Published
Age 30ish?
Before becoming a nurse I worked at home running a business (I was an herbalist and had a retail business selling the herbal tinctures and salves I created), as well as working as an independent contractor doing editing and proofreading, and I did some writing for magazines, newsletters, etc.
I was 20 or 21. It was my first career, although I had 2 yrs of coursework towards a music degree finished at the time. I had worked as a CNA for a few years, and back in high school I was a paid church organist (so services, weddings, funerals, etc.) but I wouldn't have considered those careers; I had no intention of doing either long-term
I was 31 when I made the decision. I started applying at 33. I was 37 when I got into nursing school and 40 when I got licensed.
ETA: People were pushing for me to go into nursing 15 years ago. I wasn't ready for it. You should do it when you're mentally ready to take on a serious challenge.
Nursetobe25
50 Posts
What age**
If you were a career changer what did you do before?