Starting over at 45?

happy2008 · Mar 6, 2008

I was 44 when i graduated. You can do it because you are mature and know what you want and are willing to work for it. Age is only a number.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Mar 6, 2008

Hello everyone....
Just looking to get opinions here - - I want to change careers and enter into a Nursing program. By the time I finish I will be in my mid-40's and just starting out in the nursing field. I know that my age shouldn't matter but I'm hung up on it. Does it sound/look ridiculous to start a nursing career at 45?

I am starting my career at 47....I don't regret the career change in the least...

kellyjoeds · Mar 20, 2008

I am a 43 year old student, and I will graduate at age 45. This has been one of the most enjoyable rides I've taken! I talked to a recruiter for one of the major hospitals, and she said they'd snap me up quick; I have had my family, I'm more stable and focused than many of the younger students, I have life and people experience, and many good years of service remaining. I have found in clinicals that many patients trust my judgment above some of the younger students, because of my maturity. (Big Mistake-haha) GO FOR IT!

Latebloomer51 · Mar 26, 2008

Betty, If you want to do it you can do it.

It is a long hard exciting journey from deciding to become a nurse to getting accepted to nursing school. How long and how hard depends on where you are starting from and which nursing program/degree you are interested in. Here's my one rat experience and if I can answer any questions please ask...

Dec 2006

At age 51 I left my career in Health Ed and tooka year of pre-reqs that were required by all the nursing schools in the Boston, MA area to which I planned to apply (requirements varied and I wanted to cover all bases.because I knew the application process was competative).

As I finished pre-reqs, I gathered all info for the application process (recommendations-2-3 needed per school, transcripts). The essays will take alot of time and they are really important-start early. The application process is very time consuming and has deadlines.

Nov/Dec 2007

Pre-reqs done, applications out. I sighned up for a phlebotomy certificate course at a local Com college while waiting to hear from schools. I wanted to have skills to draw blood (it is not taught in all nursing programs) and I needed to still bring in $. Recommend it highly- my program included a 180 hour hospital internship that was invaluable.

March 2008

Early in March Regis and UMass called me in for an interview and here's the outcome...

I just turned 53 a week ago and have been accepted to one AD program and 4 accelerated BSN programs ( MGH-14 months, Simmons 18 months, Regis-18 months and UMass Boston's new fast-track 15 month BSN launching in June 08). I chose UMass in the end- its the same BSN degree, half the cost and I think it will be exciting to be in the first and smallest (only 25 of us) graduating class of their new program.

As far as age discrimination...for me it was an asset- I knew how to persevere for the long haul, and I was interviewed by faculty who had gone back to school late in life. In the hospital though I'm a lowly 53 year old phlebotomy student in a lab coat on rounds - I command way more respect than I deserve at first glance - Hosp Staff who haven't met me yet jump to attention thinking I'm a doc, nursing supervisor or the dreaded infection control person. Its pretty funny.

Best of luck and much love to all who do their best to reach their goals. Contact me if I can be of help...

Judy

BlueRidgeHomeRN · Mar 26, 2008

go for it!! :yeah:

nursing is also a second career for me, and no one has yet mentioned the life experience, wisdom, time management skills, and perspective older students have. (makes up for being a little rusty on algebra!)

not to mention, i wasn't worried about a social life--knew i'd be spending saturday night with the same guys-dh and 2 ds's! no college aged angst about dates, acne, and body image!! :lol2:

BlueRidgeHomeRN · Mar 26, 2008

I command way more respect than I deserve at first glance - Hosp Staff who haven't met me yet jump to attention thinking I'm a doc, nursing supervisor or the dreaded infection control person. Its pretty funny.
Judy

:lol2: :yeahthat: :lol2:

nativegirl64 · Jun 11, 2008

Betty, I know I don't have a lot of experience compared to a lot of nurses out there. I have high praise for those that dedicated their lives to take care of those who need them. I have always wanted to be a nurse. I read Madam Curie, Florence Nightingale and the like. When I was a kid I would write down any medical word I heard on the shows we watched. Then go to school and drive the librarian nuts. I am in a similar situation. I started and Rn program 20 years ago. Life led me back to FL after my husband was injured and wasn't able to finish it. After 3 children I now carry a CNA (for 4 years now) and working in a Physician office, and a phlebotomy certification. My intentions are to continue up the Nursing "ladder." As long as your heart is in it and you have the stamina to keep up with the demands you are never too old. The world needs caring, good-hearted nurses no matter what age they are. I have seen nurses that are sweethearts and others that have personalities of stumps. Follow your heart and God will put you where he wants you to be. BTW I am 44 this year. My kids and husband encourage and stand behind me all the way.

