Considering nursing

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Hi everyone,

I am 41 years old, I have been a computer programmer for almost 20 years. For the last 14 years I have been at the same company. Its large enough that I have been able to bounce around internally, trying different projects every couple years. I am searching for something, and I am not finding it here. I am ready to consider a new career. I dont really plan to retire, but I want to do something new with my life. I have been considering teaching and nursing. I like people, I think I relate well to others, and have a good sensitivity. Nursing appeals to me because of the aspect of helping others, the large number of jobs in the career, the lack of outsourcing, and the good pay.

How do you begin researching? There seem to be lots of options as far as specialty, and even degree? I have a B.A. in Computer Science, with alot of math courses, but I havent been in a college course for years!

Any advice or encouragement appreciated :)

Thanks!

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Specializes in Blood Center Collections, Quality and Regulatory A.

i say go for it! I was 47 when I decided to go back to nursing school - once you have your RN you can work in informatics with computers if you don't wnat to work directly with sick patients - start with one pre-req class to see if you can figure out studying again and go from there. Pre-reqs can be completed for less at the community college level if you are in the US :)

Good luck!

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Awsome! So do you start by finding a school, it would seem thats how figure out the pre-reqs right? Do they look at your college degree and transcript and help you plan out a path to take?

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Hi everyone,

"I am 41 years old, I have been a computer programmer for almost 20 years. For the last 14 years I have been at the same company. Its large enough that I have been able to bounce around internally, trying different projects every couple years. I am searching for something, and I am not finding it here. I am ready to consider a new career. I dont really plan to retire, but I want to do something new with my life. I have been considering teaching and nursing. I like people, I think I relate well to others, and have a good sensitivity. Nursing appeals to me because of the aspect of helping others, the large number of jobs in the career, the lack of outsourcing, and the good pay.

How do you begin researching? There seem to be lots of options as far as specialty, and even degree? I have a B.A. in Computer Science, with alot of math courses, but I havent been in a college course for years!

Any advice or encouragement appreciated :)"

My answer to your questions!!!!

There are some programs designated for students who have 4-year college degrees! You only have to go for 2 more years, you will have your B.S.N! In this day and age, B.S.N is always preferred!

Forty-One years young is young in nursing! The average age is 47 years young for R.N.

Getting into a nursing program could be hard! There is a long waiting list especially the 2 years AAS degree. In NYC, the waiting list could go for 4 years! It is very competitive! You will need high GPA and an impressive interview by a college professor who have 20 to 25 years experiences in the nursing field. I was interviewed by a psy nurse in a AAS Program! I guessed she just wanted to read my mind! Never mention a "economic" reason as your prime reason to come to nursing! Always use the phrase "I guess I am having a mid-life crisis and I wanna to change my career and I really wanna to take care of others people!"

There are many other ways to get into nursing! Should there is a problem getting into a program! LPN could be another way to do it! It is not advisable, but at least provides you a greater chance to get into an RN Program!

I have been there, and I have done it! I hope this will help! Good luck!

By the way, I have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering prior to getting my AAS in Nursing! I was also an LPN. I have been an RN since 2004!

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I went to college close to home, and it was a liberal arts college, so I ended up with a BA. Maybe thats a good thing, I dunno :)

I most likely make better money as a programmer, so I can honestly say its not for the money!

I will start researching local schools who have nursing programs. I assume since this is a hands on field, its not a distance learning kind of degree :D

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Specializes in US Army.

You may also want to check out a MSN bridge program since you already have a B.A. That way you can go back to school and get your master's in nursing all in one swoop. This combined with all your programming experience makes you very marketable. I wish I was in your position.

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I went to college close to home, and it was a liberal arts college, so I ended up with a BA. Maybe thats a good thing, I dunno :)

I most likely make better money as a programmer, so I can honestly say its not for the money!

I will start researching local schools who have nursing programs. I assume since this is a hands on field, its not a distance learning kind of degree :D

Whether is hands on or not, it is up to you as you might have a chance to get into a supervisor position as if you might be choosing the BA in Computer to BSN route!

By the way, I think you should also look for a volunteer position in a local hospital! This will help you as you will be given an interview in the future!

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

I went to an accelerated BSN program that took 16 months. I started at age 45 (graduated at 46). I was a software engineer for 20+ years. Always cool to hear of someone else considering a similar path.

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cityhawk, I would love to speak to you more about your decision, since we have VERY similar work backgrounds! Would you mind if I email or message you here?

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