36 and considering a nursing career.

[shaunaveilleux]

I hope this is the right forum... A little background first Ill try to make this as short as possible. I went received my cosmetology license right out of high school and was a hairdresser in two different states for about 10years (off and on). I had my first child in 2010, and he is disabled- blind, endocrine issues, epileptic and nonverbal autistic. I haven't worked much since he was born as he takes a lot of care. My second child is four now and getting ready to start kindergarten. In my research for my son we started doing the ketogenic diet (for seizure control, but it also seems to help with his behavior issues) I fell in love with nutrition and dietetics and have started school to become a registered dietitian. Its only been a year or so and I have now learned that the only internships to become registered are on the other side of the state (PA). The internships last 10-12 months; there is no possible way for me to live 4-5 hours away from my family... My husband's job currently can support all 4 of us (barely), but he can't work and take care of the kids and support me on the other side of the state... I'm disappointed but glad I found out now instead of wasting four years of school for something I can't do... All that said I need to change my course of action and FAST. I'm now looking at nursing. I think I can handle all the blood, poo, vomit, mucus, and even giving shots... I deal with this a lot because of my son (still in diapers at age 8, and receives injections every day). I never considered nursing before as I didn't think I could handle all the gross aspects of it... this was before children of course. But now I'm considering an ADN; I don't know if pursuing a BSN is worth it at this point (both time and money wise). I'm 36, and I'm wondering A) Am I really up for the task of nursing (what aspects of it am I not considering?) B) Am I too old to start such a stressful job. C) is this something I can realistically do past retirement age (this was one of the reasons I liked dietician profession, I felt I could do it well past retirement age). And lastly is it worth getting a BSN at my age right away or just get an ADN and wait and see...?

I've only been looking into this for two days... so any and all information is much appreciated. I am hoping my expectations aren't entirely off ... Thank you for reading my lengthy submission.

[sunshineee]

I don't think you are too old. To be honest, I had a couple of classmates who were in their mid-30s doing their pre-requisites and they had children too. ADN would be less costly, but you would be paid less than a BSN. It's up to you I guess. But don't think your age should be an issue. A lot of older students go back to school and pursue a nursing degree. I am 28 (not that is old), but I have been out of school for 6 years, trying to get into nursing. so anything is possible...

[emergenceRN17, ASN, BSN, RN]

Do it... do it.. do it!! I just graduated an ASN program at the lovely age of 39. Passed NCLEX a few months later at the tender age of 40. There were a few classmates of mine who were in their late 40's and early 50's. They did awesome in the program and passed NCLEX.

Age is just a number. My husband who has been in EMS for 22 years is just beginning his pre reqs for nursing and he is 46.

Best of luck to you!! You can do this!

[Fingers are crossed]

You are definitely NOT too old! As far as ADN vs BSN, many of my friends got their Associates and then took online courses to get their BSN.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Got my license at 41. Go for the adn, start working and complete the bsn online while in school. You'll make more money as an RN than you would ever make as a dietician. Age is not an issue, nurses do all kinds of work. It's not all back breaking.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

I went back to school in my mid 30s, started nursing school at 39, became licensed at 41. Go for it. You're going to age anyway, why not have something to show for after a few years? :)