Am I Crazy? 38, never thought I'd considering nursing but now I am

Lol, are you me?

I'm 38 and just started my RN study.

Because of having no experience, no family who are health care workers and finding it difficult to cope with people in pain I just hadn't ever considered the field. Then last year after having had experience in teaching, retail and admin and enjoying parts of those careers I realised I wanted something a lot less focussed on one aspect. RN's have high patient turnover, they teach, they chart and more! It turns out all those skills I gained in part-time work while raising my kids were just right!

BUT ...

There was still the "Can I handle people in pain?" question. (I don't really have issues with body gunk). So I started my study (2 weeks after my 38th birthday) and have gained work as a nursing assistant in a nursing home. And yes, it is hard. No question, but it's worthwhile and I can grasp that I will get the hang of it. I also feel better about the type of work I'm doing which helps!

So go for it! If it feels like something you can spend several years or even the rest of your life doing, then you'll regret it if you let the opportunity pass. At least that's what I decided.

Good luck in your decision,

Kirri

I'm not a nurse--yet. But I'm presently working on my BSN. I'm 36. Two kids. Husband who works a lot. Mortgage. Private school. Quit a perfectly good job to pursue something worthwhile, even though I won't get paid as much.

Why?

Because I came from the corporate world. And I, personally, think nursing will be a lot LESS bloody. And with a lot less poo and pee. At least with nursing, you are making a difference, and, although it's sometimes a thankless job, it's not ALWAYS a thankless job, as in the corporate way of life.

God bless ya for having the courage to change your life!