[nativegirl64]

Vintagestudent, It is wonderful to see someone else who is in the same boat. I really love being in the medical field. I am also not as fit as I was in my early years, but my heart is as strong as ever. I do nursing, phlebotomy and records as well as checking in/out patients, answer phones, assist dr with procedures, administer injections and breathing treatments, ekg, holter monitors, test patients for pt/inr and glucose. I get more tired on days we have less patients. I love being with the patients and staying busy. I feel I have accomplished something after a long day at work. Of course, there are "pets" or favorites. As I mentioned before, it is a lifelong dream. The one thing that pushed me full force into the field is in 87 we lost a child- stillborn. All I kept being told was that it was God's fault. It was his will. But I wanted to know the medical reason this happens. I had to find a way to know I didn't cause it. After finding other parents like my husband and myself, I found out it wasn't as uncommon as I thought. My husband is now permanently disabled from chronic residual pesticide poisoning. So another chapter to learning more about the medical field. His symptoms are always changing. I am always finding myself hungry for knowledge of the medical field. I want to learn as much as I can. One thing I have learned about going into the medical field later in life is that I have more chance to study, I retain more information and make better grades as a result. The best thing is having a wonderful family backing me in whatever I choose to be when I grow up. lol. Our 17 year old son thinks it is cool that his mom is sitting at the dining room table doing homework like he is. In my spare time I am also getting an Associates in Healthcare Mgmt online. The saga continues. As far as shoes, I try to make sure I have thick soles on mine. I do a lot of walking, bending, etc. As far as strength, I keep up on that, I try to stay as active as possible. lol. Sorry if I am babbling. Thanks and God bless.

[Long Island Nurse]

It NEVER too late to start in the nursing profession!! I just graduated 1 month ago from a BSN program and am currently looking to enroll in a masters program for nursing education!! (Im 44 y/o). I have worked in this profession for 20+ years starting as an LPN (and now RN) and I can tell you it is a rewarding job!! While my body is not the same as it was in my 20's you just LISTEN to yourself (and your body) and make necessary adjustments!!
Being an older student does have it's advantages.. you are more adaptable to understanding concepts and theories, plus you can use your past experiences as a valuable tool. Many schools adjust to the older adult learner which can make this adjustment into academia easier (you are not treated as a child).
Know your support systems and use them!! Family, friends, children can be great resources. One learning curve for me was adapting to writing on the computer. Utilize younger members in you household to overcome computer fear!! Lastly nursing is doing God's work and there are many opportunities out there for you to find your niche. Stay strong and go for your goal!! YOU CAN DO IT!! God Bless!!