Being a male nurse?

You have to follow your dreams. If you don't you'll regret it for the rest of your life. I too got sucked into another career and then left and worked while I went to school. Nursing school was definitely one of the hardest things I've ever done but it was all worth it in the end. Good Luck.

first of all let me congratulated you for having the desire to further your education. reading between the lines tells me that you have what i call the will power to over come whatever obstacle you might confront. besides that, no it's never too late to reach your set goals, just make sure that you have a decent gpa this gives you an advantage. unquestionably, the pre-reqs are most definitely a way to set yourself apart from the rest. in addition make sure you score high enough in the nursing entrance exam this will definitely place you in front of the line, don't take anything for granted. needless to say, sit with a nursing career adviser in your school of choice, and make sure that he/she answers all of your concerns. lastly, don't let anyone misguide or try to tell you any different about your choice in becoming a ed nurse, do it for yourself not for anyone else...wishing you the very best in all of your future endeavors...aloha~

As a member of the Class of 2011 I'm going to assume that you are 20-21 years old. Well, I got news for ya fella, those "some people" are right. Once you hit drinking age then there is no going back from those life choices that you made all of 12 months ago. Who's going to hire an over the hill 25 year old new grad RN?

Obviously I'm kidding and I also graduated with a BSN at 35. Since the ecomony tanked Nursing schools are hypercompetive (even in Community colleges - too many students not enough professors) so get good grades and the firefighter exp doesn't hurt.

Paramedics, not sure though, its a tough job and IMO would be a fun rewarding job. However the only paramedics who make living wages are the ones who work as employees of big cities. Getting in with the city govt probably isn't easy with budget cuts/recession etc.

Hello. I just turned 24. I really want to become a nurse but i have no idea on whats the first step in becoming one. Can anyone help me in giving step by step on what classes to take. I am from Delano, a small town in California.

First of all, NICE bruiser you're holding in your profile pic!

So, you're a relatively recent HS grad and it's 'too late' to think about a career in nursing? Don't spend another moment on that thought. It's VERY common for folks to be twice your age to start nursing. A's and B's (so let's say 3.5 GPA) would be enough to get you looked at by a school.

Well Josh, when I graduated last year we had a gentleman in our class that was 54 year sold. It was a second career for him. If he can do it, you can. Its never too late.

Josh,

I don't think I understand. You graduated high school about a year ago and somebody is telling you it's "too late" to start down the path to becoming an RN? Did I read that right?

Holy crap. I guess I'm screwed. I'm 47, a single parent of 2 girls and just finished my first semester of prerequisites. I too took a different path in a prior life and have spent 30 years either in the military or as a government contractor, doing contract work for the military. Now, it's time to be an RN. And after that long pursuing the almighty paycheck, I can tell you, without hesitation, that I feel better with every step I take away from that previous life.

Regarding one of your follow-up posts, "... but all i can do is try!". (In my very best Yoda voice) NO! Do or do not. There is no TRY.

Go for it!

Sam