Considering returning to nursing school

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Hello

I joined this forum a few a couple years ago when I was working on my nursing prereqs. I was also working about 32 hours a week doing accounting. Long story short, I loved school, the people and classes, carried a 4.0 and was on the wait list for adn program.

My 80 year old mother started having many health problems, like one thing after another, heart, intestinal, broken bones. She fought so hard put passed in June. I was very close to her and quit school and gave up my spot in the nursing program to be with her and I had hoped help her recover. When she was ill and in the hospital I really didnt see how I could ever be a nurse, take care of sick and injured people and not break-down.

The last few weeks I have been considering going back to school and take some classes to complement my current profession (accounting) but honestly I just cannot get excited about it. It all seems so boring, mundane and tedious.

I am considering returning to nursing and reapplying to the program with most likely another 2 year wait but at least I will be learning things I am interested in and doing meaningful work. I am 45 years old now and would be 50 by the time I graduated. I am wondering what types of career options there are when you are over 50? Do employers hire over 50? How difficult are 12 hours over 50? and what about midnights? What other employment options might I have that would be meaningful but maybe not too physically demanding?

Thanks for listening and suggestions!

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Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

Have you ever looked at healthcare administration? I don't know if it would mesh with your current education and experience but I think it's possible. Lord knows an administrator with an affection for nursing would be welcome by staff in any building.

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Interesting, do you need a nursing degree for Healthcare Admin?

I am going to google and see what comes up.

Thanks for the input,

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Specializes in ER, Med-Surg, Geriatric.

I am currently 50 and enrolled in Excelsior College, testing out of alot of things I have already done. I am working on my RN (ADN) degree. It has been a passion of mine to do the Doctors without Borders , I am hoping it will not take so long that I will be too old to do that, lol, I work 36 to 48 hours a week in the Emergency Room, 12 hour shifts, it can be rough at times, mostly on my feet and legs, but Motrin does wonders, lol, anyway, that is my imput, Go for it!

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I think you should do whatever makes YOU happy! Even if you are 50 by the time you graduate is this something that will make you feel proud/accomplished? It seems like accounting isn't doing it for you. There are many places that will hire you for 8hr shifts if 12 seems difficult. Just my opinion... Life is short! Why waste time with a degree that you aren't passionate about? Good luck!!

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Specializes in Thoracic Cardiovasc ICU Med-Surg.

Well the years will go by anyway and you will still be fifty someday. If it has always been a dream to be a nurse then go for it. The only thing holding you back is you.

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