Re: any advice to male late 30's on entering nursing field?
I did various computer, network and sys admin jobs for 21 years, then went into nursing school. I graduate in May.
-Quite a change in careers, it's scary!!
I was scared during my first semester, when so many people were failing out of the program. Now I'm nervous that I might be forgetting something, but that's it. I'm sure I made the right decision. I don't miss computers at all.
-How to pay for it
Since I had a previous bachelors, there weren't any scholarships available for me (they don't like it when you are moving backwards from a BS to an associates). So, I put my school costs on a Visa card. I could only get away with that because my school really isn't all that expensive.
-Can you go to school for nursing (LPN or ADN) and work full time?
Some very few in my class are. Generally they are working nightshifts, and are always zombies when I see them. Most of us have part-time jobs as nurse externs, or are not working at all. I say just live off Top Ramen and macaroni and cheese for 2 years and then get your finances back in order after you graduate.
-What issues I may run into being a male and a nursing student.
I haven't seen many issues. The women tend to like it when I help them lift, and I don't have a problem with that. Some women don't want a male in the room when they are uncovered, others don't care. I strongly suggest you avoid any flirting or school relationships during your first semester (when they are weeding out the weirdos). Oh, and in case you didn't already know - anything you say to ONE woman you have officially said to ALL women. Mostly being a male is an advantage, since it's easier to stay in the no-drama zone.
My biggest advice is to pay attention to different floors you visit, work as an extern on, or do clinicals on. Find a place that is willing to teach you the job. If they aren't, then just move on. That first nursing job can either make you very happy or very miserable.
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