I'm 39 and want to become a nurse.

[quinnsite]

After 12 years of practicing law (as a criminal prosecutor) I'm thinking about returning to school and becoming a nurse. After months of working with a career counselor, personal reflection, and research (on-line and otherwise) I'm feel strongly that this would be the right choice for me. (There's a local school that just began offering an AS degree in Nursing making one eligible to sit for the N-CLEX for registered nurses.) I'm fortunate to have a wife who supports my decision, and also works, which lessens the financial impact. Still, there will be a number of sacrafices to be made for the next 3 years (approx.) and we have two young children who also have to be considered first and foremost.

I was happy to find this web site and particularly glad to find this board (Male Nursing Students). I'm hope that in reading the posts I will find: encouragement; positive stories; advice; etc. Any input/advise/encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Many people in my life think I'm crazy leaving a good paying career at this stage in my life. Fact is, though, that being an attorney so goes against my core as a person. I do not find the work fulfilling at all. To the contrary, the advesarial nature of the work takes it's toll physiacally and emotionally. The idea of helping people; caring for people has always been a large part of who I am. And in fact, all these persoanlity/employment/interest tests I've taken repeatedly reveal nursing as a strong match for who I am.

Continued in the reply post that follows...

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

I say do it!

10 years from now, you could be exactly where you are today :unhappy and thinking "why didn't I start back then?"

I'm a young fella (28), but I've been through enough jobs in my life to know that like every job, nursing has it's issues. The reward I get when I make someone better, to enter their world for a few days and then send them on makes me get up each day more thankful for the life I have.

ASN-BSN really doesn't matter in terms of employment, if you have the license, you are a nurse!

you can do it brother....join the dark side!

[quinnsite]

I say do it!

10 years from now, you could be exactly where you are today :unhappy and thinking "why didn't I start back then?"

I'm a young fella (28), but I've been through enough jobs in my life to know that like every job, nursing has it's issues. The reward I get when I make someone better, to enter their world for a few days and then send them on makes me get up each day more thankful for the life I have.

ASN-BSN really doesn't matter in terms of employment, if you have the license, you are a nurse!

you can do it brother....join the dark side!

Thanks man. I appreciate the encouragement!

[barbnicu]

I went to LPN school when I was in my late 20's, had a child in Kindergarden at the time. 14 years later, I graduated from nursing school again, with an ADS in nursing. I aced my boards, and stayed at the same place where I worked as an LPN. I just got an upgrade in pay, and more responsibility. But, I LOVE it! My husband and I moved to AZ in 2002, and now my pay is DOUBLE what it was in Pa. after 20 years at the same hospital. So, my friend and future colleague, GO FOR IT!!!! You will be in demand, and find new challenges every day. You know that you have done a good job, when you can say "I made a difference in someone's life today" when you go to bed at night. Good Luck. Keep posting, and I am sure that you will get tons of support from everyone else on the web site.

[quinnsite]

I went to LPN school when I was in my late 20's, had a child in Kindergarden at the time. 14 years later, I graduated from nursing school again, with an ADS in nursing. I aced my boards, and stayed at the same place where I worked as an LPN. I just got an upgrade in pay, and more responsibility. But, I LOVE it! My husband and I moved to AZ in 2002, and now my pay is DOUBLE what it was in Pa. after 20 years at the same hospital. So, my friend and future colleague, GO FOR IT!!!! You will be in demand, and find new challenges every day. You know that you have done a good job, when you can say "I made a difference in someone's life today" when you go to bed at night. Good Luck. Keep posting, and I am sure that you will get tons of support from everyone else on the web site.

Thanks Barbnicu! Every post I receive just gets better and better! I find myself checking back throughout the day just to get my fix!!

And I agree, the idea of helping my patients on a daily basis sure will beat the heck out the frustrations and I currently face as an attorney, where even in my case, wearing the "white hat" as a criminal prosecutor (the supposed good guy in the system) I am often the target of scorn and unfair criticism -- just for doing my job! Top it off with the stress and animosity rising from the advesarial system! I get paid to fight, and I'm sick of fighting. I'm also sick of seeing the seedier side of society--knowing I'm not really helping. I'm just cleaning the streets. I am SO ready to move on!

[jjjoy, LPN]

I am often the target of scorn and unfair criticism -- just for doing my job! [/Quote]

Just for the record, nurses often are the target of unfair criticism "just for doing their job" , such as a MDs yelling at a nurse for calling them in the middle of the night for something they might consider obvious but the nurse *legally* has to call the MD for (though I don't think men get as much as flak from physicians as women). It's also not unheard of for nurses to get next to impossible workloads and then when the nurses don't get everything done or have to stay late, managers criticize the nurses for not managing their time well and many places won't approve any overtime pay.

