41 yr old male wanting to start a 2nd career in nursing?

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I've always wanted to be in the health care field. I went back to school in my mid twenties but chose chemistry over nursing, and now I work at a consulting engineering firm as a project manager but I feel my tenure in the engineering world is at an end, and that its time for a career change. I guess I want to know how old is to old to enter nursing as a man? What was the demographic in the class room? How are job opportunities in Canada (I'm in Vancouver). Do men do this as a second career or am I thinking crazy? Any and all insights are much appreciated.

SJ

Shoot! I love you guys haha. I'll be 34 next month, and I thought I was to old to get into it. I figure after all the gen ed, prereqs and haggling/negotiating to get into an ADN program, I'll probably be about 38-39 before I get out. Maybe a little younger if I bust my backside on those prereqs. Thanks for the thread fellas. I don't feel so ancient now :)

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That surprises me. I figured with all of that free healthcare in Canada, they would be kidnapping new grads using chloroform and an old dirty vw van hehe. I figured for sure they would put you to work rite away. I don't live in Canada, but I was sure there was TONS of opportunity for RNs there. O well, I guess you learn something new everyday..

Alberta and BC are lousy markets for nurses right now.

The lower mainland is saturated with new nurses. Maybe if you move north you'll have a better chance. Just remember that UBC, Langara, UFV, and BCIT are all graduating RNs, plus the programmes on the Island.

You need to start looking at the health authority web-sites to see what the job market is like. Just remember because a job is posted doesn't mean it will be filled.

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I'm 46 and start a BSN program July 1st. I will be 49 when I graduate. Please tell me if you find out you're too old so I can hang up my spurs...

Don't talk like that. Your gonna be fine. Your situation gives us hope lol :D

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It is a goal of mine to help motivate others to make the right decisions for their lives...

Mistakes Demotivator® - Demotivational posters from Despair.com

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That surprises me. I figured with all of that free healthcare in Canada, they would be kidnapping new grads using chloroform and an old dirty vw van hehe. I figured for sure they would put you to work rite away. I don't live in Canada, but I was sure there was TONS of opportunity for RNs there. O well, I guess you learn something new everyday..

While you may be correct in the assumption that BC is full of dirty old vw camper vans, you are wrong about "free healthcare".

We have universal healthcare that is publicly funded.

And chloroform is so passé. Roofies in the urban centres.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
I've always wanted to be in the health care field. I went back to school in my mid twenties but chose chemistry over nursing, and now I work at a consulting engineering firm as a project manager but I feel my tenure in the engineering world is at an end, and that its time for a career change. I guess I want to know how old is to old to enter nursing as a man? What was the demographic in the class room? How are job opportunities in Canada (I'm in Vancouver). Do men do this as a second career or am I thinking crazy? Any and all insights are much appreciated.

SJ

My husband is 43 and is just finishing his first year for his RN (3 year program). He is successful in the IT world. He is actually a partner in a small company. He's seeking an education. He doesn't intend to work as a bedside RN but that doesn't matter much at this point. So he's making a big jump at 43. He's loving it. He's in an E/W program that is mostly adults.

It isn't too late....go for it. The nursing world needs more men!

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Specializes in critical care.

In my BSN program there was an older gentleman, probably 50s. He had health stuff happen sand he needed to take leave so he's not with my cohort anymore, but he'll be back in the fall. There are a couple of upper 30s/mid 40s accelerated BSN male students as well. The ADN program has an older gentleman probably similar in age. I don't know if he's alone in his demographic for that program. I know of him because we had A&P together and I've had clinicals at the hospital on the same days as him. All of these men are wonderful people and will make fantastic nurses and colleagues. It seems your change of heart in careers is normal, and older men entering the profession is common. Remember age is a number. Its how you feel that counts. I wish you all the best!

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I turn 41 next month and will be starting NYU Accelerated BSN program this Fall 2013. Never too late.

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Specializes in ICU-my whole life!!.

^^^x10000

Just do it!

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I started nursing school at age 41, and am a male. Best decision I ever made.

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Dude, u are never too late for anything!! Go for it man! U should be proud for considering a career in nursing! It's fun and humbling! U do make a difference in this world with nursing no matter what!! Woo woo!

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51, just got my BSN. Old kids rock!

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