Career Change Into Nursing?

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Hi. Actually the title of the thread isn't all that descriptive but you can't fit a paragraph into the thread title anyway, so...

I'm 40 and most of my life's work has been in sales. I'm very good at working with people and finding a way to fulfill their needs. I was in management for 12+ years and it involved running the business and working with clientele and all the other various things involved in keeping a business successful. However, the economy has taken its toll and I've found myself out of work. Fortunately I have enough money to see me through hard times though.

What does this have to do with a career in nursing? Well, I met an RN about a year and a half ago and we almost got married. Unfortunately that didn't work out but one of the things I took from that relationship was the observance that her job was really interesting. She worked in the ER and when she came home from work I always wanted to hear her stories and rarely was she at a loss for words; something always interesting happened during the process of caring for patients. Finally one time she asked, "why don't you think about becoming an RN?"

At first I didn't consider it but over time as I've learned a little about nursing, it's something that I have come to want to do. I've always liked the sciences; biology, anatomy, physiology, etc. And I also like to work with people. I also have a weird sense of humor and some of the stranger things I've heard have come from the medical field.

Now, the thing is, I'm 40 years old I'm a man and I have no experience in the medical field. And realistically, by the time I got my license, I'd be close to 43. I do have the time to go to school and I'm okay financially to support myself while doing so. I would really like to get into nursing but I'm concerned about getting a job when I get out. Traditionally the field is female dominated but certainly not exclusive. That's a lesser concern; it's the experience and age that worry me.

I'd really like some advice and related experiences on this. Thanks for any and all input. :)

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

You should go for it! Right now I dont see a problem with you getting employment when you finish school. If you are interested in working in the E.R. Department.During your clinicals go down to the E.R. Department and let them know your interested. Good Luck!

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

i want to wish you luck...dont worry about your age just get in there and get after it....lots of people wait to later in life to start nursing school... .at some point every nursing student and every nurse was without experience, you wont be the first...good luck to you

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I have been in class with people who are in the age range 45 -50 and they are real good nurses now. At 40 consider yourself young and I think you should go ahead and pursue you goal. Concerning getting a job after you graduate, I will suggest you start making the effort now. if you know where you want to work, try and get a CNA job (If you dont mind working as a CNA) at that facility. Good luck!

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Specializes in Hospice/psych./gerentology.

40 is a great age to go back to school.I am 46 and working on my BSN.I am more focused now.Most facilities now hire male nurses.There is a major market for nurse/marketers.So your background can be an asset.Best of luck.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Threads merged.

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I have been in class with people who are in the age range 45 -50 and they are real good nurses now. At 40 consider yourself young and I think you should go ahead and pursue you goal. Concerning getting a job after you graduate, I will suggest you start making the effort now. if you know where you want to work, try and get a CNA job (If you dont mind working as a CNA) at that facility. Good luck!

Thanks (everyone) for the encouragement. I want to ask you though; from what I've researched, a CNA requires a certain amount of school, and I'll already be going to school nearly full time in order to earn my RN. Is there more than one definition for CNA?

Thanks.

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Specializes in Hospice/psych./gerentology.

Many facilities will hire you in the capacity of a CNA while you are a nursing student.Check with area hospitals and longterm care facilities.

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I didn't start school until I was 43, now I'm about to start my 2nd year of the Nursing program and I am so happy I chose this direction. School seems alot easier at this age than it did in my late teens.

Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in Neuro, Cardiology, ICU, Med/Surg.

I've said this to others before, but I was 45 when I started nursing school (and 46 when I finished -- I went to a 16 month Accelerated BSN degree). If you're drawn to it, I say go for it! I also recommend the accelerated BSN route (or a conventional BSN that you'll be able o accelerate given the assumption that you already have a BS in something)... it's more expensive than the AS, but it will open more career/job doors.

As others have said, I also recommend highly working as a CNA/PCA or tech at a place you think you'd like to work as an RN. Even if you just do it a day a week, it will make you an insider and give you a leg up in the job search when you finish school. It also helps to get you comfortable with the intimacy of patient contact and all the various bodily fluids you'll deal with as a nurse. Peolpe will see you show up on time with a clean uniform and a good attitude and you will have a much easier time finding a job... the current market for new grads is very tight, so any leg up you can get towards a job would be great.

Don't let the tightness of the current market scare you off though. The long-term prospect for jobs is strong and once you're in, it's way more stable than the corporate world!

Good luck!

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Don't let the tightness of the current market scare you off though. The long-term prospect for jobs is strong and once you're in, it's way more stable than the corporate world!

Good luck!

I've been under the impression that the market for Rn's is underserved. My ex got a great job right away as did almost everyone in her class. I guess my question is about variance in markets. Here in Socal the market doesn't seem so tight. Maybe it's because so few people actually get into nursing schools. The demand for nurses seems high, at least in my neck of the woods.

I am curious about where people on this site live and what their markets are like. Thanks!

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great post,

i had a similar epiphany at 45. being in sales, being good with people, and having a good sense of humor will serve you well in nursing.

just about anyone can learn the technical stuff; the challenging part is the patients and their families. understanding human needs and filling those needs is the core essential of what being a nurse really is. it sounds like you already have those tools.

i started working on my rn degree at 46 and finished at 50. i came from a non medical field (as my email handle implies) and this is ok... the more diversity the better.

regarding...

>>as others have said, i also recommend highly working as a cna/pca or tech at a place you think you'd like to work as an rn. even if you just do it a day a week, it will make you an insider and give you a leg up in the job search when you finish school

lastly, i'd like to reinforce the suggestion above. while finding a job after graduation is important, networking and working for an employer as a cna, or tech, or even phlebotomist makes all the sense in the world. bottom line, in the health care field there are those that i'd love to work for and then there are those that i would not.

if you have the passion for a great field that's never boring and always a learning experience... go for it.

- luis

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