Considering Switching careers to Nursing

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2007

You're just the right age and it sounds like you've got a great well thought out plan.

Go for it and good luck to you!

Harleyhead · Dec 30, 2007

Agree with Tweety . Iwas in my mid 40:s when I started nursing school and it has been great. we need more men in nursing . Get started soon . and good luck

nyapa, RN · Dec 30, 2007

Like everyone else has said, you have made sensible plans. It really helps to find out what the career entails. But you do need to look at the financial aspects. Are you able to work part time while studying? Its a whole new ballgame when a child is involved.

Hopefully those who have been through this process, involving a child, will be able to give you more assistance and information...

Bill E. Rubin · Dec 30, 2007

And I am one semester away from finishing my accelerated BSN program. I started at age 45 (I turn 46 on New Year's eve). And I'm not the oldest in my program. One woman was 55 at the start.

Best of luck to you!

4rom2bRN · Dec 30, 2007

Hello everyone! First, I would suggest to ask yourself a few additional questions. Such as, do you have the time to invest in the nursing program? The program itself is a fulltime position. Second, please if you can help it, don't start a family until you have completed the program. There are so many sacrifices that you must make while in the program. I would hate to see you miss out on your baby's growing-up process. You can make up other things, but never your childs.

I have seen so many of my classmates go through divorces throughout the program. The program is so very stressful. It takes alot of dedication.

I wish you the best of luck. Just keep your eyes on the prize whether it be a child or nursing. Just try not to do both at the same time.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Dec 30, 2007

I hope that I will receive some sound advice, because I need it. I am 27, with a B.S. in Business, worked for 2 years in sales, realized that I don't want to stay in a corporate job or a "business environment". I am considering entering into an accelerated BSN program. I currently work in admissions at a private university, and will be shadowing at the local hospital for the next few months to gain some insights and experience. Am too old to make such a career change? It would entail taking significant time off about a 1 1/2 years to complete pre-reqs and the accelerated BSN program, I am married and my wife and I are expecting our first child. Any advice on how to approach such a significant career move?

I went back at 45. (I graduated 2 weeks ago...) You are so lucky to be entering the field at a time when accelerated programs are becoming available. One of my classmates had an international sales and marketing degree. She decided to go back at just your age. She clearly thinks that it was a good decision for her.

I worked an average of 32 hours per week during school but I don't recommend it. School requires a lot of study time and papers. I was lucky enough to have a job where I could spend time studying at work. Time will fly by as you go through school. Step out in faith is my advice.

bill4745, RN · Dec 30, 2007

Started RN school at 33. Best decision I ever made.

maxamillion · Dec 30, 2007

you're age is not the factor, it's you're personal situation. have enough money saved? don't mind missing your wife and kid? do you need to work while in school? it's do-able if you just take it one day at a time. best of luck to you.

Epona · Dec 31, 2007

Hey Bill. I went to RN school at 33 also... me too... best decision I ever made. Good luck to you!! :) Epona

jbjorn2b · Jan 3, 2008

Everyone,

Thanks for the advice: Here is my tenative plan-let me know what you think:

From a schooling perspective its no less intense than law school or another type of intensive program. Yes, I am aware that I will be in class, and studying most of the time-which is a sacrafice myself and my wife are willing to make if that is what it takes to get started in a career that I will love (for the most part-minus the bad days). I would have to take a a year to do pre-reqs which would allow me to finish my pre-reqs, then hopefully get accepted into an accelerated program (I am looking at Akron, Kent, Robert Morris, Duquesne, Michigan State, and U of M). I am currently working in admissions at a private university. Over the next few months I will be shadowing at a local hospital to obtain some "clinical experience". I don't plan on making a final decision until at least May. From a financial perspective I would have to take out loans in order to get through school-especially during the accelerated program. How have you handled student debt resulting from a nursing degree? Has anyone participated in a loan repayment program (being assigned to a critical shortage area in exchange for loan repayment)?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2008

I currently am doing a loan forgiveness through the state of Florida. At the end of 2008 they will pay my loan lender $4000 and the end of 2009 the same if I stay employed with this current facility. Which is no sacrifice as I've been here 15 years already. You still have to make payments during this time until it's all paid off. But it definately helps. So don't acrue more than you can pay off.

Sounds like you've a good head on your shoulders and have the support of your spouse which is very important.