[paxpax]

I am a new grad - 47 years old. While most of the people I work with are younger than me - I have a great time with them.

Some of our Nurse's Aids are in their 50s and are hard workers.

I read my partner's AARP magazine - Nursing is often suggested for a second career for 50+ persons. While most of us start at the bedside, we don't all have to stay there.

[wiseintulsa]

Hey Man, that hurt! I'm 47 and just got accepted into an RN program. Sure, I wish I would have done it earlier but the opportunity did not present itself. I guess I may as well roll over and die! NOT!!! Actually I am making this an opportunity to change a few things in my life. This also includes my health. I've started to use my gym membership (my school also has excellent exercise facilities at all campuses). Now if I can get my brain to function at a higher rate I'll be doing fine. Have fun!

[veterangroovemaster]

Became an LPN 38,RN at 40...school was a trip and 1/2.....surprised myself and did well. Worked quite a few years now, mostly hospital M/S,...Most touching thing,when the pt. says.."'.You took good care of me. " Saddest when I hear coworkers use the term.." I don't care." Let your heart grow during school. Try to keep your stess levels low,never be ashamed to shed a tear,enjoy the journey.

[Sterlink]

Hi. I am 44 (can't believe it...sounds old) and I will graduate in May (08) from a 2 year RN program. I had enough saved up so that I could go to a week day program. I am the oldest in the class. I hear that there may be more age-based camaraderie in the weekend program because the average age is higher, but there are enough 30 somethings in my class to make me feel not terribly old. And I enjoy the 20 somethings too.

Plan your study time. Workout to stay fit. You'll do great!

The career is definately approachable for mid-career changers.

[adamsapple123]

Originally Posted by Sal_B

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...

I hope to work with you someday soon-- we need more guys willing to give it all up today----- to have even more tomorrow-- study hard, GO-GO-GO-------

[CITCAT]

Old Man? What is that you know what old is Old is when ya dead thats Old .In my humble opinion and I am in by latter year and your old enough to be my som, I would say discuss with family understand you may take a hit on the income level, so be prepared and the long cacamammie hours can your marridge survive that, Maybe your midlifeing issue has surfaced, you know the change of the perception of what is really important in life most persons who have managed their financial circumstances,can take liberty in career change, I know of a person who is not medical but retired,wanted to be a nurse and volenteered in medical mission in phillipines,enjoyed it so much he became a nurse,and then is going on to be a physican , Age is just a number as long as you get your wits about you and your mind is flexible or continues its plasticity.I know of a rn who is in her 70s shes faster and on the ball than some of the younger nurses its a ball working with her She tell young go away if I need you Ill call you unde her breathe she saids dam young whipper snappers they think cause you got gray hair and wear glasses your granny granny my orifice. So on that note GO FOR IT KID YOUR ONLY YOUNG ONCE THATS MY hOW ABOUT THOSE TEETH.