Am I Crazy Changing Career At 33

GilaRRT · Nov 13, 2008

Toobig, are you a US citizen? This may help us better answer your questions. Regardless, NCLEX is not a concern until you have graduated an approved US nursing program. Trust me, 33 is quite young. No worries about going to nursing school in your thirties. My wife was in her late 30's when she went back to school to finish her RN. She had not been in school since 1987. No worries.

Jules A, MSN · Nov 13, 2008

Hi,

At 33 you will not be the oldest one in most nursing classes. I'm a second career nurse and am very happy with my choice. My only concern when I see people that have numerous degrees and the student loans to go along with it is that at some point its important to actually work and make some money. :) I say go for it as long as you can support yourself in the meantime without going totally in the hole financially. Good luck.

Hands&Feet · Nov 13, 2008

No, you're not crazy! I'm a big believer in following your heart & that God will lead you in the direction you need to go. If you have a strong desire to do this, then DO IT! My first degree was in chemistry & I had a job testing dirt . . . it was so boring and I just didn't care about it. Then I got into clinical chemistry and was actually impacting people's lives, which was much more rewarding. But the desire to BE THERE and help directly was so strong that I quit and went to NS. I'm 30 & in my 1st semester of NS. I know people think I'm crazy for quitting a stable, secure job the way the economy is right now, not to mention I have 3 kids & husband (who had been staying home with the kids while I worked). If it is meant to be it will all work out.

As far as NCLEX, at our college, we have a review class in the last semester, and we use the ATI books. Check your library too. They probably have review books you can check out for FREE!

Newby · Nov 13, 2008

I just graduated at 31..going back to school after having a career is tough because while you have actual responsibilities your younger classmates may not. Also, i agree with the previous post...its expensive!! I wish I had used my saved school money for a house because now I still have a school loan and no house...still renting!

But if you really like nursing then you'll get through it and it will be worth it!

Crocuta, RN · Nov 13, 2008

You're never too old to change directions in your life - until you're dead, that is. I see miserable people all the time who feel "stuck" doing something that they don't love. The only thing that keeps them from making a leap into the unknown is fear. When we let fear control our lives, we don't really live at all.

I went back to school for nursing a few years ago in my early 30's. I walked away from my own business that I had come to hate because sales kept me away from my daughter too much. We did $400K in sales one of the last years I was in it. We were at the top of our game with new markets opening for us. And, I was miserable. Walking away cost us everything. We incurred debt in the closure that we're just now getting out from under, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Now I love what I do - I enjoy going to the hospital and being challenged. The day I stop loving it, that I dread going to work, I'll walk away. I don't know what I'll do next. Maybe I'll start another business and use the knowledge that I'm gaining today to find a niche in the medical arena. I can guarantee you that it will be something I love doing.

Is nursing for you? I don't know the answer to that. What I do know is that you need to find something that you're passionate about - something that enhances your life rather than just being something that you do so you can have a life.

toobig · Nov 13, 2008

Toobig, are you a US citizen? This may help us better answer your questions. Regardless, NCLEX is not a concern until you have graduated an approved US nursing program. Trust me, 33 is quite young. No worries about going to nursing school in your thirties. My wife was in her late 30's when she went back to school to finish her RN. She had not been in school since 1987. No worries.

Yes i,m a US Citizen and thanks for replying back to me. I just turned 33 and considering going into BSN since this is required for CRNA. More views.ideas will be appreciated here.

Thanks

toobig · Nov 13, 2008

Hello folks,

This forum is amazing. I just signed up for this forum about an hour ago and have received 7 feed backs/reply to my question. I will never leave this forum. I recently made up my mind to do nursing because i found out that it is what is meant to be. Many of my friends have been telling me to become a doctor. I have a passion of helping people and i have been doing things that touch people's life. I have sympathy a lot for people, even when i see someone sick i feel for the person. I even cry when i see someone dead or in a place someone is dead. I,m a very soft person who love to help people in need no matter what race. Again, i want to specialize in ANESTHESIA area which i know it takes a lot of time and money like one of you said here.

I thought i was too old.....but just discovered from you guys that there're a lot of people out there in nursing school older than me. wowww i think i should start taking the pre-liquities asap.

Thanks to you all again

Dorito, ASN, RN · Nov 13, 2008

Have you had any experience in healthcare? It might be a good idea to obtain a CNA certificate and work in some type of healthcare facility so you get a taste. It sounds like you have a passion for helping people and that is an important start but my state requires a nursing assistant (CNA) certificate to even enter into a nursing program. Good luck to you!

chevyv, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2008

Your young! I'm turning 40 this coming year and will just be graduating nursing school. My friends mother was taking classes at the local University and she was 72! Not for any degree, just to keep her mind sharp. Go for it!!

Flare, ASN, BSN · Nov 13, 2008

My buddy was in the same boat as you - he was working in urban planning and development and had a BA in something relevant to that. He called me one day to tell me that he was misearble and felt like what he was doing at work didn't make a difference to anyone and that he wanted to go to school to be a nurse because that's where you make a real difference. He's working on a transplant floor involved in some really great sounding studies and is working on a masters to become an NP.

Follow your heart - and remember - the field of nursing is ripe with possibilities. If you don't like what you are doing you can always look to get into a different aspect of nursing.

Satori77, ADN · Nov 13, 2008

If you are crazy, then most of us in here are too, so you are in good company. I am 31 (will be mid-30's by the time I finish) and I am one of the younger ones in here. It is never to late to follow your dream and make a difference.