[AreWeThereYet?]

I feel your pain. I'm just about to finish up my pre-requisites for my local LPN program. It is absolutely killing me that I will now have to wait 5 months to see if I've been accepted to the next level of the program....... I don't have that many good years left!!

What I do know is this - as a forty something student I.....

• Enjoyed school more
• Got great grades ( 43 years of collected useless knowledge )
• I am confident
• I am driven
• I was able to mentor the younger students around me

Most importantly, I understand my own motivations for doing this and appreciate the opportunity so much more than I would have years ago.

Some things are sweeter when you have waited for them longer.

Best of luck to US!

[Franemtnurse]

Originally Posted by BettyB123

Hello everyone....
Just looking to get opinions here - - I want to change careers and enter into a Nursing program. By the time I finish I will be in my mid-40's and just starting out in the nursing field. I know that my age shouldn't matter but I'm hung up on it. Does it sound/look ridiculous to start a nursing career at 45?

Why not? I graduated when I was 55.

[happy2008]

I was 44 when i graduated. You can do it because you are mature and know what you want and are willing to work for it. Age is only a number.

[HM2Viking]

Originally Posted by BettyB123

Hello everyone....
Just looking to get opinions here - - I want to change careers and enter into a Nursing program. By the time I finish I will be in my mid-40's and just starting out in the nursing field. I know that my age shouldn't matter but I'm hung up on it. Does it sound/look ridiculous to start a nursing career at 45?

I am starting my career at 47....I don't regret the career change in the least...

[kellyjoeds]

I am a 43 year old student, and I will graduate at age 45. This has been one of the most enjoyable rides I've taken! I talked to a recruiter for one of the major hospitals, and she said they'd snap me up quick; I have had my family, I'm more stable and focused than many of the younger students, I have life and people experience, and many good years of service remaining. I have found in clinicals that many patients trust my judgment above some of the younger students, because of my maturity. (Big Mistake-haha) GO FOR IT!

[Latebloomer51]

Betty, If you want to do it you can do it.
It is a long hard exciting journey from deciding to become a nurse to getting accepted to nursing school. How long and how hard depends on where you are starting from and which nursing program/degree you are interested in. Here's my one rat experience and if I can answer any questions please ask...
Dec 2006
At age 51 I left my career in Health Ed and tooka year of pre-reqs that were required by all the nursing schools in the Boston, MA area to which I planned to apply (requirements varied and I wanted to cover all bases.because I knew the application process was competative).
As I finished pre-reqs, I gathered all info for the application process (recommendations-2-3 needed per school, transcripts). The essays will take alot of time and they are really important-start early. The application process is very time consuming and has deadlines.
Nov/Dec 2007
Pre-reqs done, applications out. I sighned up for a phlebotomy certificate course at a local Com college while waiting to hear from schools. I wanted to have skills to draw blood (it is not taught in all nursing programs) and I needed to still bring in $. Recommend it highly- my program included a 180 hour hospital internship that was invaluable.
March 2008
Early in March Regis and UMass called me in for an interview and here's the outcome...
I just turned 53 a week ago and have been accepted to one AD program and 4 accelerated BSN programs ( MGH-14 months, Simmons 18 months, Regis-18 months and UMass Boston's new fast-track 15 month BSN launching in June 08). I chose UMass in the end- its the same BSN degree, half the cost and I think it will be exciting to be in the first and smallest (only 25 of us) graduating class of their new program.
As far as age discrimination...for me it was an asset- I knew how to persevere for the long haul, and I was interviewed by faculty who had gone back to school late in life. In the hospital though I'm a lowly 53 year old phlebotomy student in a lab coat on rounds - I command way more respect than I deserve at first glance - Hosp Staff who haven't met me yet jump to attention thinking I'm a doc, nursing supervisor or the dreaded infection control person. Its pretty funny.

Best of luck and much love to all who do their best to reach their goals. Contact me if I can be of help...

Judy

[BlueRidgeHomeRN]

GO FOR IT!!

Nursing is also a second career for me, and no one has yet mentioned the life experience, wisdom, time management skills, and perspective older students have. (Makes up for being a little rusty on algebra!)

Not to mention, I wasn't worried about a social life--knew I'd be spending Saturday night with the same guys-DH and 2 DS's! No college aged angst about dates, acne, and body image!!

[BlueRidgeHomeRN]

Originally Posted by Latebloomer51

I command way more respect than I deserve at first glance - Hosp Staff who haven't met me yet jump to attention thinking I'm a doc, nursing supervisor or the dreaded infection control person. Its pretty funny.

Judy

[nativegirl64]

Betty, I know I don't have a lot of experience compared to a lot of nurses out there. I have high praise for those that dedicated their lives to take care of those who need them. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I read Madam Curie, Florence Nightingale and the like. When I was a kid I would write down any medical word I heard on the shows we watched. Then go to school and drive the librarian nuts. I am in a similar situation. I started and Rn program 20 years ago. Life led me back to FL after my husband was injured and wasn't able to finish it. After 3 children I now carry a CNA (for 4 years now) and working in a Physician office, and a phlebotomy certification. My intentions are to continue up the Nursing "ladder." As long as your heart is in it and you have the stamina to keep up with the demands you are never too old. The world needs caring, good-hearted nurses no matter what age they are. I have seen nurses that are sweethearts and others that have personalities of stumps. Follow your heart and God will put you where he wants you to be. BTW I am 44 this year. My kids and husband encourage and stand behind me all the way.

[vintagestudent]

I, too, am returning to nursing school in less than 1 month at 46 years old, young, depending on how my day goes. lol

Seriously, I'm not as strong (and slim) as I was in my 20s and 30s, so working part-time or in a doctor's office makes good sense for me. Besides, my childrearing years aren't over yet and with 2 energetic teens at home and a soon-to-be preteen, I'm unsure I can effectively manage working in a busy hospital setting & parenting.

Also, and on a practical note, should I join a gym to strengthen my back for clinical rounds? What about comfortable shoes? Can any of you recommend some brands/styles?

for any advice and tips.