Anyone start their career late in Life?

Graduating in May 06 at age 53 after having been a secretary my whole life but always interested in nursing. I'm in my final year of a 3-year school and can't wait to get out there!

i graduated at 38 last yr. i have spent one yr as a labor and delivery nurse and sometimes i think if i was 15 or so yrs younger my physical strength would be higher. i've always been hyper active but nursing has a way of kickin your butt. i think you know what your limits are. age may or may not be one. good luck and take lots of vitamins

been there, done that! good luck to you it's a tough road ahead with many obstacles and when they seem too hard, just remember what you left behind and be thankful you are able to.

Why do you want to be a nurse?

Money? It's marginal compared to the education you'll posess; the physical work that you'll do; the hours you'll be expected to work..

Job security? It's there due to the severe shortage of nurses, and you'll frequently be asked to work overtime when your exhausted, holidays because no one else is is avaialable, days off because someone else called in...

Providing care to others? It can suck the life out of you if you let it...


I graduated from a BSN program at 37; practiced in the hospital setting for 4 years and then expanded my career into management in private duty home care. Patient population: catastrophically injured (i.e. SCI; TBI). I plan to earn my nurse practioner degree as soon as my middle son graduates from college this May. Won't kid you--nursing school is truly grueling; not for those who do not know how to study. But the emotional rewards are great, particularly if you develop leadership skills and never, ever make the mistake that you know it all.

Good Luck

Snipped........I would be happy to hear from anyone here that started their career late in life, perhaps Nursing is a second career. I will be reposting this every few days so If I offend, I extend my humble apology in advance.

Toddster:

First: Don't repost every few days--once is enough. You run the risk of angering many people who post here.

Second: In answer to your request, I started RN school at 47, graduated cum laude at 49. I am back in school, almost completed the BSN and will start MSN directly after. I was a VP of Client Services for over 15 years, left that and went into Firefighting and EMS at 35. So if you are looking for support to begin Nursing as a second career, you will find many who have walked the same road. However, I will warn you that RN school is NOT a cakewalk, difficult for most, and from what I have been told, even more difficult for males. If you are dedicated, interested in applying yourself to education possibly more and deeper than you have in the past, go for it!

Namaste and enjoy the day,
QTipRN

I'm 37 now and just started college, and boy I'm loving it! I wish I had liked school so much as a kid!

I'm 39 now, and just graduated as a Practical Nurse in June. I was a CNA for 20 odd years, but finally thought it might be a good idea to move up the food chain. I also plan on going back for my RN by 45, so I guess you're never "too old" to learn a few new tricks.

Hello. After working as a legal secretary/assistant for 15 years and feeling like something was missing, I took my life and career back! I went to nursing school and graduated at age 34. I was in the evening/weekend program so many of my fellow classmates were my age and older. I never had any formal education prior to nursing school. It was tough, very tough. I had a couple of melt downs, but made it through. I now have my BSN and am applying to Nurse Anesthetist programs. It sounds like you already made a choice ... Good luck to you!

It’s really helped me to read about all of you that have started your career in nursing “late in life” whatever that age is!

I’m 52, and have my received my LPN in my twenties. I’ve worked in the pharmaceucial industry for twenty years, and have survived three layoffs. I’m re-entering the nursing field and have signed up to complete my RN. I was surprised, well, almost shocked, when I called a local hospital/VA nursing home to inquire about returning to work. They asked if I could be at orientation the next Wednesday! I had no idea that the shortage was so acute in the nursing field, and that the pay had increased so much.

I’m close to finishing my Master’s Degree in Education as well, so I’ll be leaving the pharma industry within the next two years or so, and meanwhile, I’ll be working PRN to re-develop my nursing skills. Good luck to you, and no, you’re never too old.

Todd,

Lots of us out here. I'm 44, father of two (one in college, one in HS) and spent 25 years in business, the last 10 in IT. I've spent the last 2 yrs getting my science prereqs done and am now applying to nursing programs. Like many others, my priorities and interests have changed, and I admit nursing also offers a little more job security and flexibility than "the corporate world."

Keep your focus on your long terms goals and what it will do for you! Age has nothing to do with it, if you start nursing as a vocation at 47, you still have a full career ahead of you. Good Luck!!!