Old man thinking of nursing

Nurses Men

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Need some opinions here. I am a 39 year old married father of 3 considering a career change to nursing. I have worked in the corporate world for the past 18 years and have hated most of them. I have always wanted a job helping people and a job that gave me the satisfaction that I am helping making the world a better place versus making rich stockholders richer. My question is, does anyone know how successful older nursing students are, and more specifically how successful older male nursing students are. Having the responsibilities that I do, I would have to continue to work full time, while going to school part time. The program I am looking into is a 4 year program, 3 evenings per week and every other weekend. Has anyone taken on a task like this at this stage of their life? Best case is I would graduate at 43 or 44. How hard is it to find employment as a brand new graduate that is in their mid 40's and male? Does anyone have any personal experience or know anyone that has done this. On one hand, I feel pretty confident I would make a very good nurse and it would give me great job satisfaction, on the other hand I think I am nuts for even considering it.

Specializes in ICU.

I started my prerequisites for my accelerated 2nd degree BSN program at 48. For my 50th birthday I got my BSN and a job. And no, I wasn't the oldest in my class. I may be 50 but I have the mind of a teenager! My wife says this is why I'm easily distracted and can't seem to clean up after myself.

Dave

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I'm 38 and also considering Nursing. I'll be 45 before I complete my current obligations and then the schooling needed to be an RN. That still leaves alot of good years left. Good luck to you if that is what you and your family decide. Anythings possible.

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Specializes in None.

I went all the way through my MA in Polictal Studies, half way through a doctorate in Public Administration and spent 11 years and counting workign for the Illinois General Assembly as a legislative analyst before I realized that I should have continued my dream of working in the medical field, the one I gave up when I was 20 years old in college becasue I did not wnat to put forth the effort then.

I commend you for realizing it now and working to make a decision. Go for it and don't look back. Age does not matter. I am 36 and will prbably be 39 beofre I finish. The great thing is that I will not be sitting at my desk for the rest of my life. I will be helping people and doing what I feel is the right thing with my life!

I have not spent alot of time on the board since I started classes but from what I have read and continue to read, this is the best place to get the support you would need and guidance!

Congratulations on your first step!

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Specializes in Trauma, Education.

My husband is going to be 37 this year. He always wanted to be a nurse but couldn't work and do school. He has his BS and has worked in the corporate field for the last 15 years. I hadn't wanted to be a nurse originally, but we decided it was a good idea to send me to nursing school (I was a stay at home mom) while he supported me and then when I was done, I'd send him back and support him. After he was laid off twice in this dismal economy of ours, we are now sending him back to the Accelerated BSN program. I have been an OR nurse for 2 years now and I love it. I am so excited for him to join me in a very rewarding career-highly stressful and aggressive, but very rewarding. Plus, someday we get to travel together!!

You guys are great! We love men in nursing. As a spouse of one who is going back to school, I say go for it and use all your resources out there. Good luck!!

Ruth

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Just do it Coop. I'm 43 and I'll be 44 when I become an RN. Hey ,the sooner you start, the younger you'll be when you graduate.

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Well after reading the postings here. I`ll tell ya I just graduated and passed boards first time around at the ripe age of 59

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Specializes in med-tele.

I am a new grad - 47 years old. While most of the people I work with are younger than me - I have a great time with them.

Some of our Nurse's Aids are in their 50s and are hard workers.

I read my partner's AARP magazine - Nursing is often suggested for a second career for 50+ persons. While most of us start at the bedside, we don't all have to stay there.

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Specializes in Nursing Student & PCT.

Hey Man, that hurt! :cry: I'm 47 and just got accepted into an RN program. Sure, I wish I would have done it earlier but the opportunity did not present itself. I guess I may as well roll over and die! NOT!!! Actually I am making this an opportunity to change a few things in my life. This also includes my health. I've started to use my gym membership (my school also has excellent exercise facilities at all campuses). Now if I can get my brain to function at a higher rate :banghead: I'll be doing fine. Have fun! :yeah:

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Became an LPN 38,RN at 40...school was a trip and 1/2.....surprised myself and did well. Worked quite a few years now, mostly hospital M/S,...Most touching thing,when the pt. says.."'.You took good care of me. " Saddest when I hear coworkers use the term.." I don't care." Let your heart grow during school. Try to keep your stess levels low,never be ashamed to shed a tear,enjoy the journey.

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Hi. I am 44 (can't believe it...sounds old) and I will graduate in May (08) from a 2 year RN program. I had enough saved up so that I could go to a week day program. I am the oldest in the class. I hear that there may be more age-based camaraderie in the weekend program because the average age is higher, but there are enough 30 somethings in my class to make me feel not terribly old. And I enjoy the 20 somethings too.

Plan your study time. Workout to stay fit. You'll do great!

The career is definately approachable for mid-career changers.

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feel free to pm me...

i am 37 years old with a degree in business. i worked for several years in office positions, manager, etc. my wife and i are married six years. i was the primary wage earner when we made the decision for me to enter nursing school...i will graduate in 2010 right around the age of the big four - o.

i currently work in the icu as a tech...for reference, most of the nurses, myself included are slightly "nuts". and yet the facility is very happy to have me and is excited about getting an rn in 2010. although i am not earning what i did in the past i am paid very well. my wife now works fulltime and we are able to maintain our lifestyle save a few premium channels and sushi every weekend. :nuke:

i believe nursing is the noblest profession there is. nurses are in demand and i believe a nurse with your life experience will have no problem finding work before and after graduation.

when i made the decision to return to school i asked myself "how bad do you want it?" my answer was "bad enough to give up everything to get it." that said, i quit my job, sent out applications to the local hospitals and nursing schools...and i have never looked back.

nursing school will be the most challenging life changing event you will ever experience. period

if you enter into this with worry...worry about losing things...worry about failing...then you will fail.

envision the end before you begin...then write your life's script through to conclusion...

i have written the speech i will give at my gradution and it will begin like this...

several years ago i dreamed of becoming a nurse. i pictured this place; this beautiful blue may sky above our heads, and spring's warm sun beaming through leaves. several years ago i dreamed of this day; and although the journey was not exactly how i envisioned, one thing is for certain and that is you were all here in this dream.

become a nurse -- see you on graduation day...

i hope to work with you someday soon-- we need more guys willing to give it all up today----- to have even more tomorrow-- study hard, go-go-go-------

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Old Man? What is that you know what old is Old is when ya dead thats Old .In my humble opinion and I am in by latter year and your old enough to be my som, I would say discuss with family understand you may take a hit on the income level, so be prepared and the long cacamammie hours can your marridge survive that, Maybe your midlifeing issue has surfaced, you know the change of the perception of what is really important in life most persons who have managed their financial circumstances,can take liberty in career change, I know of a person who is not medical but retired,wanted to be a nurse and volenteered in medical mission in phillipines,enjoyed it so much he became a nurse,and then is going on to be a physican , Age is just a number as long as you get your wits about you and your mind is flexible or continues its plasticity.I know of a rn who is in her 70s shes faster and on the ball than some of the younger nurses its a ball working with her She tell young go away if I need you Ill call you unde her breathe she saids dam young whipper snappers they think cause you got gray hair and wear glasses your granny granny my orifice. So on that note GO FOR IT KID YOUR ONLY YOUNG ONCE THATS MY :twocents::bow::DhOW ABOUT THOSE TEETH.

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