Help Please...

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2007

:welcome:

You're still young. Some nurses first entered the profession in their late 50s and early 60s because they had the will and found a way to accomplish the daunting feat of nursing school. Good luck, and I think you'll contribute meaningfully to the nursing profession.

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Nov 16, 2007

Hello Fellow Nurses,
I was hoping i could get some constructive input regarding my situation.
I just turned 47 and am in good physical shape (thank God) and I am looking at nursing as a 2nd career. I like the idea of working with people and helping them recover from their ailments. I releaze that what's perceived (in the outside world) and what's real (in the work place) are two different things.
I am a straight SWM with no kids or x-wifes (don't ask me how i managed to do that). Based on my previous college degree, It would take me aproximately 2.5 yrs to complete the program so that would make me aprox. 51 yrs old and first year nurse.
Does anyone think that my age would limit my working abilities in the field or limit me in anyway in this occupatiion?
I am located in Fla.
thanks for your constructive input....
~Tony

Welcome to All Nurses!

I'm currently in school and will be 51 at graduation. I'm hoping for a long, interesting career in nursing.

Please don't let your age deter you from what you want to do.

TonyFl · Nov 16, 2007

Congradulations Don....!

Welcome to All Nurses!
I'm currently in school and will be 51 at graduation. I'm hoping for a long, interesting career in nursing.
Please don't let your age deter you from what you want to do.

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Nov 16, 2007

Congradulations Don....!

Thanks, buddy! Lots of hard work, but I'm having a ball!

Let us know what you decide to do. Exploring all of the various forums on this site is an excellent start; you'll "meet" lots of people from all over the world here with their own unique perspectives on just about everything. Then you'll have an opportunity to mull over your options, make informed decisions and get into a program suited for you.

Best of luck!

TonyFl · Nov 16, 2007

Thanks Pal....

I think i can handle the course work...i'm just a little concerned about my 1) age and 2) don't have any experience in the medical field.

Thanks, buddy! Lots of hard work, but I'm having a ball!
Let us know what you decide to do. Exploring all of the various forums on this site is an excellent start; you'll "meet" lots of people from all over the world here with their own unique perspectives on just about everything. Then you'll have an opportunity to mull over your options, make informed decisions and get into a program suited for you.
Best of luck!

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Nov 16, 2007

Thanks Pal....
I think i can handle the course work...i'm just a little concerned about my 1) age and 2) don't have any experience in the medical field.

You'll just have to believe me when I tell you that your age is of no consideration. Really. In fact, older students tend to do very well, precisely because their age, maturity and life experiences teaches them the virtue of hard work, good study habits, and a determination to succeed. As for your lack of experience in the medical field, this is exactly why clinical opportunities are provided to students in the curriculum. No one is born knowing these things. Many people seek out part-time employment in the field to get that experience, but I do not believe it is necessary. It's certainly helpful and will provide you with advantages when it's time to interact with ill and injured people, but it's not required. I believe it's a matter of "wanting it bad enough". If you want it, it's up to you to get it. You'll meet other students in your classes in the same situation you are. And at age 50, I'm NOT the oldest person in the room, nor am I the only male.

You're entering a field that is going to be opening doors for you throughout your career, beginning the day you graduate. It's up to you to get there, and I would be very disappointed if I thought you were avoiding it for something so minor as AGE!!! Do it!

God, that sounded like a "win one for the gipper" speech!

Dad-2-3 · Nov 16, 2007

I'm only 34, but have a wife and 3 school age children. I'm 29 days from graduating with an ASN. If I can do it anyone can. I would think your single without kids status would be a plus as far as being able to concentrate on school/work. In my previous life I was a carpenter/foreman for a construction company, so obviously I had no medical background. What I had when I started this journey was a sincere interest in helping people just like you have. What I have now is a thirst for knowledge and drive and ambition to be the best nurse I can be. As they say, age is just a number. I don't think your age would limit you in any way shape or form!!

Good luck!!

TonyFl · Nov 16, 2007

Very Good Dad....

Did you go to school full time or part time?

Did you also work while going to school?

thanks buddy...!

I'm only 34, but have a wife and 3 school age children. I'm 29 days from graduating with an ASN. If I can do it anyone can. I would think your single without kids status would be a plus as far as being able to concentrate on school/work. In my previous life I was a carpenter/foreman for a construction company, so obviously I had no medical background. What I had when I started this journey was a sincere interest in helping people just like you have. What I have now is a thirst for knowledge and drive and ambition to be the best nurse I can be. As they say, age is just a number. I don't think your age would limit you in any way shape or form!!
Good luck!!

Dad-2-3 · Nov 16, 2007

Very Good Dad....
Did you go to school full time or part time?
Did you also work while going to school?
thanks buddy...!

I went to school full time. Luckily my wife was able to keep our heads above water financially with her job, so I did not have to work. My family made lots of sacrifices and we didn't have money to "play" with like before I started school. There were lots of people in my class who had children, worked part time and made it through though. I believe you just have to want it bad enough. :twocents:

Tom123 · Nov 16, 2007

Tony,

You are NOT to old to become a nurse. If you like caring for individuals who are ill; if you are compassionate, and not afraid to show that compassion; and if you like a nuturing role, then nursing is a good role for you.

I have been a nurse for 42 years. It has changed a lot since I started. You should not have any problem in obtaining a job, after graduation.

Wishing you the best.

pawashrn · Nov 18, 2007

here is my 2 cents.

1. your not to old, age does not equal maturity, you should have a truer perspective than a high school student entering N.S.

2. helping people is good, but cleaning poop, vomit,blood, trying to explain to a lay person that nothing else can be done,knowing that they have little ones at home, that's reality.

3.shut-up and listen. older students have a tendency to explain things that have happened in their life, remember, no one cares that you had appendectomy when you where 20. They just want to get through lecture and go back to bed. The younger ones have parties to go to or survive from.

4. Being 51 y.o. and having a 28 y.o physician insult you and you still have to take care his/her patient. ( You can always get them later, Nurses always win)

5.Go for it, because if you haven't already thought about all the do's and don'ts on your on. You wouldn't be in this forum seeking support.

See ya at graduation w/ your cane and hearing aid in hand