ADVICE: 42 yr old Male: Nursing

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I am seeking adice from anyone who is willing to provide it.

My husband is 42 yrs old and is thinking about fulfilling his dream of a nursing career. He has been in his same job for the last 20 yrs and always wanted to be a nurse but never followed through. He is not currently in the medical field. He is in good health and I think he would be great at it. We are financially stable and ready to take the next step.

Honestly, what are your thoughts? I would think it would take him about 3 yrs to complete (is that realistic). Would anyone hire a man in his mid 40's to be a nurse? Or should he just stay put and think about retirement in 15 yrs. in a job he doesn't enjoy.

He has always dreaded going back to school because he doesn't want to take all the GE requirements but just wants to get to the medical part but he knows he must do it to be an RN.

Are there any online classes just to get some of the basics out of the way? What are the suggestions out there? I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL THE FEEDBACK YOU CAN PROVIDE.

Take care,

Sonya

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Sonya,

There were a couple middle aged men in my nursing class. They did well and we all respected them and enjoyed their company. I don't think he would have trouble being hired AT ALL. I would suggest that he follow a nurse for the day in a specialty or two that he is interested in to make SURE that it's really what he thinks it is. There are plenty of people in nursing who are his age and burned out, so it's not for everyone, just like your husband's current job isn't enjoyable to him. I wish you both the best and I hope your husband finds a job that he enjoys. If he wants to be a nurse, he should go for it!

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Thanks so much for your reply. Great idea to follow a nurse to make sure!

I appreciate any other feedback (pos or Neg)

How long does it really take in schooling to become an RN? Can he start with online classes?

thanks

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Sonya-

One of the guys in my graduating class back in 1999 was 54. He did it, and if your Hubby is interested, he should go for it. Age should never be a factor in following his dream. I wish you both the best.

Missy

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A recent published study clarified what has been the assertion of men's rights activists for decades: Men are discriminated against in both the tradtionally male and female professions.

Laws that promulgate "affirmative action" in the traditionally male professions for women are backed by a myriad of governmental agencies, the courts, the legislators, and the executive branch. The same is the case for the traditionally female professions such as nursing, paralegal jobs, and teaching.

"Metro men" have deleveloped within the increasingly feminized work force and have attempted to assuage the feminists in order to retain employment.

"Metro men" become somewhat effiminate and attempt to follow the feminist politically correct dictates of their female supervisors and co-workers.

Such being the case, I would encourage your husband and all men to avoid nursing and all of the traditionally female professions as the social, political, cultural, and economic context which is now present within our society is inimical to those egalitarian priniciples which are requisite for employment within the same by men, especially if self respect is important.:)

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Yikes, Demonsthenes!

It has been my experience so far in Nursing that men are frequently able to fast track to the top. They are considered a "minority" and are actively sought out by a lot of healthcare facilities. My son has been a Nurse for 14 years and has also found this to be true. If he has become "effeminate", his wife & son & the football team he coaches, haven't noticed. Neither have I!.

As for being 40, I hope that wouldn't deter a man or a woman from following their dream. Initially, I would suggest that he contact the Nursing program of his choice to speak with a guidance counselor and to find out what courses are pre-requisites. I'd then sign up for those as quickly as possible at your local community college to get a feel for being back in school, and to satisfy any application requirements.

Good Luck!

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Thanks so much nicunana and yes I agree "Yikes, Demonsthenes!"

Is three (3yrs) correct in the amount of time it may take.

Sonya

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I went back to nursing school at 43 to be an LPN as my employer of 14 years was going non uniun and I was the union steward and would have been pushed out of my job as a truckdriver for one reason or another. My wife went back to school to be an RN just a few years ago and she was in her late 30s.

I was able to do well in school while working part time and running 4 kids around and I also had NO experience on the medical field except to hear my wife talk her job.

I was contacted by several potentiial employers right after graduation and actually was hired by the 1st and only place I applied to--even before I took my state boards.

I have been employed now for just a year and like it very much. and the $$ is OK for this area. If I knew then what I knew now I would have done it 30 years ago! I even gave a few lectures at area high schools to junior/seniors explaining the advantages of healthcare occupations. I will be going back to school shortly to be an RN. I currently work 12 hour shifts fri sat and sun.

There were a few men in my nursing class and those who took it seriously did fine and I am sure your husband will do ok as well.

And I can assure you that I have not become more feminine by being a nurse--my wife was embarassred by me going back and the my oder of the 4 kids made fun of me, but as you get into the real world I have found NO problems at all thru coworkers or staff. In fact there are people that are thrilled to have a male nurse on their shift. And I am not a effemiinate guy 5' 11" 250lbs former truckdriver and carpenter even did some logging for a while. Most all friends and old coworkers see nothing wrong with men in nursing.

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Thanks so much Jenkie01, I really appreciate your reply as my husband has been a truck driver for over 20 yrs for a large Beverage company. He is only local. He has great hours and good pay but doesn't enjoy it any longer.

I'm not sure how the children will take it, but I think they will be fine. We have 2 in college and 2 in high school.

Do you suggest LPN then RN or can he go straight into RN program.

Great to hear about your achievements for both you and your wife!!

How long did it take you?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, , Home health, Education.

I wish there were more men in nursing. I was an LPN first and then went back to school and it took me about 3 years but I also was doing it slowly so that I could continue to work full time. If money isn't an issue he may be able to get it done faster though most ADN programs require 2 years which would give him a year to get his other classes behind him. Some of the requirements require a lot of study time as well as lab time. (A&P etc)The other issue is whether there is a long waiting list to get accepted into a program. In our area in the Midwest 1st year students can challenge the LPN boards and continue in their ADN program. I wish him the best of luck and you as well for your support.

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If I had to do it again I would have went for RN, but money was a problem and I was out of school for so long I was unsure how I would do in a classroom. And I was able to get some aid for the LPN course that was not available for the RN couse. The LPN course was 15 month and the RN course was 2 years.

I will be going back for an ASN as I am really to old to bother with a BSN and have no intention of getting into management--and the pay difference in my area is pennies. Good Luck to you and you husband

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Specializes in Tele, Acute.

I am an LPN.I got my license at 49yo and worked in hospital setting for 10 yrs. I have been taking classes at a com college to complete my GE req.

I intend to enter a bridge program in Fall 2006. I also have a full time job.

I take most computer classes. It works well with my schedule.

Had a bit of a set back with Katrina, was not able to complete my 9 hrs. for fall of 2005. I thought about not even trying to go on but I did and now I am back on track.

I turn 59 in March!

c

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