Nursing as a second career. Where do I begin?

I'm all for karmic rewards!! ... ... So here goes ...

I just turned 40 myself, and I can tell you that NO you're not too old for these shananigans (if by that you mean going back for nursing school and not any other nonsense that the 20-something set would define as life-altering and we wouldn't). I'm working on my prereqs as we speak. There are several routes to becoming an RN. For someone like you and me with a bachelor's already in hand, the accelerated BSN is the fastest option. There is also the basic BSN which takes a little longer, and an associates degree which is about the same as the basic BSN. All three routes prepare you for taking the NCLEX, which is the exam that when passed deems you eligible for RN licensure. Hunter and similar schools in the CUNY system are extremely competitive because of the low tuition, and the large number of students applying drive up the average GPA's of those accepted. The private schools seem to be less competitive in this regard, but that seems to be slowly changing as well. If you do an accelerated, they discourage you from working at all but I have heard people do it on the sly. I would probably think putting your life on hold for the year might be worth not failing out. Something to prepare for ahead of time.

You will want to start your prereq coursework soon, preferably as cheaply as possible but I also hear it's hard to complete them @ any CUNY schools as the classes close super-quick ESPECIALLY if you're not matriculated. Additionally, to even apply to the CUNY nursing schools you will have to be in residence at the school for at least a semester before application (likely completing prereq or some other credit class). I cannot imagine it is THAT impossible if people are actually getting in. What must they be doing that's so different (do they have a link to a higher power)? I can tell you this much: you'll need straight A's in your science prereq's at a minimum to be very competitive for the programs, but if your heart is in the right place you can do it!! You might want to look into taking prereqs elsewhere or even online (they do have schools out there that offer prereqs completely online, even labs - and I know there is a branch of SUNY that does offer this, see here: http://sln.suny.edu/) - check your intended nursing school first to see if online courses are acceptable.

Good luck!

First off just take a deep breath. It is not as complicated as it seems. I just turned 24 but I decided to go into nursing three years ago. I plan on graduating with my BA in History in May 2011. I will then go onto nursing school.
There are many options for you and your age does not hinder you.
First off you need to research which programs you might want to enter, it will help you in the end. Some schools have expiration dates for prereqs while others do not. Some schools require some courses that other programs do not.
Figure out what program interests you and go from there.
Personally I am plan on applying to accelerated BSN, generic, and ASN programs. Usually all those programs require API and APII and microbiology. Some programs want 4 credits in chem others might want 8. I would advise you to take your prereqs at CUNY CC or senior college. However, as the postee bedore me that itself is a gamble.
I am nee transfer student to Lehman. I had to beg to get into API. It is not impossible to get in but if you are interested you should apply early so all the paperwork will be done and you will get a spot.

About the whole BSN thing...it is better to get a BSN. This is due to the fact that several magnet hospitals (like NYU Med Center) for example will not hire a new grad nurse unless they have a BSN. Since you are older than me I say go for the BSN. I am only planning to apply to that ASN program because it is my surefire safety school.
Once you complete you prereqs there are generic programs and acclerated programs you can chose from.
Just fugure out which programs you want to enter. There are cheaper accl. programs like SUNY Downstate, Stonybrook, Binghamton, Buffalo (well of course if you are willing to move). Pace U had an acclerated program that offers an 2 yr evening option along with their 12month program.

The options are limitless.