Anyone start their career late in Life?

marybeth2 · Nov 04, 2009, 12:56 PM

Re: Anyone start their career late in Life?

I have found there are lots of RN degree programs out there, if you are truly interested, you can do it. If you are a little short in the pre req classes, try some on line classes, or talk to the admissions people, sometimes life experience will give you a little boost. Don't give up, I am going to get my FNP within 4 yrs if it is the last thing Ido,been out of college 30 yrs.

pebbles57 · Nov 08, 2009, 09:09 PM

Re: Anyone start their career late in Life?

I was 50 when I graduated as an lpn 2 yrs. ago. I've been working full time as a nurse since. I will hopefully have the RN by May 2010 through distant learning program. Have completed all the required classes and just waiting now to do the clinical testing part of it - and NCLEX. I did that (within 6 months) while working full time. You can do it too!

DogWmn · Nov 13, 2009, 08:06 AM

Re: Anyone start their career late in Life?

I graduated from LPN school in '72 and worked from then until '91 - burned out and went on to other things. Now at the very young age of 59

I've just recently completed CE's and have reinstated my License in Ohio, it won't get me a job in Georgia where I currently live

, but I plan to continue in hopes of one day working as an LPN again. Would I go back to get my RN, not likely in my situation but I certainly wouldn't rule it out - never say never.

BCgradnurse · Nov 15, 2009, 06:38 PM

Re: Anyone start their career late in Life?

I made the career switch to nursing at age 45, when I started a Direct Entry MSN program. I graduated last May and I'm a brand new FNP at age 47.

geegee12 · Nov 16, 2009, 12:56 AM

Re: Anyone start their career late in Life?

Just curious, what did you do before nursing??

marybeth2 · Nov 16, 2009, 01:01 PM

Re: Anyone start their career late in Life?

where did you go to school for FNp

BCgradnurse · Nov 16, 2009, 06:59 PM

Re: Anyone start their career late in Life?

Originally Posted by geegee12

Just curious, what did you do before nursing??

I started out as a medical technologist, then went back to school and got my MBA and worked in management and program development for a health care non-profit. I went back to lab work part-time while I was in school for my MSN.

BCgradnurse · Nov 16, 2009, 07:00 PM

Re: Anyone start their career late in Life?

Originally Posted by marybeth2

where did you go to school for FNp

I went to Boston College.

sunnycalifRN · Nov 17, 2009, 11:50 PM

Re: Anyone start their career late in Life?

Originally Posted by izeofblu1973

Please dont take this the wrong way, Im not trying to be mean. I am just expressing my opinion. Here goes:
I think that people that are about 50 or older should not be admitted to nursing school or should be admitted last. I believe this because they are taking the place of a younger nurse that would stay in the career for 30, 40 or 50 years. If you will retire in 10 years, you contribute to the problem of baby boomers retiring and causing a shortage.
Dont get me wrong, I think older students are usually better students. and older new grads can make very good nurses, I just think that the younger ones should have preference in getting into a school that has a wait list.
What does everyone else think?

Well, as one of those "over 50's" you mention, I respectfully disagree with your comments. I got my ADN at age 54 and have been working in ICU for the past four years. I plan to work until I'm at least 68 to 70, though not necessarily in ICU. We, "old fogie" RN's, bring a lot of life experience, patience and commitment to the job. The nursing shortage will need good nurses, both young and old.

miwukman · Nov 18, 2009, 08:37 AM

Re: Anyone start their career late in Life?

I am currently in the RN/BSN program. I am 45 and I work in Law Enforcement. Although the money is important to me as I get closer to retirment, job satisfaction is most important. I can think of nothing better then to be able to help someone during their time of need. I think I made the right choice.

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Anyone start their career late in Life?

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