Homemaker to RN @ 40

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Howdy folks...

I am a married mother of 4 boys. I've been a homemaker for the last 10 years (with the occasional seasonal job). After terrible incidents at daycares, my hubby and I decided that it'd be best for me to care for the young ones at home (cheaper, too).

Meanwhile, I've been taking courses over the years in hopes of becoming an RN after my boys are older.

Soon... my boys will be living their own lives and I wanted to be able to pick up where I left off years ago.

QUESTION: Do you think it will be very difficult for a 40 year old to get an RN position?

All comments will be greatly appreciated. ☺

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Nope - I was 39 (2 months before my 40th) when I became an RN. I did not have any problem getting a job - was hired about a month before the end of school, started orientation 2 weeks after I graduated.

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Specializes in ICU.

It depends on your job market. Not your age, but your possible new grad status. I am 40, graduated this year, and had a job upon graduation. But I also live in an area with a shortage.

Have you looked at your job market for new grads?

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Specializes in LTC.

I sure hope not -- because I'm in the same boat! :) Except I've been homeschooling 3 boys for the past 16 years, with no paying jobs in that time.

I start my prerequisites in January and hope to get into the fall 2017 nursing program. Good luck!

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Thanks. Same to you.

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Yep, I see many openings. Thanks for your input. I really appreciate you guys.

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

I am 40 and just became an RN in June 2016. I am working full time! Also, I was a stay at home mom for many years before going to nursing school.

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Specializes in ED, psych.

Hope not, because I just turned 40 in September, and graduate with my BS in Nursing in 28 days :up:!

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Don't know how long ago you started courses, but I think I've read that some places may not accept old classes, esp old science courses.

Obtaining a job may not be so much a problem because of age, but rather because of being a newbie without any healthcare exp. Also the educational degree counts (assoc vs BSN). Geography counts into the equation also, as does desired specialty of practice.

Go for it and good luck.

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I graduated with my BSN when I was 38, and it took my about 4 months to find a hospital job. I was then accepted into a very competitive residency program in my dream unit at 39. Anything is possible!

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Thanks for your words of wisdom. Every word counts.

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Specializes in PACU.

I don't see any problems with getting a job, There was a 50ish year old in my graduating class and he had a job upon graduation.

Don't know how long ago you started courses, but I think I've read that some places may not accept old classes, esp old science courses.

I was an LPN for years before going back for my RN (graduated @ 47yo) and most of my pre-req's a had to redo, even though I was an LPN, because they were over 20 years old. So I started back with 72 elective credits (they only thing those credits were good for was electives>)

But no matter how long it takes, you'll be that many years older whether you do it or not, so I say go for it.

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