Am I Crazy to Leave $$$$ Job?

Published

Hello all, I'm a newbie here!

I'm a 50yo and have a high paying job, but I am very interested in being an RN (starting out as a CNA-- hopefully in peds). My goal is to work as a Neonatal RN, perhaps in NICU. I'll have to take all the prereqs, etc., and there's no way I can do all that's needed AND hold down my current job.

Am I nuts to quit a cushy job and take a huge pay cut to start all over and work as a CNA and go back to school?? I have spent a ton of time at our Children's Hospital, as well as taken care of my 13 yo with CP (spastic quadriplegic in w/c and 24q care). I've learned a lot over the past 13 years.

The idea of helping children manage their pain and feel better and be able to go home makes my heart sing!! BUT... yikes!! Advice? (Thank you-- and thank you for all that you do!)

Specializes in Dialysis.
@ l.a.m.b. Average pay for Pediatric Nurses where I live is 68k. I have a Masters degree (not in science), so I'd be doing an ABSN program after pre-reqs. Looks more like 2 years... ??

Those programs are intensive, very little time left to care for your child. Also, you are not guaranteed the field of your choice upon graduation, if you are lucky enough to find a job at all. Most new grads struggling to find a job, many having to relocate. And lastly, ageism exists in nursing. At 50, I know it , despite my experience, and the fact that I can run rings around most of my younger coworkers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow! What a pessimistic crowd on this thread! Here to offer a different perspective.

I watched my dad go through RN school at the age of 45 (ish?). He had an MBA and was successful his whole life, eventually ending up with a pretty high paying business management position at a hospital. Long story short, working in that environment gave him an epiphany.He thought what the heck have I been doing all this time, I should be helping people. He started EMT night school 6 months later and maintained his day job until he got hired in the ED. Everyone was waiting for him to snap out of his "midlife crisis" but instead he did the fast track EMT-RN a year later, which the hospital helped pay for, and has never looked back. He still works happily today in his mid-60's as a trauma nurse, not because he has to financially but because he freaking LOVES it. And he's also working on another master's now because, why the eff not?

Now, let me make it clear that I dont think this is the norm just because my dad did it. He is one determined (aka stubborn) man, if I've ever met one. I just hate how everyone made this all about age. I can gather from both mine and my father's experiences that nursing school is incredibly difficult whether you're 25 or 45. As long as you're realistic about understanding that and you're not in danger of going broke and ending up on the streets if you lose your income for a while, why not try to do what you're passionate about? What's the worst case scenario? Hating nursing and having to go back to your old profession with less pay? If it's worth the risks, you should do it!

One other thing I did want to mention though, as a CNA I've found its next to impossible to get a job in peds. Not sure how it is where you live, but in my experience they only hire LPNs or the absolute best of the best CNAs (experience wise). Most hospitals in general want at least a year of nursing home experience which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but something to look into if that's the only reason you want to get your CNA.

Good luck! I wish you happiness with whatever choice you make!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

With it being the holiday season remember that hospitals are 24/7, 365 and being honest at some hospitals you will not have a choice for which holiday you want to work and not work. I've been in healthcare for 15 years now, first as a tech/monitor tech, secretary then eventually a nurse. I'm just now to the point where I don't have to work holidays. I'm 39 and have arthritis and other health problems and let me mention this because I had major surgery this year, hospital insurance and sick time SUCKS!! I'm still paying off medical bills. My old non healthcare job had much better health insurance and sick time. I work in a clinic now but going back to the floors because I'm back in school full time and need more days off. Trust me I'm not looking forward to it but I'm back in school to not have to do such grueling work and I'm younger than you and I'm broke down and tired.

Good luck to you and do what's best for you. But hey we warned you..... I know the answers have been negative but most of us that responded have been in this field for a long time and our rose colored glasses got hit with code browns.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.
Wow! What a pessimistic crowd on this thread! Here to offer a different perspective.

I watched my dad go through RN school at the age of 45 (ish?). He had an MBA and was successful his whole life, eventually ending up with a pretty high paying business management position at a hospital. Long story short, working in that environment gave him an epiphany.He thought what the heck have I been doing all this time, I should be helping people. He started EMT night school 6 months later and maintained his day job until he got hired in the ED. Everyone was waiting for him to snap out of his "midlife crisis" but instead he did the fast track EMT-RN a year later, which the hospital helped pay for, and has never looked back. He still works happily today in his mid-60's as a trauma nurse, not because he has to financially but because he freaking LOVES it. And he's also working on another master's now because, why the eff not?

Now, let me make it clear that I dont think this is the norm just because my dad did it. He is one determined (aka stubborn) man, if I've ever met one. I just hate how everyone made this all about age. I can gather from both mine and my father's experiences that nursing school is incredibly difficult whether you're 25 or 45. As long as you're realistic about understanding that and you're not in danger of going broke and ending up on the streets if you lose your income for a while, why not try to do what you're passionate about? What's the worst case scenario? Hating nursing and having to go back to your old profession with less pay? If it's worth the risks, you should do it!

One other thing I did want to mention though, as a CNA I've found its next to impossible to get a job in peds. Not sure how it is where you live, but in my experience they only hire LPNs or the absolute best of the best CNAs (experience wise). Most hospitals in general want at least a year of nursing home experience which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but something to look into if that's the only reason you want to get your CNA.

Good luck! I wish you happiness with whatever choice you make!