I get paid to fight, and I'm sick of fighting.

. Nurses sometimes have to fight the MDs if they aren't open to feedback from nurses or have to fight administration in regard to working conditions. Nurses unfortunately have very little weight in such fights with many administrations taking the attitude that if you don't like it, they can easily find someone else more than willing to do your job. On the other hand, compared to the kind of fighting you've gotten used to, these types of fights might seem like nothing or seem more meaningful since it impacts patient care.

I'm also sick of seeing the seedier side of society--knowing I'm not really helping. I'm just cleaning the streets. I am SO ready to move on!

I'd suggest perhaps avoiding ER, then, as they often see the same patients coming in again and again, such as drug-seekers, homeless with chronic diseases who won't stay in shelters or get regular medical care, folks looking for "free" medical care even when it's not even close to an emergency, etc. Some hospital units have "frequent fliers" who despite previous attempts at education and home health follow up don't follow their treatment plans and keep ending up back in the hospital, often at the expense of taxpayers.

Just food for thought. As you continue to research your options and get more information about possibilities in nursing, if you continue to want to be nurse, then definitely go for it!

However, you haven't mentioned if you've looked into other avenues in law that might better suit you personally and be more fulfilling. It might mean a pay cut and starting all over at the bottom somewhere in a completely different capacity, but changing careers probably means an even bigger pay cut (at least initially) as well as having to invest more time and money in education & training. Am I correct in my understanding that not all lawyers work in an adversarial capacity? Or maybe there's some kind of advocacy work that your JD would uniquely qualify you for. Or maybe there's something in medical-legal issues you could get involved with.

I'm saying this as someone who got a degree in nursing but after trying several different positions realized that nursing wasn't for me. I loved the idea of it and really enjoyed learning new things and getting the chance to see and try things as a student; but when it came down to it, I finally had to admit to myself that I prefer a desk job! So I was considering going back to school for something else, but decided I'd see what I could get that could utilize my nursing background but that wasn't actually practicing nursing. And I was able to find a couple of different things and am very pleased with where I am now (data management in a hospital).

But if you just want out of law completely, I understand that, too!

[quinnsite]

Just for the record, nurses often are the target of unfair criticism "just for doing their job" , such as a MDs yelling at a nurse for calling them in the middle of the night for something they might consider obvious but the nurse *legally* has to call the MD for (though I don't think men get as much as flak from physicians as women). It's also not unheard of for nurses to get next to impossible workloads and then when the nurses don't get everything done or have to stay late, managers criticize the nurses for not managing their time well and many places won't approve any overtime pay.

. Nurses sometimes have to fight the MDs if they aren't open to feedback from nurses or have to fight administration in regard to working conditions. Nurses unfortunately have very little weight in such fights with many administrations taking the attitude that if you don't like it, they can easily find someone else more than willing to do your job. On the other hand, compared to the kind of fighting you've gotten used to, these types of fights might seem like nothing or seem more meaningful since it impacts patient care.

I'd suggest perhaps avoiding ER, then, as they often see the same patients coming in again and again, such as drug-seekers, homeless with chronic diseases who won't stay in shelters or get regular medical care, folks looking for "free" medical care even when it's not even close to an emergency, etc. Some hospital units have "frequent fliers" who despite previous attempts at education and home health follow up don't follow their treatment plans and keep ending up back in the hospital, often at the expense of taxpayers.

Just food for thought. As you continue to research your options and get more information about possibilities in nursing, if you continue to want to be nurse, then definitely go for it!

However, you haven't mentioned if you've looked into other avenues in law that might better suit you personally and be more fulfilling. It might mean a pay cut and starting all over at the bottom somewhere in a completely different capacity, but changing careers probably means an even bigger pay cut (at least initially) as well as having to invest more time and money in education & training. Am I correct in my understanding that not all lawyers work in an adversarial capacity? Or maybe there's some kind of advocacy work that your JD would uniquely qualify you for. Or maybe there's something in medical-legal issues you could get involved with.

I'm saying this as someone who got a degree in nursing but after trying several different positions realized that nursing wasn't for me. I loved the idea of it and really enjoyed learning new things and getting the chance to see and try things as a student; but when it came down to it, I finally had to admit to myself that I prefer a desk job! So I was considering going back to school for something else, but decided I'd see what I could get that could utilize my nursing background but that wasn't actually practicing nursing. And I was able to find a couple of different things and am very pleased with where I am now (data management in a hospital).

