Go into nursing for the money?

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Lets face it, the economy is bad. I barely got into my studio apartment on my measely hourly wage retail job --- and life basically sucks. I got laid off twice as a teacher and never found a living wage job since. So much for retirement.

At age 50 I am barely making ends meet. I am college educated and can do better in life.

I saved some money so I could pay cash to get LPN license and make $18-20 after graduation in one year.

I am choosing nursing because of the money and stability. I used to be a CNA a long time ago and it was an ok” job. It paid the bills. I can do nursing, even though its not my passion.

I have applied and sent out tons of resumes in sales, teaching, management positions, HR – you name it. The clock keeps ticking with loss of income and at my age its harder to land a job.

Anyone go into nursing for the money? Be honest. You would be surprised what people do when they need a living wage.

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Absolutely for the money.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.
Lets face it, the economy is bad. I barely got into my studio apartment on my measely hourly wage retail job --- and life basically sucks. I got laid off twice as a teacher and never found a living wage job since. So much for retirement.

At age 50 I am barely making ends meet. I am college educated and can do better in life.

I saved some money so I could pay cash to get LPN license and make $18-20 after graduation in one year.

I am choosing nursing because of the money and stability. I used to be a CNA a long time ago and it was an ok” job. It paid the bills. I can do nursing, even though its not my passion.

I have applied and sent out tons of resumes in sales, teaching, management positions, HR – you name it. The clock keeps ticking with loss of income and at my age its harder to land a job.

Anyone go into nursing for the money? Be honest. You would be surprised what people do when they need a living wage.

Initially. Yes. But after my first semester I found out I really do love nursing :)

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I went into nursing for the income and numerous opportunities, thankfully I really love what I do because imo nursing is a tough gig if you don't really enjoy it. Most days, lol.

That said I'm surprised finding a teaching job wouldn't be easier and a better financial move as compared to starting an LPN program in your 50s. Personally I'd capitalize on the education I already had this late in life if at all possible.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Cardiology, ER.

More of a career transition for me, but the better pay doesn't hurt. Was already doing patient care as an EMT-P and PCT. Transition to an RN was a natural move on my career path.

Never gonna get rich as an RN.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

My ex-best friend became a nurse for the money. She lasted 3 months then promptly quit. If you don't at least like what you're doing a little bit you won't last.

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I have a bachelor's degree and many high schools want a master's to be a teacher. (20k out-of-pocket for master's, 40k to start, lack of stability, lack of jobs. Nursing is 8k out-of-pocket, salary is 40k to start, more stability, secure, and more opportunities.

BTW, I was a male health and PE teacher so I am not making a total 360 degree mid-life career change. Health teacher to nursing is an acceptable transition. I love preventive health.

When I became a CNA/medtec I was basically a glorified LPN passing out meds, bathing, cleaning, vitals, some charting, etc. That job was "ok." It was exhausting but I liked educating patients about good health. The money I made was great compared to retail work and teaching.

Nursing is like being in the trenches of warfare -- dealing with blood, poop, guts, vomit, scabies, infectious diseases, and every bodily function imaginable.

The question that comes up is: Is nursing good for older males?

My options have run out. No one is hiring.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I have a bachelor's degree and many high schools want a master's to be a teacher. (20k out-of-pocket for master's, 40k to start, lack of stability, lack of jobs. Nursing is 8k out-of-pocket, salary is 40k to start, more stability, secure, and more opportunities.

BTW, I was a male health and PE teacher so I am not making a total 360 degree mid-life career change. Health teacher to nursing is an acceptable transition. I love preventive health.

When I became a CNA/medtec I was basically a glorified LPN passing out meds, bathing, cleaning, vitals, some charting, etc. That job was "ok." It was exhausting but I liked educating patients about good health. The money I made was great compared to retail work and teaching.

Nursing is like being in the trenches of warfare -- dealing with blood, poop, guts, vomit, scabies, infectious diseases, and every bodily function imaginable.

The question that comes up is: Is nursing good for older males?

My options have run out. No one is hiring.

The bolded part worries me. What exactly do you mean by "glorified LPN"? You were not a nurse, you did not have a nursing license. You could not possibly be a "glorified" LPN? Makes no sense. And if you believe that "dealing with blood, poop, guts, vomit, scabies, infectious diseases, and every bodily function imaginable" is the sum total of nursing, then you are in for a surprise. Nurses use their brains. Nurses use critical thinking.

Having said that, there is nothing wrong with going into any career for the money. Ideally, you go into any career with a clear understanding of what is entailed (see above) and with some type of desire to actually work in the field. You don't need a "calling" or a fervid desire to serve mankind, as some would have you believe.

p.s. If you have been told that nursing jobs are a dime a dozen, you would be very misinformed. Jobs are scarce these days, particularly for LPN's.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I have always enjoyed working with people. The human body is fascinating to me also. Money is not the only reason, but I am staying for the money. Nurses make 80-120,000 where I live.

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LPNs still have good options in some markets, but it's tough or impossible to find work in others ...especially as a new grad. There are a few unit clerks at my hospital who graduated as LPNs and have been looking for work for over a year.

As a new grad, you also won't qualify for "plum" positions and you're likely to be doing a fair amount of hard, physical work. Since you've been a CNA, you probably have a good idea of what that entails. To move into higher positions that require less physical work, you'll need a BSN or even an MSN.

That being said, it's fine to go into nursing for the money. If you do you're job well, what difference does it make?

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

Depending on where you live, you may have a very hard time finding a job as an LPN. You will need to consider jobs in nursing homes or corrections. I'm an RN with an ADN, and hospitals in my area will only hire BSNs.

Nursing has been the highest paid job I've had. I live in a state where half of all working adults make $12 per hour or less.

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You only got one life to live!! Do what make you happy! Live with no regrets! If nursing is what you wanna do I say go for it!!! What's considered late in life anyways? It's never too late!!

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