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!)
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?
Two things I have to say about this (respectfully, of course).
I don't think any of us are trying not to be supportive. The question was, do you think I would be crazy to leave my comfy, good paying, not bad job to start over to do nursing at 50? And I think a majority of us think "YES, that WOULD be crazy!" because we know the demands and what the real world of nursing looks like. I can't tell somebody who is 50 and has children,"heck yeah! Go deal with the stress of nursing school and feeling like you are missing so many important family things, while struggling to balance money because nursing school is expensive and you gave up your good paying job, just to get a job where most days you just pray it wasn't as hard as the last shift you had!" I mean, that just sounds crazy.
On the other hand, since you say you are in clinicals, I think its very easy as a student to say,"oh it'll be so fantastic!" because you haven't worked in a place where you feel like you are about to scream you are so busy and somebody is doing audits and comes into your room while you are cleaning a massive code brown and says something like "Did you chart you changed your pulse ox site?!" cuz' thats the flavor of the month thing. (ugh)
If somebody has a great established career, I would say to use the education she ALREADY has and do something with that. Maybe go back to school and get a masters in something more related to pediatrics, or become a school teacher at the hospital (That's a thing!). For instance, when I finish my NP, if in 5 years I post in here,"Am I crazy? I want to go into corporate banking but I have such a great job now and make good money. I would have to go back and get my business degree in finance!!" I would hope somebody would tell me to do something else and use the education I already have - especially if I was 50 with a long established career as an NP and a family to consider. But thats just me.
As far as regrets, what is she regrets quitting that job? Theres always the risk of 'what if'.
At the end of the day, we are not the ones to answer your question. You are. :) We can only give you our perspectives.
I went into nursing as an adult. When my youngest was in preschool, I began to hack my way through my prerequisites. Then nursing school. Then I was hired and obtained my BSN two years after that. :) I graduated with my ASN when my son was 8 years old. He is going on 13 now.
I did not go to school with the assumption of being a pediatric nurse. I just knew I wanted to be *A* nurse. It took me four clinical rotations to figure out where my passion was. I never expected it to be pediatrics. Who wants to work with sick kids all day!?
You need to be realistic that you may not walk into a pediatric job. Are you prepared to work with adults? Specialties are competitive.
I love my job, I really do. But I do think that people go into this profession - and especially my specialty - with the wrong idea about what we do. They expect it to be all disney songs and cute scrubs, dancing, and happy children. And it is sometimes. There are nights when I have a lot of fun!! There are times where I see very sick children bounce back and go home. These are the times we celebrate and cling to!!! Then there are nights where I watch children die. I have seen things done to children that the average person just can't comprehend. I often say that pediatrics is where you can see the best of people and the worst of people. The true evil in the world lies in those that can hurt children. There is something humbling and rewarding about holding a baby that was probably never held at home, but who will never really know the joy of being held again because the extent of his injuries have left him essentially brain dead.
I have had had friends and family tell me that they could be a good pediatric nurse because they have experience in XYZ. Being a mom, taking care of a medically fragile child at home, teaching, or simply because they just love kids and want to help them. And I will truthfully tell you that nothing can prepare you for the realities of acute care pediatrics until you are there.
I really do love my job. I don't tell you any of this to dissuade you from pursuing your dream. I had people tell me I couldn't do it and I stuck my finger up at them and did it. :)
If you want to help children, there are plenty of things you can do that don't involve giving up your cushy $$$ job. :)
I was going to say all of this! No one was trying to not be supportive, but ,making sure she has a real grip on the situation. I'm her age, been doing this for years, and feel the need to be honest.
Two things I have to say about this (respectfully, of course).
I don't think any of us are trying not to be supportive. The question was, do you think I would be crazy to leave my comfy, good paying, not bad job to start over to do nursing at 50? And I think a majority of us think "YES, that WOULD be crazy!" because we know the demands and what the real world of nursing looks like. I can't tell somebody who is 50 and has children,"heck yeah! Go deal with the stress of nursing school and feeling like you are missing so many important family things, while struggling to balance money because nursing school is expensive and you gave up your good paying job, just to get a job where most days you just pray it wasn't as hard as the last shift you had!" I mean, that just sounds crazy.
