calling all old newbies

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Just wanted to get a feel for how all the "old" newbies are doing. I'm 40 something, career changer, RN in 2010, seeking employment and going to grad school MS in Wellness Management.

I have a previous BS in bio, squeaked through. Worked various jobs from pharm tech to med research. Became a SAHM until going back to school. I loved school this time around & made 4.0 in all pre-reqs and nursing. Got scholarships and awards- overall an awesome experience.

I think that returning students can be successful in school because we've developed other skills through life, work, kids, etc. I was much more organized and dedicated than at 20 yo. (not to say other 20 somethings aren't )

Work was another story. I think the life experience/self awareness became a detriment. I was really good at relating to patients and families but the other stuff was overwhelming. I know that's normal, but it the transition was extremely harder than when I was younger. Probably because I realize how little I know, how dangerous I am because of the lack of experience, the magnitude of liability, and the fear of making mistakes. It's like me being afraid to use the computer but the kids jumping right on and figuring it out. When we're 22, we're invincible! Now at 43, not so much.

I left my first job because of the stress- just couldn't handle the constant worry, heavy pt loads, etc. I think at a younger age I would have survived being thrown to the wolves. I was not able to adapt as well.

Also, at our age, we tend to have expectations about how things should be, how people should act, and how we, ourselves, should be. I felt like a complete failure and it's taken a while to reconcile all of it. the experience made me focus on the aspects of nursing that I love.

In a few weeks I'll be starting back to school. I hope to use the MS to get into pt education or community health. I love teaching and the psycho-social part of nursing.

thanks for "listening". I'd love to hear from other career changers.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

What's considered Old? I am 31 (32 soon AHHHHHHHH) So I am not sure if I am considered old or not yet :|

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HAHA. Guess I shouldn't have said "old".....cuz 32 is not old and 43 isn't that old either:)

I was just reflecting on a career changers as opposed to first degree nurses.

We are as old as we feel.....

hope you are having a successful transition to your new career.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Wow - 43 is 'old'. . . I guess I'm ancient, so I must also be wise, amiright??

After reading the OP, I just wanted to tamp down any potential inference that older nruses are less computer literate. I am more techno-savvy than most of my younger counterparts. Age does not have any bearing on the ability to learn or achieve competence. But, in all fairness, I do want to point out that age also does NOT automatically have a positive correlation to intelligence or competence - LOL. Or, to put it in another way, there is no age limit on stupid. If older people are more cautious or risk-averse, it is a result of their own personal experience - not a function of the aging process itself.

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I am 52 and made a career change a few years ago from the business/legal field. I did well in nursing school and have not had any adjustment problems with being a floor nurse. I think I did better than most new grads at handling both the stress and workload.

I think that older nurses (like me) have all kinds of varying experiences with the new career, just like young nurses do. I do not think that older nurses necessarily tend to have a harder time with the workload because of fear of error, making mistakes, etc. I think that, with respect to myself, I approached the job with more confidence and maturity than did my younger counterparts.

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to the op i was at one time an older newbie and i felt exactly what you described. like i paralyzed myself with the magnitude of the responsibility and i would look to see the young newbies breezin by....i wonder if it isnt more of the personality type than the age thing?? is till feel the way you describe at times i just check myself and my anxiety at the door:down:

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