Would you recommend nursing to a 46 year old doing a career change?

Great advice above. It might be hard for someone in such a profession to step down and start over at the begining, at an entry level position, with people are probably going to be younger than you, taking direction from others, often 20 years younger, and not having a say so in how things are run/bugeted, etc. , especially when you've had the responsibilities you've described.

Also, as mentioned above, how is your health? Do you have a good back, good knees, are you a resonable weight, do you have any health problems that might be exacerbated by the extreme stress of nursing school and being a new grad (read our First Year In Nursing forum here to see how tough it can be).

So I'm not saying you shouldn't do it. Just proceed with caution and know what you're getting into. Many many people enter nursing at later ages than you as 2nd careers and love it. Others run away screaming "what was I thinking?".

Best of luck to you!

Why not? But realize what kind of investment you will be making. It will take all of your energy and time and a good portion of your money while you are making the change. Insure that you think it out and make a true commitment before you start. It also does not hurt to have a good support system in place and to be financially prepared.

If you have a passion for helping others and find an interest in nursing then I think you should investigate a career change. Check out an accelerated BSN program.

Everyone has already given great advice. You should carefully consider this decision. I don't think that you are too old (there was a man in his sixties in my nursing class), but I do wonder why have you chosen nursing? Is this something that you have always wanted to do? Spend as much time shadowing different types of nurses as possible. Even then, be conscious that actually being a nurse has a crushing responsibility that is not experienced just by observing.

If you can think of anything else in the world that you could possibly be happy doing, I would not recommend nursing. If you find yourself drawn to nursing because of the "helping" aspect, there are lots of other helping professions out there. However, there are many people that are very happy with their nursing careers. It is very individual, but this is a difficult time for the nursing profession. Poor working environments, long hours, high acuity of patients, high patient to nurse ratios, and mediocre pay are just some of current working conditions that contribute to high stress levels. I would recommend seeing a career counselor before making your decision.

I do not reccommend that you go into nursing.
It is a tough tough job. I am just a wee bit younger than you, and have been an RN about 1 year and 1/2 now. I know the first year or 2 are tough......but I'm ready to run screaming from this profession. The stress is overwhelming, for me at least......it's just not worth it!!
Sorry to be a downer :~(

To be honest NO!. You are used to being the person that is in charge, setting the course, evaluating others preformance. I think the sources of burnout in nursing would end your career before you paid off your student loans. Powerlessness, lack of control of the big picture, lack of respect, limited input to how your job is structured. If you had time to get some experience under your belt and then return to school for advanced training in health care management, or advanced prac. nursing your previous skills would be an asset rather that a burden but at 46- that makes you 51 with a BSN, 55 or more to get your feet on the ground, 60-65 if you return for advanced education- It dosen't sound like a good path to me- but to each his own.

Wow...i must say...this post was an eye opener!

I am also a male...considering nursing as a second career. I have a BS...but in business not medical field. I know that nursing is stressful, but is it really that bad?

I know that some jobs have more stress than others...but i had no idea.

(sigh)

Nursing is a great opportunity if you can handle it.

Since you are a male....i think you should meet with some male nurses in your area and take them to lunch. Pick their brains. Make friends with them. It would be worth it.

Getting advice from this forum may not be the best way to make a career decision. Its important.

No, don't do it.

If you want to help people, volunteer. But keep your nice job.

There have been some sad responses on this post. I don't think that nurses realize the jobs they have are necessary and respected. Its a shame.

I for one....have a tremendous amount of respect for nurses. The pay is not that of a doctor...but...i can think of alot of jobs that are less satisfying much less money too.