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.
For a short, positive answer.. From what I have seen personally in the nursing program I took, we had 3 people in my class all 50 or older, they deep down felt the same calling some of us do at 18 that this is what they want to do. They got their degrees and are happier than ever. (Previous jobs either didn't pan out, weren't interested, not enough money, no good work, etc..) They did say this was fought going back to school for so many years later, nursing school is hard, for everyone.
But nursing is not for everyone, sometimes even though I know this is what I'm supposed to do… I still have days where I question my decision.
Thank you for addressing one of the points. In your honest opinion you don't think there was not one rude comment ?
I can't speak for roser13, but it's my honest opinion that I didn't see one rude comment.
Using "nurse/RN/LPN" in one's screen name violates the site's TOS. Pointing that out is not rudeness, it's fact.
The OP is considering nursing because she can't find a paralegal job. Some think that there's this huge nursing shortage and that RN=employed. That is just not true...the market is oversaturated in some areas, and scads of new grads can't find nursing jobs. How is pointing out the facts of the market, eating of young? Wouldn't it be "meaner" to hide that reality?
YES!!!! I see that! I'm being eaten alive already!!! LOL. Yes, it is a very rewarding career!
Thank you!!
Wait until you have a tough clinical instructor. The previous posters have treated you with kid gloves compared to nursing faculty with high standards.
I'm not saying don't go for it, and I'm not eating you. I am pointing out that you will need to grow thicker skin if you want to survive in this profession.
What are the job prospects in your area? If you're making decent money now, are you potentially willing to forfeit this money?
Many new grads spend 6 months unemployed while sending out hundreds of resumes. Also consider student loan payments. No way would I want to be stuck with thousands of dollars in student loans at age 40.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.
I know, right? The OP focuses on the points that SEEM to validate her position, twists the words to show that she is "right," and ignores the rest. I SO want to respond to some of the most recent comments but it would be like beating my head against a brick wall.
Specializes in ER, PCU, UCC, Observation medicine.
I can't speak for roser13, but it's my honest opinion that I didn't see one rude comment.
Using "nurse/RN/LPN" in one's screen name violates the site's TOS. Pointing that out is not rudeness, it's fact.
The OP is considering nursing because she can't find a paralegal job. Some think that there's this huge nursing shortage and that RN=employed. That is just not true...the market is oversaturated in some areas, and scads of new grads can't find nursing jobs. How is pointing out the facts of the market, eating of young? Wouldn't it be "meaner" to hide that reality?
Thank you for calling her out, I didn't say all comments were negative, some people have great advice, her not so much.
As far as the username goes let the moderator deal with that. It's not our job to regulate whose credentials are or are not.
Specializes in ER, PCU, UCC, Observation medicine.
It's against the terms of service of this site. RN and LPN is a protected title in many states. As a paralegal she should know that I can't represent myself as a lawyer by writing esquire, just because I had a desire to be one. By the way, I'm young in terms of a nurse. So therefore, I can't eat young nurses.
You worked hard for your NP title. How would you like it if I started calling myself an NP when I'm not? Probably not so much. But it also doesn't matter really what I think as its against the rules on here.
Im the farthest thing from petty, you can call yourself whatever you want on here and it wouldn't bother me. Point being if you're not the administrator/moderator than you shouldn't be worried about it, send her a PM or block her so you can't see her posts if it really bothers you.ðŸ˜
Two episodes of pneumonia? How many nurses treated him during this time and missed his symptoms? Only 2?
There were nurses that were on his rotation every day (morning, 2nd shift and 3rd shift) and they didn't notice a thing. Not saying all nurses are like that, but this particular nurse, words can't explain. They be so quick to just say Oh, he's old, he has dementia, he's just tired....NO! I personally feel that a GOOD nurse is going to notice someone's sleep pattern changing, alertness, etc. I say that, because they do have one nurse that is attentive like that.
That's why I strongly feel that if I wasn't able to there for my dad, he wouldn't have lasted a year in this place.
NewNurseLat
12 Posts
For a short, positive answer.. From what I have seen personally in the nursing program I took, we had 3 people in my class all 50 or older, they deep down felt the same calling some of us do at 18 that this is what they want to do. They got their degrees and are happier than ever. (Previous jobs either didn't pan out, weren't interested, not enough money, no good work, etc..) They did say this was fought going back to school for so many years later, nursing school is hard, for everyone.
But nursing is not for everyone, sometimes even though I know this is what I'm supposed to do… I still have days where I question my decision.
Good luck!