vintagestudent · Jun 12, 2008

I, too, am returning to nursing school in less than 1 month at 46 years old, young, depending on how my day goes. lol

Seriously, I'm not as strong (and slim) as I was in my 20s and 30s, so working part-time or in a doctor's office makes good sense for me. Besides, my childrearing years aren't over yet and with 2 energetic teens at home and a soon-to-be preteen, I'm unsure I can effectively manage working in a busy hospital setting & parenting. :uhoh3:

Also, and on a practical note, should I join a gym to strengthen my back for clinical rounds? What about comfortable shoes? Can any of you recommend some brands/styles?

:tku:for any advice and tips.

nativegirl64 · Jun 12, 2008

Vintagestudent, It is wonderful to see someone else who is in the same boat. I really love being in the medical field. I am also not as fit as I was in my early years, but my heart is as strong as ever. I do nursing, phlebotomy and records as well as checking in/out patients, answer phones, assist dr with procedures, administer injections and breathing treatments, ekg, holter monitors, test patients for pt/inr and glucose. I get more tired on days we have less patients. I love being with the patients and staying busy. I feel I have accomplished something after a long day at work. Of course, there are "pets" or favorites. As I mentioned before, it is a lifelong dream. The one thing that pushed me full force into the field is in 87 we lost a child- stillborn. All I kept being told was that it was God's fault. It was his will. But I wanted to know the medical reason this happens. I had to find a way to know I didn't cause it. After finding other parents like my husband and myself, I found out it wasn't as uncommon as I thought. My husband is now permanently disabled from chronic residual pesticide poisoning. So another chapter to learning more about the medical field. His symptoms are always changing. I am always finding myself hungry for knowledge of the medical field. I want to learn as much as I can. One thing I have learned about going into the medical field later in life is that I have more chance to study, I retain more information and make better grades as a result. The best thing is having a wonderful family backing me in whatever I choose to be when I grow up. lol. Our 17 year old son thinks it is cool that his mom is sitting at the dining room table doing homework like he is. In my spare time I am also getting an Associates in Healthcare Mgmt online. The saga continues. As far as shoes, I try to make sure I have thick soles on mine. I do a lot of walking, bending, etc. As far as strength, I keep up on that, I try to stay as active as possible. lol. Sorry if I am babbling. Thanks and God bless.

Long Island Nurse · Jun 12, 2008

it never too late to start in the nursing profession!! i just graduated 1 month ago from a bsn program and am currently looking to enroll in a masters program for nursing education!! (im 44 y/o). i have worked in this profession for 20+ years starting as an lpn (and now rn) and i can tell you it is a rewarding job!! while my body is not the same:pumpiron: as it was in my 20's you just listen to yourself (and your body) and make necessary adjustments!!

being an older student does have it's advantages.. you are more adaptable to understanding concepts and theories, plus you can use your past experiences as a valuable tool. many schools adjust to the older adult learner which can make this adjustment into academia easier (you are not treated as a child):dncgbby:.

know your support systems and use them!! family, friends, children can be great resources. one learning curve for me was adapting to writing on the computer:typing. utilize younger members in you household to overcome computer fear!! lastly nursing is doing god's work:saint: and there are many opportunities out there for you to find your niche. stay strong and go for your goal!! you can do it!! god bless!!

signandreturn · Mar 26, 2009

At 43 I have decided to leave a career as an Executive Assistant to a company president and obtain a 2nd degree -- in Nursing.

My first degree was in Communications in 1988, so I have to take about a years worth of pre-reqs -- Stats, Biology and Chemistry (scared to death of it all). Aside from my age, my biggest challenge is that I graduated in 1988 with a 2.56 GPA. I didn't do poorly because I wasn't smart, but because I partied and socialized the entire four years and rarely studied (although the friendships I developed have been invaluable to me the past 20 years)!

I've been told by school advisers that I really need a 3.0 to be accepted into a nursing program

Now...I'm ready to study and pray that I can make the grades in my pre-reqs to be accepted into a Nursing program. And...I would not mind the Nurse Anesthetist program either!

To all of you who responded to this thread...thank you! I know the GPA can be fixed, and it sounds like my age could be to my advantage:-)