But if you just want out of law completely, I understand that, too!

JJJoy-

Thanks for your observations! I realized, even as I wrote my last post, that I'd receive a response like yours. I, fo course, recognize that many of the issues I point to apply to a wide range of professions. I will say this, though, the practice of law (in general; transactional work or litigation) is a unique animal. Ask any lawyer, they'll tell you. In fact, not many of them will EVER recommend that people they care about pursue law school and the practice. If they do with a straight face, well...

To answer your question about various areas of law. You are correct, there are other practice areas. Unforutnately (or fortunately) I don't have much of an interest in pursuing these areas (like civil litigation; contract work; property or business law--much of this stuff would just run your soul into the ground!) Additionally, you're never really away from your work or clients. You always bring your work home, literally and figuratively. And while there is much one can do with a law degree, there are limited opportunities in the community where I live and moving is not an option. I can also say, after 12 years of being a lawyer (mostly as a prosecutor, but a few years in provate practice and as a public defender) I have had enough!!

It just strikes me that the issues a nurse faces, as you mentioned, are to be expected. But in the end, as you mention, the end goal of providing care to a patient is worth the ocasional adversity. Also, I hate desk jobs!!!!

THANKS for your input!

[deleern]

I had a very successfull insurance agency. It was killing me. I sold it for a very tidy summ. After 4 month of trying to decide what to do, a friend who was ana an adm. Of a local LTC call an asked if I could work NOC's for a few weeks. Iloved it .....this was just the CNA woirk. Iwas 45 years old. I did the LPN in one year working full time nights (for the health ins.). Then as a LPN. 3 years later iwas a RN. I am now 50. Las week I interveiwed for DON Possition. I go in for my 2nd interveiw thurs. (Please excuse the typing errors....Using my blackberry)

[Tony1790, BSN, MSN, NP]

Hey there brother,

I retired from the Coast Guard out of Seattle, that area is hard to get into a school or find one physically close enough to get to. I wound up moving to East TN, many schools nearby, many programs, acclerated BSN, MSN for second degree holders, ADN, LPN, etc. I finish up my LPN next month and start on my RN in August.

Many good inputs, it's hard going from a high power job to wiping the orifices, but it's doable, I was 20 yrs military and then an operations manager for the railroad, I'm now 42 and working as a CNA while finishing up school. Man how things change...pro's and con's brother, mostly pro's, but a lot of con's going into nursing.

Good luck with your new career, for acclerated BSN I thought that Pacific Lutheran had a program near Tacoma? I don't know, I was living in Port Orchard at the time and there were waiting lists as far as the eye could see for nursing schools, I left the state to get into school, plus I was tired of the Seattle stress.

Take care.

Tony

[quinnsite]

Hey there brother,

I retired from the Coast Guard out of Seattle, that area is hard to get into a school or find one physically close enough to get to. I wound up moving to East TN, many schools nearby, many programs, acclerated BSN, MSN for second degree holders, ADN, LPN, etc. I finish up my LPN next month and start on my RN in August.

Many good inputs, it's hard going from a high power job to wiping the orifices, but it's doable, I was 20 yrs military and then an operations manager for the railroad, I'm now 42 and working as a CNA while finishing up school. Man how things change...pro's and con's brother, mostly pro's, but a lot of con's going into nursing.

Good luck with your new career, for acclerated BSN I thought that Pacific Lutheran had a program near Tacoma? I don't know, I was living in Port Orchard at the time and there were waiting lists as far as the eye could see for nursing schools, I left the state to get into school, plus I was tired of the Seattle stress.

Take care.

Tony

Thanks Tony! You mentioned "a lot of cons" with a nursing career. Could you give me some examples that you think I should weigh? I know you're probably really busy, but I'd really appreciate anything you have to offer. Thanks again!

Chris

[OldPhatMC]

Continued ( I accidently cut myself off)

So here are my concerns:

Am I too old to be considering this? I mean are there practical considerations? Will I be discriminated against in the hiring process as a male nurse in his early 40's?

Physically I'm in very good shape, and intend to remain that way. Still, is age in any way an issue to consider?

What else should I keep in mind when considering this decision?

I realize that male nurses only comprise about 7% of all nurses. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I would imagine hospitals, etc. would like more male nurses on staff? True or false?

I am very confident that I would be a good nurse. However, what don't I know about nursing? In other words, what are the 'dark little secrets' about nurses that you don't hear about? What do current nurses say they 'wish they knew' before getting into nursing?

Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks all!

Well, I became a nurse at 50 and it hasn't killed me ... yet.

