Am I "too old" to change careers?!

Nurses General Nursing

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I have posted in the LPN/LVN section of this forum as well, but I'm still in search of as many opinions and as much information that I can gather. I ask if I'm "too old" not in the sense of age, as I know that numbers have little to do with what you choose to do with your life. However, I ask it in the sense of how my life is right now and if it's something I can accomplish with all that's already going on. I just had a baby, literally a week ago! She is my 3rd. I have children in middle school, nursery school and now a newborn who will be going to daycare. I'm married, we need two incomes so I must return to work (god, I hate my legal assistant desk job), we want to save to buy a house within the next year or two, we need a new/bigger car and can't get out of our current lease, my husband is trying to get his business up and running....so, with that said, how the heck does someone like me find the way, time-wise and financially to actually go back to school? I want to become an RN and I personally would like to work in L&D, maternity, peds, something of that nature. However, I'm pretty open to other fields as well. I have also considered going for my LPN or even Surgical Tech, just to get a foot in the door and then further it by going for RN. It all sounds great and it's exciting but then I look at the fact that I'm in my early/mid 30's, we don't have that house, we pay practically a mortgage just for nursery school/daycare and here I have the audacity to think I can go to school?! Am I insane or is this actually possible in this day and age with the cost of living as ridiculous as it is? Someone PLEASE tell me you've been in my shoes and have somehow, someway succeeded!!!!!!

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Ps. Are there any jobs I can get myself into in the hospital or doctor office field where I can at least get a foot in and then attend school? I want out of the legal field and don't know how to get into the medical field without going to school or having a cert/degree, yet there are tons of people in the medical environment that have not gotten a degree to work there!

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Pixie,

There are at least 5 people over 30 in my nursing class. One woman is even in the class with her daughter who is 18. You are never "too old" for anything unless you are 90 and bedridden, and even then, with a bit of will, you can accomplish anything. The thing I hear most often from people is, " I wish I would've gone into nursing." Don't spend the rest of your life wondering "what if."

-I wish you the best of luck

C

PS-Most of the students in my classes have kids or are pregnant. There are ways to get assistance especially through your state. I know there are nursing specific grants/loans for working mothers especially.

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Nurse's aide, but it is hard work and probably doesn't pay nearly as well as what you're getting.

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

Well, the average age of my nursing school class was about 35. We had a few people in their 50s and a number of people in their 40s. Don't sweat the age issue. I think you would fit right in.

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It sounds like you have a ton on your plate right now. Hang in there!

I'd recommend taking a few classes to fulfill your nursing school pre-requs while you decide if going to nursing school is the best decision for you. At least you'll get a taste of what going back to school is like.

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The way I feel about it is that you have to work until like what, 70? So you can keep doing the same thing for another 30 yrs or try nursing. With nursing you have to option for job security, a flexible schedule, and a decent wage. Good luck

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Specializes in medical.

I would make sure that nursing is what you want to do. Most of the people go for it ( including me) because they hear about job security, good pay, flexible hours. They don't hear about horrible conditions in the hospitals, high stress, huge liability, working nights and weekends and holidays. Many nurses don't work because they choose not too.

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I am "well into" my mid 30s, and have another semester to go of NS. You can!!

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I am well into my 30's (actually knocking on the door of 40) and I just graduated LPN school. I will be starting back in the Spring for the LPN to RN bridge course. The average age of the students in my graduating class was early 30's.

I had one in kindergarten and one a freshman in high school when I started school. Both faired well and are fine, even without me there 24/7 like I was. Actually both became more independant and took things upon themselves to do that they could do but would rely on me and the hubby to do. I had a full time job, a hubby, 2 kids who were/are both very involved in activities and sports and family and friends that I normally socialize a lot with.

Your older two can help out around the house, it won't kill them to pick up, wash dishes, teach them to do laundry if they don't know already..things like that. You would be surprised how little things like that make your life a bit easier.

You're not too old. Look at it this way, in 5 years you can be 5 years older..OR 5 years older AND a nurse :), either way you will keep aging..but with your nursing degree behind you, you will have a better financial position and those hopes and dreams of a house, bigger car etc will be more easily obtainable.

Best of luck to you. Yes, it can be done. Its just a matter of how much you want it and are willing to sacrifice during the time in school. :D

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Realistically, you can expect you will probably have to work in a hospital to get some experience. You can expect you will likely have to work rotating shifts. To get your foot in the door, you can approach it two ways. You can wait until you become a nursing student and then take a job as an aide while in school. Hospitals love to hire students. Or you can study and sit for your CNA which will cost money and the pay is low. CNAs work hard and are not nearly compensated for their worth. Doctor's offices pay low $$ but they might hire you right out of school.

Good luck whatever you choose to do. You are a busy woman.

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A friend of mine once told me (about the need for a divorce) in 5 years you will be five years older and five years madder. If you want to "divorce" your present job make a good plan. Make an appointment with a counselor at a college and discuss options, especially financial. There are many grants, unfortunately many require FT enrollment.

Your personal situation needs to be fairly stable to be successful in school. Every problem that has been bubbling under the surface will show itself so make sure you and your husband are on the same page.

Best of luck. We need lots like you.

ps. One of the students in my class was in her 50s and went on to get doctorate and teach in a very ivy league school. Don't sell yourself short.:wink2:

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