confused new student

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Hi,

I just started essex county college in new jersey for nursing. I am 41 years old and a career changer. I have decided to change careers from banking to nursing. The comments posted are a little scary when it comes to new grads unable to find work. I wondering if I just wasting my time and efforts. I'm not even sure if I can grasp the material as this age. Does anyone have any advice for me. I am at a crossroad in my life. I want to make a difference in other peoples lives. In my heart I think I have the umph, but in my mind I'm not so sure. Please help:sniff:

I agree with all the others--no way are you too old to grasp the material. If it's what you want, go for it. I am 52 (OMG!) and just about to finish my first semester of an ADN program. My final is tomorrow, so I should be pushing out zzzz's around about now, but I can never sleep before an exam, so why waste time trying, right? Anyway, as others have said, there are many advantages to being what they euphemistically call a non-traditional student. My brain hasn't let me down so far (but ask me tomorrow afternoon), and I bet yours won't either. You really have to want it though, because it is tough! We have the most awesome instructors and a school that has a fantastic reputation, but it's still tough. I gotta say that I'm really enjoying it, despite all my griping (to hubby) about the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day.

As for the problems with finding work after graduation--I feel so bad for new grads right now, but I'm sure it is because of the economy (my hubby has just lost his job, so I do know how it is) and have confidence that it will have turned around by the time I (and you) graduate.

Good luck!

:stdnrsrck:

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Thanks Scooter321, for the words of encouragement. Good Luck on your final tomorrow. Btw what school are your attending.

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Thanks Scooter321, for the words of encouragement. Good Luck on your final tomorrow. Btw what school are your attending.

I go to Mount Wachusett Community College in Massachusetts. From what I have heard, their nursing program is very highly thought of around here, so I was thrilled to actually get into the program (after spending two years getting my prereqs out of the way). I have to admit that most of my classmates are in their 20s or 30s, but there are a fair few in their 40s, and I'm not actually THE oldest in the class. :coollook: There has been absolutely nothing in the way of comments or negativity as far as my age is concerned, and I do think that all my worrying (I was just like you, but add a decade) was for nothing.

I have to smile when I see all the "second career" posts. My hubby teases me about how many "careers" I have had. I was a pharmacy technicican, police officer, and preschool teacher (all in England before immigrating to the States). Since I got here I have been (and still am) a medical transcriptionist and teacher of the same. Not counting being a mum, of course. LOL! So, if I can do it for career #5, I'm sure you can do it too.

Take care. Off to try to rest the gray cells a bit now in readiness for tomorrow.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

I am 37 years old and just completed nursing school. I switched careers too (Lab Tech to Nursing). This time around I was a way better student than I had ever been at other times in my life and I did not have a problem getting a Job. There was another student in my class, 45 yrs old when she decided to change careers, and she did just fine as well. I think due to our ages we tended to hold ourselves more accountable for our actions and what we needed to do.

As far as the job market is concerned, you shouldn't worry about the job market, because different people have different approaches towards the way they search for jobs. There are a lot of different factors that accounts for why people have issues. The fact is that there are nursing jobs out there. When you get to that bridge you cross it.

Furthermore because of your age, you may actually be at an advantage. At my first job interview, I was asked the question: Why should we hire you over other candidates? My response was something like this: "I am not a job hopper and i put a lot of thought into anything i decide to do, so I researched your facility before I even made the decision to apply for this position. I definitely want to work here". It sounds like a really simple response, but it was true and it worked. Not to mention they saw the length of time I was in my last job.

Getting through nursing school should be your major focus right now, if you decide to do so. Nursing school is no joke. You can do it as long as you put the work in. Think of it like banking "if you don't put money in your account, you wont be able to get any money out"

Best Wishes

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I will definitely take your advice and stay focus on school. I'm usually very confident in my ablilities, but I guess since I'm out of my comfort zone I became a little apprehensive. When I look back over my life I have always achieve a goal I set out for. I'm so glad I join this site. It feels very supportive and I really appreciate that. keep you posted

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Specializes in TCU.

You are NEVER too old, NEVER!

I am 46 and graduating in May, while I am not a straight A student (very high B's) and caring for a child with Autism, I am doing better than many of my younger classmates.

I am career advancing/enhancing - I was a CNA for well over 15 years, and I absolutely love what I am doing now! So much so, I am going back after about a year break for my Masters/Nurse Practitioner.

Enjoy your time in nursing school, and if you are ambitious, I guarantee you'll find a job. I am already job searching, and have decided to move for a good job.

Good Luck!

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Angel,

Thanks for your comments. You mentioned your were a CNA for 15 years. Will it be harder for me since I don't have any medical experience. It is harder to get a job without having experience in the field.

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I am an older student too. I turn 40 in August and have three great kids. I started my pre-reqs by just taking it one semester at a time. Now that I am waiting to hear if I am accepted, I have a bit of jitters but after a good talking to, I'll day it one semester at a time again. Maybe one day. Go for it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Plus, working your brain keeps you young!

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Thanks MammaNurse, I'm loving all the encouragement. I'm definitely going for it.

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i have several of older adults in my class who have no problem with the material. You could be a nurse tech one or two days a week and several hospitals offer scholarship contracts in exchange for them hiring you. You could look into that and that way you'll have a job when you graduate.

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Specializes in TCU.
Angel,

Thanks for your comments. You mentioned your were a CNA for 15 years. Will it be harder for me since I don't have any medical experience. It is harder to get a job without having experience in the field.

Hey moe!

I don't think it will be any harder, not if you have a true passion for nursing!

You can always get a job as a CNA and test the waters, but I think you are ready for the plunge!

I think you will be just fine, and getting a job as a CNA will help later!

Cheers & Happy New Years!;)

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Thanks for the info. I will definitely look into that. Happy New Years

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