On the other hand, since you say you are in clinicals, I think its very easy as a student to say,"oh it'll be so fantastic!" because you haven't worked in a place where you feel like you are about to scream you are so busy and somebody is doing audits and comes into your room while you are cleaning a massive code brown and says something like "Did you chart you changed your pulse ox site?!" cuz' thats the flavor of the month thing. (ugh)
If somebody has a great established career, I would say to use the education she ALREADY has and do something with that. Maybe go back to school and get a masters in something more related to pediatrics, or become a school teacher at the hospital (That's a thing!). For instance, when I finish my NP, if in 5 years I post in here,"Am I crazy? I want to go into corporate banking but I have such a great job now and make good money. I would have to go back and get my business degree in finance!!" I would hope somebody would tell me to do something else and use the education I already have - especially if I was 50 with a long established career as an NP and a family to consider. But thats just me.
As far as regrets, what is she regrets quitting that job? Theres always the risk of 'what if'.
A&OX, I wanted to go out of my way to thank you for disagreeing yet doing it kindly and with tact.
And you're right, it's easy for me to say, with my one patient and zero responsibility as a nurse. But I think you said it right, it's about the what if. The only thing for certain in this life and in this society is death and taxes. Maybe she gets her RN, works for a few years and decides to finish with her Ph.D. Maybe with that she finds some anomaly in the field, fixes it and it happens to better a lot of lives. Maybe she starts her own business after being a RN and makes a crap ton of money. Maybe she gets a hit by a bus on her first day of work on a med surg. Ok, the last one was pretty sinical but my point is the same. If you have a passion or an itch in your heart, I think you should follow it. As long as you do the research, seek guidance and try and make a sound choice. And somebody said it earlier, it's about what the OP wants. Actually, she's probably already made her decision, she might just want reassurance. My experience is that people do what they wanna do, regardless.
But you're right, once I become an actual nurse and actually face the stressors and downsides to the profession, my perspective might change. I just wanted to lend OP some encouragement for possibly making a courageous and risky life choice. Oh, and I think, lack of "support" was the wrong word. I'm sure she needed to hear that cold hard truth from those whom have actually worked in the field.
OP, you and I are of an age (I'm a little older-59).
The difference? You haven't even done your pre reqs yet, much less been accepted to a nursing program, passing said program, then taking and passing Boards. I've been an RN (and yes, went straight from high school to college for my BSN) since 1979.
I went straight from college to Peds. All the planets were in alignment, and there weren't Nursing schools on every corner, so there weren't too many applicants for each job.
I walked out with a job after an impromptu meeting with the Head nurse. Now it can take weeks, sometimes months, and there are 3-4 interviews before they make up their minds.
I was a bedside nurse for 26 years. The last 10 have been first, Home Care, and now Hospice. Today's young blood nurses look down on me for not wanting to "move up." Meh. Tried being a Supervisor. Hated it. My strength is at the bedside. I was a damn good Pediatric and later Med Surg nurse. Now I'm a damn good Hospice nurse.
My career is winding down, and I'm glad. I still love nursing, most of the time my job isn't unbearable, and since I'm not on my feet doing heavy duty patient care all day, my arthritic shoulders (courtesy of having to position and transfer lard ass Med Surg patients by myself back in the day, without benefit of Hoyer lifts or sit to stands) aren't as vocal. Don't get me wrong; the nurses at the facility where my patients are all thought I was about 40. But 40 was almost 20 years ago, and even though I look and feel good, the rigors of nursing have taken their toll.
My story is just to point out that I have indeed walked the walk and talked the talk. I plan on working until full retirement age (66 and 4 months for me, I think longer for you), hopefully in Hospice. If for some reason that doesn't happen, I will become a WalMart greeter before I consider going back to the hospital. Realistically, given the time I've been away, no hospital would have me.
If we were friends, and you came up to me and asked your question, my response would be "Crazy? My dear, you are certifiable and they should throw away the key!"
Don't get wrapped up in the dream. Being a mother taking care of a special needs child does not automatically mean that you will thrive in Peds. Frankly, interviewers aren't going to care squat about that, and might even wonder how teachable you are. You see, Nursing school doesn't teach you how to be a nurse, it teaches you how to take NCLEX and get your license. You learn on the job. And if you've picked up some bad habits from your years of taking care of your child, you're going to have to be untaught.
These are just my opinions. You're going to do whatever you want. Just remember, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. And when it is, sometimes it's because of the septic tank underneath. And some part of me wonders if perhaps the fact that you don't "need" the money is turning this into a "if this doesn't work out, oh well, no big loss" thing. Or maybe not. That's something only you can answer or admit to.
Good luck on your journey, wherever it may take you.
My dear (virtual) friends! I thank you all for sharing your thoughts, your truths, the good, the bad and the ugly. Your stories have really resonated with me and I am grateful.
I'd like to share a few more details about myself so that my story is more fleshed out (and may answer some of your questions). I live in Seattle and have loved it here since 1990. I moved here to attend art school. I earned a BFA (Design) and then went on to get a Master in Teaching (Art). There are nursing jobs here. In fact, there are many that offer signing bonuses. But I digress!
I have two beautiful children. My youngest is a "typical" child, and my oldest has disabilities. He suffered a brain injury during birth (completely avoidable, we had a lawsuit, medical malpractice-- completely and utterly devastating as you can certainly imagine). He is in a wheelchair, non-verbal, tracheotomy, G-tube, vented, severe scoliosis (92 percent), Cerebral Palsy, seizures... all due to HIE, or Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. Sounds awful, and it is, but he brings me and everyone around him great joy. He communicates with us, but only those of us that know him well understand. He is my greatest teacher!! And he does have 24 hr care from some amazing nurses. My lead nurse has been with him since birth. She's a 2nd mom to him. (My son lives with his father and I visit regularly and often; and do shifts on occasion. For years I was noc nurse. I felt like a vampire and never knew what day it was.)
In fact, his lead nurse was a L&D nurse for many years, also worked in the OR, bedside in hospitals, NICU, etc. She is VERY particular about how things are done. She is the one who has taught me so much over the last 13 years. (I find myself reading thru this board and answering many of the posted questions in my head. It's fun!)
What do I do? I've done many things in my life: professional dancer (modern dance), interior designer, graphic designer, teacher (kids & adults) in classrooms and in museums. Currently I am a director for a company out of California, but I work locally. It cracked me up when someone suggested I run a camp!! That's exactly what I do year round!
I have really, carefully and honestly, given tremendous thought to what you all have shared with me. It is very tough to feel so very driven and eager to pursue something that you are so passionate about. Initially, upon reading your responses, I will be honest and say that I was angry. I couldn't believe what I was reading, post after post, (and, as much as I hate to actually say) the message was unfolding and becoming quite clear to me.
I am crazy. (Wow, that was hard to write!!)
And with that, I am exploring other avenues where I may be helpful to sick and injured children. I love hearing your suggestions too (a BIG thank you to the poster who made a list of suggestions. Also, someone mentioned teaching in the hospital. I'd love to know more about that too. Volunteering with the fire dept.?? Who knew?) Please keep those ideas coming!
I love reading your posts. THANK YOU for your wisdom and thoughtfulness.
I think it's a little crazy. If you have zero science background, the pre-reqs alone can take 2 years, and then definitely another 2 years of nursing school. And in my experience, people hiring really don't care about what kind of life experience you have had with kids. They just want the professional experience and the nursing license. You could probably volunteer in various aspects at a peds hospital and get a lot of fulfillment! I would keep the high paying job.
All that being said, if you truly want to do it, go for it. Just know that it's going to take a lot longer than you think and it's not all that easy to just hop into a good job. Also, those estimates of how much they pay in your area are inflated, in my opinion.
I'm a 2nd degree nurse...I left a comfortable oil and gas big office cush job and went to school ...my dream was to make a difference in childrens lives and help sick kids. Fast forward to now and I am a pedi nurse and I LOVE my job. I love my patients and I'm proud of what I do.
The journey was DIFFICULT and I even hated nursing along the way (u have the find your niche, get over new grad nerves and find a good hospital - few and far between). School was VERY DIFFICULT. Some days I wish I sat comfy in my office again, but most days I live happily knowing I impact sick childrens lives every time I go to work.
I had students in my Accelerated BSN class in their late 40s. Most of them had stayed at home, raised their kids, and waited till later in life to start their careers. Many have since left the bedside
While I admire your desire, just remember life isn't always greener on the other side. I've wanted to be a nurse since I could remember. While I love what I do (most days) I feel more like all I do is task oriented things , running around, and not actually CONNECTING with patients. To me it sounds like the connection is what your after. There are others meaningful ways of taking children's pain away then administering pain meds.
.. And there's other ways of helping children that don't involve being their bedside nurse.
Good luck with whatever you decide. I'm sorry your not getting answers your looking for..
OP, I would like to clarify the role of the teacher in the the pediatric hospital (since i mentioned it and you asked).
In my larger children's hospital (and even a smaller one that I worked at for a while), there are teachers that meet with the children that are in the hospital for extended periods of time, but also "well" enough to do schoolwork. They coordinate with the schools to get what work they are missing while they are out, and if they meet with the school teacher for the day and do the work, it counts as a day "in school" so they aren't counted absent (i'm not sure about the particulars about how that goes). They just mainly try to help the kids not get too behind while they are out.
There are many other professioal positions in the hospital that I'm not entirely sure of the degree path but it would be worth looking into. Child life specialists are AWESOME. They help distract kids during painful procedures and find age appropriate toys for kids to play with. All the volunteers at the hospital are great too - when I worked in pediatric transplant, everybody loved the ones that would just come around with a book cart and offer books and to read to them. I'm just saying - theres a lot of other choices that maybe wouldn't take you as much time or sacrifice depending on what pre-reqs you already have under your belt.
A&OxNone, MSN, RN
209 Posts
Two things I have to say about this (respectfully, of course).
I don't think any of us are trying not to be supportive. The question was, do you think I would be crazy to leave my comfy, good paying, not bad job to start over to do nursing at 50? And I think a majority of us think "YES, that WOULD be crazy!" because we know the demands and what the real world of nursing looks like. I can't tell somebody who is 50 and has children,"heck yeah! Go deal with the stress of nursing school and feeling like you are missing so many important family things, while struggling to balance money because nursing school is expensive and you gave up your good paying job, just to get a job where most days you just pray it wasn't as hard as the last shift you had!" I mean, that just sounds crazy.
On the other hand, since you say you are in clinicals, I think its very easy as a student to say,"oh it'll be so fantastic!" because you haven't worked in a place where you feel like you are about to scream you are so busy and somebody is doing audits and comes into your room while you are cleaning a massive code brown and says something like "Did you chart you changed your pulse ox site?!" cuz' thats the flavor of the month thing. (ugh)
If somebody has a great established career, I would say to use the education she ALREADY has and do something with that. Maybe go back to school and get a masters in something more related to pediatrics, or become a school teacher at the hospital (That's a thing!). For instance, when I finish my NP, if in 5 years I post in here,"Am I crazy? I want to go into corporate banking but I have such a great job now and make good money. I would have to go back and get my business degree in finance!!" I would hope somebody would tell me to do something else and use the education I already have - especially if I was 50 with a long established career as an NP and a family to consider. But thats just me.
As far as regrets, what is she regrets quitting that job? Theres always the risk of 'what if'.