10-15 years ago the job market was much different. This is what we are trying to make sure she's aware of. No sense in tossing away a good job for something that may not pan out. Most of us see this on here every day

Up Vote Up Vote ×

50 isn't "old" but yes, HR can be discriminatory behind the scenes. I will be encouraging and say do what you really want because it is now or never. But, make a pro con list. You already know CNA wages are probably close to 10 / hr, and school takes away time from your kids. After graduating in 3ish years, many, many peds positions require 1-2 years of general med-surg experience and as there are an influx of new grads, those jobs are HARD to find. Are you ready to stand bedside by a little child beaten til nearly dead as the person who did it stands next to the kid (not yet or perhaps never to be arrested- and yes I have seen that), watch a 6 year old suffer with cancer and die, care for severely abused children, talk to parents who are high on drugs when they come in to visit sporadically, call DCF and report abuse but send the kid home with the parents because there isn't enough evidence to remove the kid? Hold down a three year old who is screaming to start an IV? I just want to make sure you realize what you will face. But I wanted you to think about that. Seriously seeing a shaken baby from mom's boyfriend and he is there and she is defending him, pregnant with his baby and then dad comes in and they fight.... it's emotionally draining.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

yes, at your age (and by no means do I think 50 is old) your crazy to do this. You make good money, I assume you do not have an student loan debt, you could retire in the next 15 years. Nursing is hard and many nurses have to leave bedside by a certain age because it's just too much on the body (Again, not saying 50 is old! just saying what I have seen other nurses that age content with).......stay where you are, volunteer at the hospital or take a quick EMT class and volunteer with your local fire department. You would take a major pay cut.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

I don't think anyone is being pessimistic just realistic. I love nursing, I have been doing it sine I was 19, I would never do another job. But age IS a factor as much as we like to think it's not one. The accelerated programs are EXCEEDINGLY difficult to enter into. Just contending with the LPN to RN bridge program at three kids is so physically draining. I can't imagine doing the ABSN (name??) program with a child who needs 24 hour care. It would just be a lot!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
10-15 years ago the job market was much different. This is what we are trying to make sure she's aware of. No sense in tossing away a good job for something that may not pan out. Most of us see this every day

Very true and something to seriously consider. It's easy for me to forget jobs are harder to come by in some places because where I live (central Florida area) is quite the opposite. Theres a huge nursing defict hospitals are offering sign-on bonuses and other incentives but salaries are also on the low side in comparison to the rest of the country. All except one of my new grad friends were able to find positions immediately so far though and many are older (late 30s-early 40s). We don't know where the OP is from, what the job market is like there, or how much of financial cushion she may or may not have. All things she should consider.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It genuinely sucks that the politics of it all have to get in the way of someone who truly wants to help people. I knew ageism existed of course, but apparently it's more of a serious issue than I thought. Very depressing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

In an earlier post, I advised the OP against switching to nursing -- and I don't consider myself pessimistic at all, just realistic. I am 60 years old, got a BSN at 22 and have had what most people would consider a very successful nursing career ... first in NICU ... then in Nursing Professional Development. Helping NICU/peds nurses with their career progression is a big part of my job and I love it. I am very happy with my nursing career (most of the time.)

But I still recommend against someone in the OP's position dropping everything and going to nursing school -- for all the reasons mentioned on this thread. There are other ways to help children and she should build on the skills and credentials she already has to satisfy her urge to help children -- ways that won't risk so much of her financial security and comfortable lifestyle.

Maybe we should start generating a list of possibilities:

1. Since she seems to be a teacher ... she might have some free time in the summer. She could become a camp counselor for children with special needs for a few weeks each summer. With her background, she might even become the Director of such a camp or something.

2. She could get involved with an after-school program ... or volunteer with a weekend day-care ... or some other similar service that would make a real difference in the lives of families who have trouble finding those resources.

3. She could work for the volunteer office (either as a volunteer or paid employee) of her local hospital and help them fill some of the really hard-to-fill needs. For example, providing some services in the evenings ... or over holidays ...etc. If she is willing to be a nurse, then she must be available to work at those times. Therefore, she could volunteer at those times and be a big help to the hospital right now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can understand the majority opinion on this topic but I am a person who believes in chasing your dreams. You only have one life, live it with the minimal amount of regrets as possible. When I was in school I met a graduate nurse who first got her LPN and then her RN at the age of 45. Anything is possible. You already know what you want to do in your heart and you do not need this site to give you affirmation. With that being said make sure to make an educated decision, get all the facts and then do what you want to do. I have the mentality that if I fail at anything in life it will be based on my choices and decisions not because of someone else's opinion on what I should do. If you really want something go for it with everything you've got and you can't help but be successful. Good luck to you on what ever you decide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Going into nursing would probably be very hard at this point, like EVERY single person as already said. Prereq classes are hard and just to get into a nursing program requires competitive grades. Then you have to spend the time and money to graduate a nursing program, hopefully it's a BSN program because those grads are way more competitive in the job market, so I've heard. Let's say you make it that far and finally graduate. You have to find work. I think the biggest question at that point is, where is your location and are you willing to relocate? If you are, it would probably be possible. Also, I hope that you would have some passion for the health sciences of nursing, not just the altruistic portions of it.

I saw a RN at my clinicals the other day who was well into her 40s and was a third year nurse. It's not impossible at your age. I'm pretty suprised at the lack of "support" so to speak, for you on this thread, by a bunch of actual nurses.

The way I see it, it would be extremely taxing and hard on your mind, body and wallet. But if you decide not to do it, say twenty or thirty years from now, how much are you going to regret it?

I say..GO FOR IT!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment