Dont know if I can do this at 49!

Nurses Nurse Beth

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Nurse Beth,

I have been in Dialysis for 17 years. I hospice for 2. Low pt census and a bear of an administrator. Want to transfer to hospital.

Friends said I would like PACU. Applied. They want to interview me but I now realize that I will need to take ACLS, PALS, Pharmacology Exam and dysrhythmia course. I don't know at 49 if I can pass all this. And I have cold feet. And it's stressing me out! I can't fail now.

This is my my career. And I will also have to get my current supervisor to sign a transfer from to interview. Which will put a target my back.

Should I just withdraw the application? How do I do that nicely. I want to get to a job I can retire doing. My goal it to get to pre op day surgery, which has the same requirements but might be less stressful. I have also applied for that too. Maybe I should do some self study and re apply?

Dear Don't Know if I Can Do This,

If you decide not to take the classes and certs, have you thought about looking for an opportunity in Pre-Op Screening? It is a controlled environment and you are not required to have ACLS, PALs, etc.

Another option is Palliative Care. With your hospice skills, you could be a great Palliative Care nurse.

Pre-op (your goal) may be less stressful acuity-wise than PACU, but it can be very busy with a different kind of stress. A lot of hustle. Like you said, you will still need ACLS, PALS, and dysrhythmia for Pre-op.

I think that if you approach the classes one at a time, you can do it. Being 49 does not mean you've lost your ability to study :), as a lot of people here on site will tell you.

As far as withdrawing an application, it is not a big deal, and happens all the time. No one thinks the worse of you.

Good luck, and you're wise to time to plan the next phase of your career.

Keep us posted,

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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I have to tell you I'm 58 years old going after my RN in Nursing. I've been out of school for many years, but if anything it is great to motivate the brain from being stagnate for so many years. What is really rewarding when you take a exam and kick most of the younger generations butts with scores in the 90's. I am a male, and I am old, so I have two strikes against me but your peers should watch what they say and think because one day I will be your boss!!! So my advice to you is GitRdone. Your only as old as you feel, trust me on this.

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

At age 52 and 21 years out of nursing school I became nationally certified in a relatively new specialty. Yes, you can young'n.

Specializes in Preop/PACU, IM, Orthopaedics, Med Surg.

I say...go for it! That brain of yours is still totally capable! I know you will look back and not regret it. And, if you are working with someone that is willing to back you and help you with your classes, it's a win-win! I LOVE preop/PACU and am sure you will, too! Good luck!

Specializes in Hospital medicine; NP precepting; staff education.
I have to tell you I'm 58 years old going after my RN in Nursing. I've been out of school for many years, but if anything it is great to motivate the brain from being stagnate for so many years. What is really rewarding when you take a exam and kick most of the younger generations butts with scores in the 90's. I am a male, and I am old, so I have two strikes against me but your peers should watch what they say and think because one day I will be your boss!!! So my advice to you is GitRdone. Your only as old as you feel, trust me on this.

I wouldn't say being a male is a strike against you. Good luck in school and congrats on following your ambition!

Would you say being old is a strike against me?

Specializes in Hospital medicine; NP precepting; staff education.

Ha. No. Mature students are refreshing and bring a wisdom to practice that is earned and second nature. Also, I feel the more you engage your brain and active you are, the better. My MIL proves this to me daily. She received her early childhood associates in her late 50s and her culinary arts cert in mid 60s. Plus she helps me with my kids.

Does MIL mean "mother in law" she sounds like a busy woman I love it ! What does your husband do?

Specializes in Hospital medicine; NP precepting; staff education.

Yes, that's my MIL.

He's a social worker.

That is great, I'm looking for a mentor that I can lean on bend a ear and so forth any ideas? I live in Pueblo, Colorado

Well I'm off to night class thank you for talking with me!

Specializes in Hospital medicine; NP precepting; staff education.

No problem. Have fun.

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