Career Change-confused!!

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Hello all,

I just turned 46 and I have been working as a Legal Secretary since 1998. I just recently received my NCCP (North Carolina Certified Paralegal) Certificate. Not finding any jobs, although I have tons of legal experience, they always find a way to say you're not the right fit. But, I'm not bitter about that. I have been wanting to change my career to the medical field since 2008! Lately, not sure if it's an age thing or my calling is calling me! I have spent the last year at a LTC facility visiting my father who has dementia. I have really grown, my desire to be a nurse has grown being there everyday. My question is do you think it's crazy to jump out there and quit my job, take out student loans so that I can attend the RN program....alllll programs are day only classes. I've talked to two nurses that did that and they are fine! I was all geared up to do it, but I let fear enter my thoughts :-(. All I know is 20+ years is a long time to sit at a desk (although I make decent money) and do nothing all day! I'm in commercial real estate and right now, it's slow! well it's always a little slow for me!

Next question, do you think attending a hospital that offers RN classes or a community college is best? I'm leaning towards the hospital..fingers crossed that I get accepted.

Thank you!

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Look for a school that is on your state board of nursing's list of approved pre-licensure nursing programs.

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Specializes in ICU.

Just a question, if you are currently interviewing and they are telling you that you are not the right fit, is it the paralegal job market, or your interviewing skills? And how will you change those interviewing skills when you apply for nursing positions.

Nurse does not equal, a job automatically falls in your lap no matter what.

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Specializes in ICU.

Not trying to be picky either, I'm really not, but it's against the Terms of Service to say you are an RN on here when your not.

I waited 3 years to put RN behind my name on here. And to even put the word Nurse in my title. It's actually against the law in many states to say you are a nurse when you are not. RN and LPN are protected titles.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
Hello all,

I just turned 46 and I have been working as a Legal Secretary since 1998. I just recently received my NCCP (North Carolina Certified Paralegal) Certificate. Not finding any jobs, although I have tons of legal experience, they always find a way to say you're not the right fit. But, I'm not bitter about that. I have been wanting to change my career to the medical field since 2008! Lately, not sure if it's an age thing or my calling is calling me! I have spent the last year at a LTC facility visiting my father who has dementia. I have really grown, my desire to be a nurse has grown being there everyday. My question is do you think it's crazy to jump out there and quit my job, take out student loans so that I can attend the RN program....alllll programs are day only classes. I've talked to two nurses that did that and they are fine! I was all geared up to do it, but I let fear enter my thoughts :-(. All I know is 20+ years is a long time to sit at a desk (although I make decent money) and do nothing all day! I'm in commercial real estate and right now, it's slow! well it's always a little slow for me!

Next question, do you think attending a hospital that offers RN classes or a community college is best? I'm leaning towards the hospital..fingers crossed that I get accepted.

Thank you!

There are very, very few hospital based RN programs left in this country. I would advise you to investigate the degree pathways available in your area AND shadow a nurse for a full 12 hour shift. If they don't sit down /eat/ pee- then neither do you. THEN decide if nursing is something you want to pursue.

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Would you marry a man you barely know? For a mid-life career change where you will be investing some big money for education, make sure you have a real understanding about nursing is and isn't.

I would recommend getting a job as a CNA. This will give you a close up view about nursing and get to know some nurses.

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sorry about that! didn't think of it like that! I will change it.

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Not trying to be picky either, I'm really not, but it's against the Terms of Service to say you are an RN on here when your not.

I waited 3 years to put RN behind my name on here. And to even put the word Nurse in my title. It's actually against the law in many states to say you are a nurse when you are not. RN and LPN are protected titles.

Sorry about that!! didn't think of it in that way!! I will change it now

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There are very, very few hospital based RN programs left in this country. I would advise you to investigate the degree pathways available in your area AND shadow a nurse for a full 12 hour shift. If they don't sit down /eat/ pee- then neither do you. THEN decide if nursing is something you want to pursue.

There are two really good hospital based training/teaching for RN in my city. Several really good community colleges. Thanks

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Would you marry a man you barely know? For a mid-life career change where you will be investing some big money for education, make sure you have a real understanding about nursing is and isn't.

I would recommend getting a job as a CNA. This will give you a close up view about nursing and get to know some nurses.

I have a very good understanding what it is and not. Getting a job as a CNA will not change my goal or career path. Like I said, my father has been in a nursing home for the past year...I have had to care for him...I do more than the CNAs! I clean his room, change his bed, give him bed baths (respecting his privacy of course..) get him dressed...everything! So I have a pretty good idea on what the job would entail. I'm there 7 days a week, 2 and 3 times a day.

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Specializes in ER, PCU, UCC, Observation medicine.

I've learned you're never to old to start a second career. One of the Mds I work with is in his upper 40s and just finished his residency. Second career. Before being a doctor be was an engineer for most of his life and decided he wanted to help people. It took him 7-8 years to become a doctor and finish his residency but he is happy. Do whatever you think would make you happy. If you want to be a floor nurse and don't see yourself becoming a NP than a 2 yr community program is all you need, or if you have a bachelors degree already you may qualify for a accelerated BSN program.

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I've learned you're never to old to start a second career. One of the Mds I work with is in his upper 40s and just finished his residency. Second career. Before being a doctor be was an engineer for most of his life and decided he wanted to help people. It took him 7-8 years to become a doctor and finish his residency but he is happy. Do whatever you think would make you happy. If you want to be a floor nurse and don't see yourself becoming a NP than a 2 yr community program is all you need, or if you have a bachelors degree already you may qualify for a accelerated BSN program.

Thank you! that's the best response I've received! I think my long term goal is to become a NP. Probably for Alzheimer's/Dementia.

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