Older Student - Career Path Question

[HealingThoughts]

I'm an older student (43) who's decided to make the second career switch into Nursing. I'm specifically interested in Psychiatric Nursing. I'm not nervous about the Psych Part. A few years ago I was enrolled in a Masters of Counseling program. I did quite well and I only had to quit because of financial reasons.

I'm back on my feet and after some research I found an awesome 2nd Degree nursing program. Here's my question, I want to go all the way and be an advanced practice nurse.

My only worries are:

1) I have zero hospital experience

2) My age: By my calculations I'd need at least a year of experience after school, before going on to the Masters level.

The plus side is I'm very motivated. If I had known this career path existed, I would've done it ages ago.

Any insight or advice from other Psych Nurses out there?

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Volunteer in your area at some Psych units (maybe even try getting a Psych tech job) and feel it out. I know that if you have experience with working with either IDD or Psych patients, they are transferable (at least where I live).

I wish you all the luck!

[Carrie RN]

Look at residential treatment and county behavioral health programs.

[Dewman]

Can't offer advice re. psych nursing, but I too was a "older student" (even older than you) who went into nursing as a second career.

Because I already had a BS degree in a non-health field, I qualified and entered into a 16-month 2nd degree BSN program. I also failed that program. I have told people it was like taking a drink from a wide-open fire hose; the pace was too fast for me.

I instead earned my ASN at a community college. I enjoy nursing, but the only jobs an ASN-trained RN qualifies for around here are LTC and/or home care - neither of which thrill me much.

I'm undecided about getting my BSN, though. Truthfully, nursing has left me disillusioned.