Career change to Nursing?

CDEWannaBe · Nov 8, 2013

Just like law, there are a glut of nurses, especially in some regions. Look at the nursing want ads in your area and see how many jobs there are for new graduate nurses. But if you have a buring desire to work in healthcare, then go for it.

I started my pre-reqs at 37 and just took 1 or 2 classes at a time (I have a family and busy full-time job). Starting the prereqs are really the best way to see if nursing is for you. They made me realize that I am a science geek who loves the Anatomy dissections and seeing what's growing on the agar plates in Microbiology. At this stage in my life it's nice to use my brain in a different way and I've loved meeting new people. I've also learned that I'm a lot like the other students pursuing nursing, which is encouraging.

Taking classes at a community college offers flexibility and is reasonably inexpensive. Just pick a class and go for it. I feared Chemistry most, and so I started with that. Once I got my first A it encouraged me to keep going and the time has gone by quickly. I'll find out in a few weeks if I'm accepted to an accelerated BSN program.

P.S. Besides nursing, you might also consider Respiratory Therapy, Radiology and other allied health careers.

anichka · Nov 8, 2013

I will second the above comments. I am also an older student looking for a career change (will be 40 in January). I left a lucrative career because I couldn't see myself sitting behind a desk another 20 years and I needed something that was more personally fulfilling - something that more directly helped people. Nursing was my first choice for several reasons, but as I am finishing my pre-reqs, I am still keeping my eyes open for other careers in allied health that appeal to me.

I've been working as a CNA since July at a SNF and I apply daily for hospital jobs. I am also finishing up an EMT-B course right now. Anything helps, at this point, to give me insight into the unknown. I have good friends who are doctors, nurses, X-ray techs, etc., and even after spending hours talking to them, nothing replaces the actual experience I am gaining. What is the nature of your volunteer work?

You also might try shadowing a nurse as well.

But in answer to your questions, no you are definitely not too old! There are people who are 20 years older than us going back to school to fulfill lifelong dreams. The job market is going to depend a lot on your ability and willingness to move, from what I have read and seen.

MyOwnBlueSky · Nov 8, 2013

I would say that if you have been volunteering and do understand that some aspects of nursing can be quite grueling but can also be very rewarding..... Then go for it. I started my pre reqs last year and I'm 40. Just have two more to go and will start my BSN program next fall and will graduate when I'm 42. Nursing is so diverse. Who knows maybe you could some how merge a nursing degree and your law degree. Read this blog on everything and research the nursing programs you are considering very thoroughly. Good luck.

maxvoca · Nov 20, 2013

Thanks for answering! Sorry I'm new to posting on allnurses, and honestly I didn't find any answers to my post until today---even though I'm on almost every day.

I turn 37 next month, maybe I should get on the stick with a prereq, as you did. Chemistry is my second most feared (Statistics if first, but I feel like I'll tackle that once I complete the science courses, because I know I'd love A&P), so maybe I should also begin with that.

And thanks for the suggestion to be open to other health careers, I've been leaving everything on the table as a consideration, to be honest. I'm kind of in a "anything but law" mindframe for a few years now.

Congratulations on moving ahead in your prereqs, and I hope you get the news you want in regard to your accelerated BSN program!

DadStudentPerhaps · Nov 21, 2013

47 years young here... I've worked at the same company for 26 years, I make six figures, so no I don't think your too old or crazy for looking into Nursing as a career :)

maxvoca · Nov 21, 2013

Thanks for the encouragement! And good for you, I wish you well!

7237dallas · Nov 21, 2013

Thanks for answering! Sorry I'm new to posting on allnurses and honestly I didn't find any answers to my post until today---even though I'm on almost every day. I turn 37 next month, maybe I should get on the stick with a prereq, as you did. Chemistry is my second most feared (Statistics if first, but I feel like I'll tackle that once I complete the science courses, because I know I'd love A&P), so maybe I should also begin with that. And thanks for the suggestion to be open to other health careers, I've been leaving everything on the table as a consideration, to be honest. I'm kind of in a "anything but law" mindframe for a few years now. Congratulations on moving ahead in your prereqs, and I hope you get the news you want in regard to your accelerated BSN program![/quote']
I hear ya! I've been a paralegal for the last 10 years and the "anything but law" mindframe I share with you! lol I'm SO ready for a change:)

maxvoca · Nov 21, 2013

Isn't it terrible?!? The debt has been crushing too. Are you thinking of going to nursing school?

7237dallas · Nov 21, 2013

Isn't it terrible?!? The debt has been crushing too. Are you thinking of going to nursing school?

I am:) Long story short, I was in the medical field for about a year when I was offered a job at a defense firm making more money. I can't say I've regretted my move, because a lot of doors opened up for me and I've met a lot of great people, but I've always wanted to go back to be a nurse. It just took 13 years for me to finally do it, and I'm so glad I did! I'm on the waitlist at one community college and submitted my app to another, but they are point system and they don't send out letters until mid-April! I'm 34:) So now I'm just working on co-req's 2 classes at a time. Next semester is A&P and Human Growth! I'm actually looking forward to A&P, call me crazy! I enjoyed Chemistry, even though I was deathly scared of it in the beginning. It was general chemistry and a lot of math problems, but once you get the hang of it it isn't too bad. I did do TONS of problems and if I didn't understand something I would email the instructor and he was great at explaining. That's one thing to do before you pick a class, go to ratemyprofessor and look at the reviews. But be mindful of the comments because every person is different:)

maxvoca · Nov 21, 2013

Oh wow, you are taking two classes at a time, while being a full-time paralegal?!? I hope they are treating you better than the paralegals I've worked with, those poor slobs were there 16 hours a day sometimes! That's funny, I'd love to be able to take A&P too, I find it fascinating. Instead, I am seriously considering taking Chemistry (with a lab) in the spring. How awful was it? Thanks for the tip about 'ratemyprofessor'. The course schedule just lists 'Staff' as of now, which could be a blessing or a curse.

So are you going for an ADN or an BSN?

7237dallas · Nov 21, 2013

I took Chemistry (with lab) and Sociology (online) last Fall, then Biology over the summer and this semester I have Psychology and American Politics. I also have 2 small children, 5 and 8, but my SO helps out a lot. I took an easier course load this semester bc it's my first year with both boys in school so I wanted to be able to juggle homework for them and myself and get on a schedule. You definitely need a great support system:) My plan is to do my ADN and then do the RN-BSN online. I've been working for the same attorneys for the last 10 years so they're awesome! They work around my school schedule, not to where I take classes during the day because I take mine at night, but if I can get a 4 o'clock they let me work earlier which really helps!