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?
Not at all! I was a stay at home mom for 13 years when I went back to school to become an RN. Graduated at 37 and was working in acute care within 3 months of graduation. Go for it, you'll never regret it. And it's good for your kids to see too!
I was thinking about this thread last night and I told my son: The thought of being "too old" literally never crossed my mind until I came to this site and saw all the conversations about it.
My mom went back to college to get her CPA while she was in her 40's. As a kid, I honestly hated it -- but as an adult, I've been able to clearly understand.
My point is, I never had a second of "can I do this?" Sure, I can do it. I feel much more equipped to handle all of it now than I would have after high school. Older and wiser just feels better and right to me. {thumbs up!}. :)
Hospitals all want magnet status, which means 80% of their nursing staff have a BSN. This is insurance driven with higher reimbursement for these hospitals, but Insurance changes like the wind these days. Regardless of age or degree type it is unlikely that a hospital will hire a new grad unless they already work for that institution in some capacity. I think it's a good idea to start at a nursing home or rehab center to build some confidence in your skills. My advice is to find a program that has some students in your age range. Believe me, you don't want to enter a program where the instructors will treat you like your 18 years old. Private colleges or larger universities seem to provide a more fulfilling educational experience for the returning adult learner. Good Luck!
Stay at home mom for over 12 years, graduated BSN age 42, landed dream job 2 months later in acute care hospital/ICU unit. You will be fine! :) Enjoy the process! You have much to look forward to.
Age does not matter. I think professors, hiring managers and patients like someone who is humble, willing to help and has a positive attitude. Find a friend or two in school so that you can help each other out and study together. I think life-long learning is good. Good luck!
I entered an accelerated 2nd degree BSN program at the ripe old age of 57. I was the oldest student in my 200-person cohort, and one of the oldest persons to ever complete the program. The program was just under a year, and it was very intense and angst-inducing. However, I finished it, even making the Dean's List and National Honor Society. I got the first job I applied for, and two years after graduation I became the Nursing Supervisor/Administrator-on-Duty for a 296-bed psychiatric hospital. Getting my BSN was one of the best decisions I ever made, and my only regret is that I didn't change careers sooner.
You are absolutely not too old to go back to school, and I encourage you to do so. I have had no problems finding a job, even as a 58 y.o. new grad. Best of luck to you!
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
I happily worked PRN on weekend nights for years to keep my kids out of daycare. I worked around my husband's schedule. Did it till my youngest was in middle school and able to care for herself alone after school.
Worked fine. There are a lot of PRN jobs, if you are interested in being perdiem. It's great cause you work when you can/pick up extra shifts as you are able. I managed to homeschool my kids for 4 years, also, while working PRN.
LuKeeU
37 Posts
Thanks a bunch. You all have given me a surge of confidence.