fulltime and we are able to maintain our lifestyle save a few premium channels and sushi every weekend.

I believe Nursing is the noblest profession there is. Nurses are in demand and I believe a nurse with your life experience will have no problem finding work before and after graduation.

When I made the decision to return to school I asked myself "How bad do you want it?" My answer was "Bad enough to give up everything to get it." That said, I quit my job, sent out applications to the local hospitals and nursing schools...and I have never looked back.

Nursing school will be the most challenging life changing event you will ever experience. PERIOD

If you enter into this with worry...worry about losing things...worry about failing...then you will fail.

Envision the end before you begin...then write your life's script through to conclusion...

I have written the speech I will give at my gradution and it will begin like this...

Several years ago I dreamed of becoming a nurse. I pictured this place; this beautiful blue May sky above our heads, and Spring’s warm sun beaming through leaves. Several years ago I dreamed of this day; and although the journey was not exactly how I envisioned, one thing is for certain and that is you were all here in this dream.

BECOME A NURSE -- See you on graduation day...

[ptjones68]

I am 39 and went into the Direct Entry program. I had similar desires to help people and make a difference. DO IT. This is the time because you still have 25+ years of work ahead of you and there are so many different avenues to take once you have the license.

Good Luck,

[Rhody34]

I think you should definetly go for it! We have a lot on common actually besides the age thing. (I still don't think youre old though). I recently turned 26, and have a BA in pscyhology. I work 40 hours a week as a director of a group home, I am married and I have two kids under 2. I dont have much time for anything else, but I am not happy in my present job and really want to be an RN. I'm currently pre-nursing classes, but should be in the nursing program this time next year. I only have the money for one class a semester (money and time for that matter). But I know I'm in the right place and I cant wait to be a nurse some day. Go for it, Man! Now is most certianly the time! Good Luck!

[HM2Viking]

Just do it....I went back at 46 and graduated at 47 with an accelerated option nursing degree...

[utrocks84]

I was 41 when I went to nursing school and I'm a male. I graduated in 2006 at 44 yoa and have received nothing but positive responses and welcoming arms in the field. I can't believe the options and fun I have. DO it and you will never look back and be sorry.

[Jaloc]

I'm 44 and just received my RN after over 20 years in law enforcement. So I guess your never too old....

[plowboy911]

Definitely not too old, but the job makes me feel that way some days. It is demanding to say the least. Like anyone thinking about the field I encourage you to shadow and/or work as a tech. Really make sure you like it. I too left the corporate world and there are days when I actually miss completing audit workpapers. Yes, it can be rewarding, but also very frustrating. Not trying to discourage, rather trying to encourage you to take your time and make the right decision for you. Good luck!

[coop47]

All the responses are very encouraging and appreciated and are very similar to what I am getting from friends and family! It makes the decision to at least try, much easier.

Thanks all.

[PMFB-RN]

Originally Posted by coop47

All the responses are very encouraging and appreciated and are very similar to what I am getting from friends and family! It makes the decision to at least try, much easier.

Thanks all.

*** I think nursing is a great career field for men (I am 36y/o male). I am very lucky in that half of the 56 nurses in my ICU are men. Hardly any in the rest of the hospital. Nursing is easy compared to my last two jobs.
However I have found it somewhat difficult having a young man or women in their early 20's with little life experience as a preceptor or boss. In nursing whatever you did before is irrelevant. Nobody will want to hear about it and you will not be given any credit for your life experience.
I suggest you try to get a job in ICU. Most use primary nursing model vs team model, very technical aspects to learn, lots of equipment and best of all tons of autonomy. More autonomy that you will get in other areas of nursing unless you go to advanced practice. I seldom float to the med/surg but when I do I always get in trouble. "Who gave you an order for that?" me: "well it never occurred to me to call a doctor for that".
ICU is where the action is.