I'm 39 and want to become a nurse.

Nursing Students Male Students

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After 12 years of practicing law (as a criminal prosecutor) I'm thinking about returning to school and becoming a nurse. After months of working with a career counselor, personal reflection, and research (on-line and otherwise) I'm feel strongly that this would be the right choice for me. (There's a local school that just began offering an AS degree in Nursing making one eligible to sit for the N-CLEX for registered nurses.) I'm fortunate to have a wife who supports my decision, and also works, which lessens the financial impact. Still, there will be a number of sacrafices to be made for the next 3 years (approx.) and we have two young children who also have to be considered first and foremost.

I was happy to find this web site and particularly glad to find this board (Male Nursing Students). I'm hope that in reading the posts I will find: encouragement; positive stories; advice; etc. Any input/advise/encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Many people in my life think I'm crazy leaving a good paying career at this stage in my life. Fact is, though, that being an attorney so goes against my core as a person. I do not find the work fulfilling at all. To the contrary, the advesarial nature of the work takes it's toll physiacally and emotionally. The idea of helping people; caring for people has always been a large part of who I am. And in fact, all these persoanlity/employment/interest tests I've taken repeatedly reveal nursing as a strong match for who I am.

Continued in the reply post that follows...

Specializes in NICU CM LNC MB HHC, Flight nurse.

I forgot to mention I still have my ASN.

I'm proud of you for wanting to be a nurse! In this age of money-driven, cynical, selfish human beings, it is refreshing once again to hear of someone pursuing a dream based on making a contribution to society. Your age is by no means a deterrent for pursuing a nursing career. I have taught several nursing students over 40, in the clinical environment who did fine. I am 51, have been a nurse for 28 years, and a year ago began work on a PhD degree (I will be 55 when I complete it). You mentioned being in good shape. That is key. When you are healthy both physically and mentally, the sky is the limit as far as accomplishing your goals. Passion is also paramount. When you do what you love, you will breeze through your work effortlessly. There were many days when I would go to work not feeling my best, but totally forgot about it after I began my day! As for the "dirty little secrets" in nursing, here are a few: The work is tiring (Most nurses leave a 12-hour shift dog-tired!); The patients are sicker now than ever (many have co-morbidities that have nothing to do with why they came to the hospital, but nevertheless these must be treated as well.); Some physicians still throw tantrums, speaking ugly to nurses (Males usually don't have as much trouble with this.). Now for the rewarding things: When a patient grabs your hand at the end of the day and asks "Will you be back tomorrow?", it is extremely gratifying and reminds us of why we went into nursing.; When your friends chide you about your salary, you remind them that you have never experienced unemployment since becoming a nurse, and that oh, by the way, your house is paid for, 2 kids have been sent to college, and your credit score is excellent.; And finally, as a male in nursing, you will frequently be mistaken for a doctor, which will come in handy when the confused patients will not listen to or obey anyone else but you! As for your choices regarding degree pursuits, I agree that the AS degree is your quickest route to getting nursing money in your pocket. The accelerated BSN programs are usually 1-year programs but it has been my experience that AS degrees prepare students better. I also agree that a BSN and MSN will provide job-transition security as you age out of the intense clinical environment. Good luck in your pursuits! We need you!

Specializes in psychiatric, UR analyst, fraud, DME,MedB.
I'm proud of you for wanting to be a nurse! In this age of money-driven, cynical, selfish human beings, it is refreshing once again to hear of someone pursuing a dream based on making a contribution to society. Your age is by no means a deterrent for pursuing a nursing career. I have taught several nursing students over 40, in the clinical environment who did fine. I am 51, have been a nurse for 28 years, and a year ago began work on a PhD degree (I will be 55 when I complete it). You mentioned being in good shape. That is key. When you are healthy both physically and mentally, the sky is the limit as far as accomplishing your goals. Passion is also paramount. When you do what you love, you will breeze through your work effortlessly. There were many days when I would go to work not feeling my best, but totally forgot about it after I began my day! As for the "dirty little secrets" in nursing, here are a few: The work is tiring (Most nurses leave a 12-hour shift dog-tired!); The patients are sicker now than ever (many have co-morbidities that have nothing to do with why they came to the hospital, but nevertheless these must be treated as well.); Some physicians still throw tantrums, speaking ugly to nurses (Males usually don't have as much trouble with this.). Now for the rewarding things: When a patient grabs your hand at the end of the day and asks "Will you be back tomorrow?", it is extremely gratifying and reminds us of why we went into nursing.; When your friends chide you about your salary, you remind them that you have never experienced unemployment since becoming a nurse, and that oh, by the way, your house is paid for, 2 kids have been sent to college, and your credit score is excellent.; And finally, as a male in nursing, you will frequently be mistaken for a doctor, which will come in handy when the confused patients will not listen to or obey anyone else but you! As for your choices regarding degree pursuits, I agree that the AS degree is your quickest route to getting nursing money in your pocket. The accelerated BSN programs are usually 1-year programs but it has been my experience that AS degrees prepare students better. I also agree that a BSN and MSN will provide job-transition security as you age out of the intense clinical environment. Good luck in your pursuits! We need you!

