Called to nursing mid-life- how did you do it?

[split_08]

Hello,

I am 39 and am feeling called to nursing. I have had this feeling for a few years now and lately, with my dad going through chemo, it is very strong. I have re-enrolled in school and am taking a couple classes this semester which I need before applying for the nursing program. I will be applying for the nursing program for next years fall semester.

Here is my question. Currently I am an IT Manager (and the only IT on staff at the company) and I make a good salary, but am not happy. I feel I want to be a part of something bigger than myself and help others. If I get accepted into the nursing program, I know I need a plan as I would not be able to continue in my current role and go to school full time. I would need to find a decent paying part time job at nights, preferably in a hospital so I can get some hands on. My wife, a teacher, is supporting me in this, but I fear the financial strain this will put my family in for a couple years. I would like to hear from others who have done or is doing this, going back to school mid-life. What kind of job are you working and how are you handling the financial strain?

Thanks!

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

You need to research what hospital tech jobs pay in your area and then determine if it will be enough to pay the bills. Decent pay depends on what you require. Will $15/hr or less suffice? That's probably what you're looking at for pay.

I was extremely lucky. I received a very generous buyout from my company that covered my living expenses while I was in nursing school, I was also eligible for unemployment and I used scholarships and buyout education monies to pay for nursing school. Like I said above, very lucky.

[llg, PhD, RN]

The only type of job that will get you "hands on" experience is a nursing assistant role of some kind. You'll need training for that type of role and then the role itself pays very little.

If I were in your position, I would look for some sort of IT position at a hospital -- at least to start.

1. You would probably make more money

2. You might be eligible for some tuition reimbursement

3. You'll make the connections that will help you get a good nursing job after graduation

4. You will need training to be eligible for hire as a nursing assistant, pt. care tech, or whatever -- and that will not only cost money, it will slow down you academic progress

5. If you're going to a reputable school, it should provide enough hands on for you to get hired by a hospital that already knows you as a good employee (from your hospital IT job)

[split_08]

Thanks for the comments, I will look into IT jobs in the area.

[Kaylight, MSN]

You could also go for an entry level Master's degree if you already have a Bachelor's degree. They will give you some money to live on. Another good way is to reduce your bills before you go. I went back at the age of 53. You are in good company. Get rid of credit card bills. Get rid of huge mortgages. I sold my house, and moved into town. Then if you can get your bills down, you might become a CNA. Being a CNA really helps in nursing school. If you go in there cold, you are going to have problems. You also might consider a cheaper route through like the community college route.