Prospective Nurse

[bakpakr]

Hi everyone. Where to start? hehe Ok first off I am 46 yrs old. I know a bit late in life to start a new career but oh well. I am SERIOUSLY considering getting into nursing. Well considering is a bit mild of a word. I plan on going into nursing. I am here looking for a bit of advice. I don't know which discipline I will pursue yet I will wait until my clinical and get to see a few different areas of the nursing field to make that decision.

A bit of my background. I was in the military and received some advanced medical training (by choice). I have always been intrigued by the medical field and have enjoyed the medical side of my life. I have no degree just the advanced training I received in the military. I was not a medic I was a mechanic. Every time any medical training was offered I took it. So I am not going into the field blind. I really like the feeling I get after I have helped someone and made their life a bit better.

Right now my plan is to start out by taking a CNA course so that I can get into the field and get a toehold. From there I plan on going to school while working as a CNA and at the very least getting my RN but from there have no idea yet. Oh and I am male not that this matters. I have been thinking about this move for some time now so it is not a snap decision.

I do have a few concerns though. My main concern is at times I can look at the most gory scene and have no problems(I have seen a few) but at other times the same scene gets to me and makes me a bit sqeemish. Do any of you have the same problem? I am not worried about the pressure of the job. I have been in a few emergency situations and enjoyed the hi energy atmosphere. As a matter of fact I find that the more chaotic the situation is the more clear and centered on the problem I become. Sorry i got a bit long winded here but I am so stoked with my new career path. I will probably have a bunch more questions but this is enough for now.

[PurrRN]

Welcome bakpakr to the wonderful world of allnurses.com. I'm also prior military (MP), and I'm finishing my second year ADN program. If you have had some experiences and still think this is the path for you, then I say go for it. Most people have certain areas that gross them out or make them feel uncomfortable, the difference (in my opinion) is that we are able to drive past that point in order to aid the patient. Also, just plain exposure to certain situations will help with the sqeemishness. Personally, blood doesn't affect me at all, but flem just about makes me lose my lunch. However, when in a patient environment for some reason I can control it.

Secondly, while I think its a great idea to get your CNA, I think you would be better served to get into school NOW. You can always get your CNA concurrently. I say this because pre-reqs take quite a bit of time to get out of the way and you need to get them done asap. Fall semester is right around the corner and I'd go enroll, even if its just one or two classes. That way you are headed in the right direction.

Good luck, and welcome and feel free to ask any more questions you have.

[deleern]

I was 45 when I started. I have Graduated the RN program and love every min. As Cna is a prereq, i would get it right away. you will need it any way... In MN if a NH hires you then They pay for it.