Congratulation to you gentlemen! Lots of kudos !!!!:yeah:

Specializes in Oncology, Med Surg.

I was 49 when I went back to nursing school and I only wish I had went sooner. I had always wanted to be as nurse. The only dark little secret might be we all complain about the hard work but we love it. Go for it

I think that you should do what your heart tells you to. I am 52 & graduated last June as an LPN. Although nursing is very physical as well as emotional & stressful, it is also very rewaarding & there is nothing better than knowing that you have helped someone. Good luck with what you decide!

Glenda

Slow to read email and respond to this, so hope even though late, the response will be helpful. No doubt, go for it. Agree with others saying work forward to get degrees any way you can. Yes, you can do MSN part-time. At 57 y/o, I am just starting the process. As a psych and hospice nurse, I anticipate working into my 70's as both fields are not as physically demanding as medical nursing. I can't imagine not being a nurse. It's never boring. The money is good, but, that's not why I work. There is a hugely spiritual piece about knowing that when you go to work, your intention is to give help and comfort, to know that you cannot judge but only guide and empower (professionally, and even though you may have personal opinions), to know that giving that compassion to others actually over time expands your own wisdom. What a win-win situation! I can't imagine working doing anything that was not somehow contributing to the 'greater good.' I'm moving into education, and am delighted to be a part of teaching the next generation. Speaking as someone who currently orients nursing staff, your life and professional experiences would make you a most valuable employee. Go for it!

You will be the same age whether you do it or not. I was in marketing/insurance for years, retired, got my Assoc RN at a Jr college, and yes! I got a job immediately after getting my license at age 64. Now I am looking at working on my MSN. I love what I do, and it is fascinating. Go for it, Life is too short to be miserable. People tell me all the time, I am so unhappy, but I could not do what you did. I always ask: why not?

Go for it! I'm 46 (female, though) and went back to school to start pre-reqs when my youngest son started kindergarten. Prior to my children, I worked in NYC for many years as an "executive assistant" and also at one point a "legal secretary". Got to commute, dress up uncomfortably, and put on a "corporate face" which ALWAYS went against who I am. I always felt like I was being someone I wasn't. I have been so fortunate to be able to have this second chance. Nursing school/college was never an option when I was younger - I came from a large family and college was for "boys" -- UGH!!

Enough of my baggage, but go for it! My sister put herself thru undergrad/and law school at night while working full time. I'm worried that she never seems truly happy and/or satisfied with her career.

Currently, I'm working as a nursing assistant in a wonderful hospital while waiting to get accepted to nursing school. Yes, there is a lot of "butt wiping", but I'd rather wipe the butt of someone in need, than kiss the butt of someone rather wealthy and uppity!

I'm glad I listened to my heart -- I finally feel like I'm home.smile.png

Specializes in Critical Care, Management, Education.

I am an educator and my last class had two men in it. One was 51, the other was younger. Both got jobs immediately out of school. If you really WANT to become a nurse, DO IT.

Hi! I clicked on your thread because I am 42 and have decided to become a nurse. I have a degree in business and have worked as an executive in insurance companies for the past 15 years. I am taking my prerequistes at a local community college (chem, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, etc) and will start a 13 month accelerated second degree program in January. I will have my BSN when I complete the program. My advice would be to see if you can find a second degree program that is convenient for you. You would have a BSN in the same time or possibly even less time than it will take you to get the ASN. Good luck!

Specializes in psychiatric, UR analyst, fraud, DME,MedB.
Go for it! I'm 46 (female, though) and went back to school to start pre-reqs when my youngest son started kindergarten. Prior to my children, I worked in NYC for many years as an "executive assistant" and also at one point a "legal secretary". Got to commute, dress up uncomfortably, and put on a "corporate face" which ALWAYS went against who I am. I always felt like I was being someone I wasn't. I have been so fortunate to be able to have this second chance. Nursing school/college was never an option when I was younger - I came from a large family and college was for "boys" -- UGH!!

Enough of my baggage, but go for it! My sister put herself thru undergrad/and law school at night while working full time. I'm worried that she never seems truly happy and/or satisfied with her career.

Currently, I'm working as a nursing assistant in a wonderful hospital while waiting to get accepted to nursing school. Yes, there is a lot of "butt wiping", but I'd rather wipe the butt of someone in need, than kiss the butt of someone rather wealthy and uppity!

I'm glad I listened to my heart -- I finally feel like I'm home.smile.png

:bow:It feels so good to know that there are still people out there really true to their feelings. It is refreshing most specially when you are surroudned mostly w/ the wanna be's or unhappy ones , but never really doing anything about it. Thank you for being so real and down to earth and for beng you ! Thank you ladies and gents for a good releality shot in the arm ?

Specializes in CNA.

Im 42 and hoping on the education horse again, It's never too late to keep getting educated.

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