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?
I was 53 in 2012 when I went back to school for my physical therapy degree (DPT). I had a ball being in class with younger folks, and got several job offers upon graduation. I think healthcare is a field where grey hair is appreciated. Bottom line, do it.
This thread is so encouraging! I've also been a SAHM for the past 8 years. Starting school in January to fulfill biology pre-reqs and take the TEAS (I have a previous 2 yr degree) and applying to nursing school for the fall. I'll be 40 yrs old next year.
Get accepted to nursing school, earn your degree... worry about the rest later. You will be able to find a nursing position... but focus on the first steps. You can do this:up:
There are a lot more second and third career nurses out there than we give credit for. I have been reading the responses to OP and it makes me happy. I started at 38 without any of the highschool requisite courses. I just graduated with my BScN this year and I was hired the moment I had my license in hand.
What I asked myself was, "what am I doing right now that is so important that I can't try this?"
Nope. I know quite a few people who went back to school in their mid-30s and 40s and every one of them was working fast. I'm 35 and start Fall 2017! Go for it!
It shouldn't be an issue - in general. If your age is the real concern, it is true that some employers like to hire young, new grads simply because of the rigors of physically sustaining a 12-hour shift.
I got my LVN at 45 years old and got my RN 9 months before I turned 50. My goal was to be an RN by 50 and I beat that goal by taking the accelerated classes. You can do it! I waited until my children were grown and on their own (each of 3 were out at 18...military) It wont be difficult, raising kids is harder, in my opinion. You did that...you can do anything. Good luck to ya!
I just turned 30 this year, and I had a desire to go back to school to finish what I started and get my nursing degree. I was in the program back in 2005/2006, but didn't finish. All of my pre-reqs from that time don't expire so I don't have to take any classes to get into the program, but I am taking human growth and development next semester because you have to have that class in order to graduate.
My worry is going into nursing cold turkey meaning I haven't had A&P in 12-13 years. Is there things I can start studying to be more prepared if/when I get into the program being I haven't had all that in a long time?
philpt
5 Posts
I was 53 in 2012 when I went back to school for my physical therapy degree (DPT). I had a ball being in class with younger folks, and got several job offers upon graduation. I think healthcare is a field where grey hair is appreciated. Bottom line, do it.