career change question

[jblazer1]

I am a 44 year old male working as an electrician. Well, kind of working as there isnt much work. I was a corpsman in the US NAVY. I am considering a career change and becoming a nurse. I will be 45 or46 probably by the time I am done with schooling. So my question is since I will be so much older then the other nurses just starting out how will I be recieved by the hospital staff. I would enjoy nursing but I don't want to be treated like I have leparcy every day when I go to work. Any and all opinions are appreciated.

Thanks!

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

i graduated nursing school at 60, passed the nclex a month later, and got a job at a major hospital two months after that. i've been readily accepted as a colleague by the other nurses on the floor, even though i am one of the oldest employees. everyone has been helpful and more than willing to help me hone my skills. certainly no one has treated me like a leper.

i'd advise you to work hard, keep an open mind, go out of your way to be helpful to others, and be receptive to those with more experience, even if they are much younger. if you do those things, i think you'll be readily accepted.

best of luck in your new career.

i would like to congratulated you for accomplishing your goal. needless to say, i truly believe that "you can either follow your fears or be led by your passions"