You're not too old.. in fact, you're in an age bracket where people will not consider you worn out and incapable. Bluntly, there is age discrimination, especially from the 27 year old nurse managers that would prefer you to be cute, female, and clueless. On the other hand, there are a lot of nurse managers that are thrilled to get nurses that are people savvy, experienced, emotionally stable, and comfortable in their own skin.

Related to the age issue is the gender issue. Yes there is a desire to get more men in nursing. Ironically the US has half the men in nursing -- as a percent of the workforce -- than Australia. Keep in mind that the nursing culture has been shaped by primarily female role models for the last hundred or so years. Expect to find differences in communications styles and decision making processes. Also, the concept of multi-tasking is stretched to the limit. The ability to fragment your attention is rewarded.

Your fitness is a disadvantage if you don't find a delicate way to make sure you don't become a human Hoyer lift. You can't get your work done, and you facilitate unsafe nursing habits if you come whenever anyone needs to be lifted, repositioned, or restrained. I'd recommend developing a slight limp. Excellent physical fitness is only part of the equation for preventing the kind of back injuries that take nurses out of the profession. Another part is taking advantage of safe techniques and equipment. Part of my pre-nursing life was as a warehouseman; the skills used in protecting one's back in the warehouse serve me well to this day in rehab nursing!

Dark little secrets. Hmm.. I don't think that there are many systemic issues other than the ones I've covered. You know that you'll be cleaning poop and you'll probably become an expert in care of the foreskin.

Some patients will love you because you're more mature. You'll be called DOC a lot. There will always be one nurse that doesn't think you belong there. There will always be two nurses that can't imagine life without you on their floor. Some female patients will not want you around; don't take it personally. Some of them will come to trust you. Others will think you're wonderful and insist on you for their care.

I suggest not bringing up your prior career to either staff or the patients. If it comes up tell them you used to do taxes. That would explain why you know law without making you a target. It's not a lie; you do your own taxes, right? I have found that my prior experiences do help me bond with some patients, but an excess of self-disclosure has been shown in research to cloud the focus on the patient's condition.

I wish you well in your career transition. It was the most important thing I've done in my life.

And if it doesn't work out, you can go back to doing taxes.

[barbnicu]

if you think that holding a dying person's hand, or teaching a new mother how to feed her baby, or helping and supporting a child during a scary procedure are cons; then rethink. However, if those are things that you would want done for you, then they are pros. In all that a nurse does, patient advocacy is utmost. I always put everything I do during my shifts in the perspective of: is this what, or how I would want this done for my mother, brother, sibling or child? Or spouse? Or myself? I think that this is kind of like applying the "Golden Rule". If you want to be part of this special world that is: caring people who care for people, then it is FOR you. If not............

[quinnsite]

if you think that holding a dying person's hand, or teaching a new mother how to feed her baby, or helping and supporting a child during a scary procedure are cons; then rethink. However, if those are things that you would want done for you, then they are pros. In all that a nurse does, patient advocacy is utmost. I always put everything I do during my shifts in the perspective of: is this what, or how I would want this done for my mother, brother, sibling or child? Or spouse? Or myself? I think that this is kind of like applying the "Golden Rule". If you want to be part of this special world that is: caring people who care for people, then it is FOR you. If not............

barbnicu:

You have summed up very nicely what I hope will guide me as a nurse: treat patients with all the care, respect, and dignity I would ANY family member or dear friend. None of those things you mention strike me as cons; more like the things I look forward to helping patients with during their time in need.

About 18 months ago I watched nurses care for my father for weeks in Cardiac-ICU following a cerebelum stroke he suffered while on bypass during scheduled valve replacement surgery. I was so thankful that most of my father's nurses subscribed to the philosophy you mention (or atleast left me belieiving they did.)

While in the rehab hospital I had an opportunity to care for my father in a very hands on way, whether it was wiping his rear or shaving his face. And mind you, this was a very proud and strong man; a man reduced to a shadow of his former self at that point. Yet my experience, of caring for the man who brought me into this world and taught me to be a man was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I also thought about the level of attention and care I paid to my dad, that of a son. Of course, in my screwed-up mind, it was superior to any attention an overworked nurse or nurses aid could provide. I will never forget those days and I hope I can return to that time for motivation when dealing with my patients.

The Golden Rule. Thanks for the reminder!

By the way, I guess when I was asking about CONS I was talking more about issues outside of actual patient care. I was thinking more about beuracracy (sp) in hospitals; nurse/doc relations; nurse/management relations; paperwork; etc. Things that may detract from the caregiving role, I suppose?