Curious how many are around my age (46) and made a career change?
I've been a professional guitarist, college instructor and private music teacher for many years ....but health care has always intrigued me and the nursing route is something I've been pondering for over a year. When Covid hit it pretty much flattened my music career for both performing and teaching, so Im taking this blessing/curse to start down a new life path in medicine. Starting pre req's for my ADN in the Spring, and considering getting a CNA certification to start working in the field.
Anybody else on a similar path or have been? Kind of scary at this age, but I take very good care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually ....so I feel up to the challenge and am truly excited about the new venture. Thanks for any insight or just resonance!
Man. I just retired from the military last year at 45. I was Army Officer in the Nurse Corps. I still work, but just intermittent. Maybe 16 hours a week. Just be aware. 12 hour shifts. Nights. Weekends. Very hard work. I would avoid taking out a lot of debt for it in case you just don't want to do it. Many new nurses just walk away shortly after starting. However sure go for it. Where I work now there are nurses in their 60s.
I've been following this post since I made my career change at 48. Was a US Marine and then a successful commercial photographer for 20+ years (until iPhone and AI made that field obsolete).
I started college for the 1st time at 48 (pre-reqs), nursing school at 50. Now nearly 54 and I am a wound care certified nurse in a clinic, as well as pickup hours at the hospital. Got my first Daisy Award even before I graduated (as a nurse-extern), and 2 more in the 2 years since.
I LOVE IT. Yes, it's not for everyone, but there are nearly endless choices within the wide field, and you will NEVER be out of a job (if you don't absolutely suck). Especially if you have high levels of empathy, you are a rarity, even within nursing, as that is the part of nursing that seems like a no-brainer, and yet can be very difficult to find within the field (too many ego's, when Patients' needs should rightly come first, empathetically, without judgement).
Try a tech or PCT job within a hospital to make sure you can learn to enjoy it. Then realize it doesn't all have to look like that either (bedside nurses are a small part of overall nursing). I have friends that run their own clinics, Neuro doctors that are amazing at what they do, and even love the CEO of our system, as he is a simply cool, nice, down to earth guy that just wants the best for all, including employees. It CAN be found, and will be if you want it, and strive for excellence.
I am 52 and about to do an ABSN starting this Summer. I am a career changer, still not sure if this is the right choice but I love the thoughts of connecting with people in a meaningful way job-wise. I know the hours might be tough, but it's not like a CNA physically. Like a couple other people that posted I am also ex-military (a long time ago) and have always been used to pressure and thinking on my feet. I am concerned really about starting off in nursing, as I have heard the Bay Area is really competitive.
I am 52 and about to do an ABSN starting this Summer. I am a career changer, still not sure if this is the right choice but I love the thoughts of connecting with people in a meaningful way job-wise. I know the hours might be tough, but it's not like a CNA physically. Like a couple other people that posted I am also ex-military (a long time ago) and have always been used to pressure and thinking on my feet. I am concerned really about starting off in nursing, as I have heard the Bay Area is really competitive.
You likely won't be viewed as a typical new grad and will definitely interview much better. I wouldn't sweat it too much..
Do you think it actually *helps* you to be male? I would think it would, at least in the beginning since only 12% of nurses are male in the US. In terms of advancement, I htink it could definitely work against you .. of course we are in minority where our superiors are most likely female.
It may help. Or might not. Depends on the person, the company,the hiring manager, etc, obviously.
Owing to my enthusiasm I got a daisy award before I even graduated from nursing school. I want on to be co-chair in one of the top hospital councils before I was licensed. Then I was recruited by a clinic when I showed continual interest when the specialists did rounds. Not even 2 years as an RN and I am respected, well known within the hospital and wider company,and even have been at the CEOs house representing the hundreds of RNs in the huge company.
As in everything, life is what you make it. The advantage as an older adult is not taking it as just a job, but as a purposeful endeavor. If that means being male is an advantage with the ability to stand out more, then by all means, take advantage of it.
I will say that many of my RN friends in the Bay Area struggled to get into the jobs they wanted, and more than a few found they had to leave the state to get a couple of years experience before they were hired back in N. California. The high pay creates extreme competition. But once in, you're set.
Get in as a tech or extern while in school to try to create a way in. One friend East Bay who's mom is a well respected RN, still took years to break into a good position. Work the system, use your connections well. Good luck
That is amazing, glad it worked out so well fo you. I feel pretty good about how I will do as I am a very roll your sleeves up type of person, and not to be cocky, very adaptable and intelligent. Even as a software engineer, I never had any problems in terms of the technical side of things, and have been a team lead the majority of my nearly 20 years doing it. What I lack is actual healthcare experience, but I am quick to think on my feet, so I think given some time in the field I will be fine. My degree is actually in Biology .. I was pre-med many years ago but ended up getting a job in IT during the IT boom and just stayed in it and said forget med school. I regret that now, but I guess it's never too late. I figure I have a good 15-20 years left in me, and physically I am in great shape. I do have some major anxiety though because I am leaving a career where the money I make will probably ALWAYS be much higher than in nursing, even if I advance to a high position.
Volunteer or spend time in a hospital before you make the leap - you gotta ensure it's worth the life change.
I was a success commercial photographer with a studio in SF Union Square until print finally died just before COVID. So my career change decision was made for me. Now in AZ I'm thriving, even if making the same amount per year I made in 1998. But I love helping people, knowing I can make a difference beyond throwing meds at patients. If you find a niche, or a pathway, the $ means less, at least on the out set. I'm making my way back on top in the next few years...
Informatics or other technical positions might be perfect with your resume.
That is great advice. The change was obviously the right one for you! I was looking at Biotech as well but I am hesitant to go back to the corporate world which disenchanted me and led to a severe burnout. You are right about the money not being everything .. especially as we get older. However, it DOES matter what type of work you do because certain professions just don't pay well. Nursing is a field where you can definitely make good money, especially if you have a passion for your work and are open to bettering yourself (ex. NP or doctorate of some sort).
And the last point you made about helping people .. well, that is the real reason I want to go into nursing. I ALWAYS wanted to help people in some way, which is why I was pre-med and have a degree in Biology. When I told my mom (who was a nurse all her life herself) that I was thinking about being a nurse and making a career change, I thought she would say I'm crazy and try to convince me otherwise. She didn't .. she said I would make a GREAT nurse and was very excited I was thinking of becoming one. Honestly, that nearly made me cry. I think this is the right decision for me.
DaneFaden
4 Posts
I love that! I'm hoping the same. Strong work, sir!