OK, so I need some advice. I'm very seriously considering my second career as nursing. I'm 45, and am very successful in a marketing position. I'm burned out and have always wanted to be a nurse. My background is business. I have some college level science, but I pulled my transcripts and need to take about 8 courses to get my prelims in. I'm enrolled in classes this spring, will still be working full time and am nervous about balancing work and school. My husband is very supportive, and wants me to do what makes me happy. My goal is to enroll in a masters for non-nursing in Summer of 2012. I'll graduate with a masters and can take the RN test. Am I too old to do this? I would graduate in late 2013 ( six semester program) at age 48.
Would really appreciate any advice and if I can realistically have a second career at nursing at this age.
OK, so I need some advice. I'm very seriously considering my second career as nursing. I'm 45, and am very successful in a marketing position. I'm burned out and have always wanted to be a nurse. My background is business. I have some college level science, but I pulled my transcripts and need to take about 8 courses to get my prelims in. I'm enrolled in classes this spring, will still be working full time and am nervous about balancing work and school. My husband is very supportive, and wants me to do what makes me happy. My goal is to enroll in a masters for non-nursing in Summer of 2012. I'll graduate with a masters and can take the RN test. Am I too old to do this? I would graduate in late 2013 ( six semester program) at age 48.
Would really appreciate any advice and if I can realistically have a second career at nursing at this age.
Thanks!
I hope you will post your question in the Post Graduate Nursing Student Forum, since your goal is a masters degree. I'm really curious to hear what your career goals are and what you plan to use your masters for. No, you're not too old, and a supportive husband is a bonus. I'll be starting my masters program this spring at age 48, but I'm already a nurse. Others on the Post Graduate Forum will know more about the type of program you're considering.
I'm a tad bit older than you and just finishing my pre-req's, I'd say go for it. Not sure what kind of program you are referring to, "My goal is to enroll in a masters for non-nursing in Summer of 2012. I'll graduate with a masters and can take the RN test." Your pre-req's will take a year or less to complete. I've never heard of a program that will allow you to take the RN exam solely based on a master's degree and pre-req's, you must complete an ADN or BSN program first (which would be the same amount of time spent on a master's).
I wish it were that simple...
They're called masters entry programs and I think it would be quite the challenge to go through one, especially with no health care experience. I believe you must start with a bachelors in another field. Maybe the OP can fill us in on the details.
Specializes in Transplant & HPB Surgery, Heme/Onc, LTC.
They're called masters entry programs and I think it would be quite the challenge to go through one, especially with no health care experience. I believe you must start with a bachelors in another field. Maybe the OP can fill us in on the details.
I'm 45 and applying to a master's entry program for the fall. It's geared toward people with non-nursing bachelor's (or higher) degrees. It starts with a pre-licensure program (12-15 months), after which you take the NCLEX. If you pass and get licensed as an RN, you can continue on for the master's degree.
I am a college administrator with a BS in Business and an MBA, so this would be a career change for me. I understand there are people in the program currently who did not have any prior medical experience. I'm also an EMT, so I'm hoping that strengthens my application. It's what inspired me to make the change.
OP, I think you're being realistic and I know you will find yourself in good company!
I am a second year nursing student graduating this may. The avrage age of our graduating class this year is 42. This includes a couple who decided to go back to school together at ages56 and 57 they are very good students and extreemly happy with thier decision. Age is just a number! Go for it!
Specializes in Psychiatric, Home Health, Geriatrics.
I just graduated in 2007 from a Master's program in Clinical Psych...at age 55! I looked at it as an early retirement from nursing and who knows how far I will get, but it is something I've always wanted to do so why not give it a try. NEVER too old, as you never know where it will take you. If nothing else it will keep your mind sharp. Hang in there for the adventure and the education and have fun!
I am taking the pre reqs for nursing. Hopefully I will be in nursing school next fall. I am 53 years old, maintaining a 4.0 in all my pre-reqs so far (only 2 more to go), 3.8 cumulative. I wish I would have started at 45, but better late than never! IMHO, 45 is not too old.
you all are very encouraging!!....i am 48 and i start A & P 1 this semester...I am not in the RN program yet,I have applied tho.....I finished LPN school 3 yrs ago,been working at the same job since....
But i am worried as of late....stomach issues..have to have a CT tomorrow...every thing i eat just sits at the breastbone....doc is thinking hernia...hope its not anything major as i am very worried......
again....love reading about 40 and 50 and even 60 yr olds that have done this!!...gives me motivation even more so..
SweetOldWorld, BSN, RN
197 Posts
I hope you will post your question in the Post Graduate Nursing Student Forum, since your goal is a masters degree. I'm really curious to hear what your career goals are and what you plan to use your masters for. No, you're not too old, and a supportive husband is a bonus. I'll be starting my masters program this spring at age 48, but I'm already a nurse. Others on the Post Graduate Forum will know more about the type of program you're considering.