Why is it easy to be honest with complete strangers?
I am 30 years old male, and I was just accepted into a nursing program a year ago. I was very excited, but I allowed people to talk me out of the program. I was told that I was to old, that I had a weak stomach, that they don't see me as a nurse, and it would be hard becoming a nurse because I am a male. I thought they were right, but a year later I find myself regretting not starting the program.
I completed the Navy, so the navy would pay my rent, tuition, and my book fees. So money is not the issue.
I don't like my current job. I have been put on probation at my job, and I feel like it's a blessing in disguise. And I have done so many desk jobs and don't like it. I work at a school doing filing, grades, and busy work. The job does not satisfy me. Come to think of it, I don't like desk jobs, I have way to much energy, and I love being social. I care about my fellow man. My job's pay is alright, but the health insurance is horrible, i do as many hours as i would a nurse, and I come home feeling like why am i doing this job. I can't support my wife, I don't feel like my work as any meaning to me, and it's dull. If I became a nurse, I could offer her more, and most importantly the job could give me value.
My wife's main concern is what if I don't like nursing. My question to her is what if it is what i been looking for all this time!!!!
I think your wife is just concerned that you'll choose a career you don't like and end up unhappy.
My hubby started school for forensic science. He had 1 year left to finish his Bachelor's, but I could just tell he was not excited about it. He did enjoy learning things about forensic science.
I noticed that we would not watch any shows about detectives or things like forensic files. He really had not interest in them. He only watched the Food Network. He loved to cook.
I told him to think about it. What makes you happy? He kept focusing on the pay, knowing that it takes a LONG time for a chef to make good money. I told him that I didn't care about the pay. I want him to be happy. If that means making $12 hr for quite a few years, then that's what it means.
He is in culinary school and he loves what he does. That's what matters. As a wife, I don't want to see my hubby end up in a career he doesn't enjoy.
Only you can decide if nursing is for you. As far as being too old, heck no! My mom is in school with me, she is 44 years old. I see plenty of nursing students older than you.
Let me start by telling you that you are NOT too old to be in nursing school. My husband is 43 and I am 38. We are both atteending nursing school together. its exciting really.
My husband was in the same situation you are in. He was in a job for 20+ years that didnt quite pay the bills. He hated it with a passion but stayed because he was so worried about change. It took him losing his job, us losing our house and aall of our comfort, and relocating 1300 miles away from our friends and family for us to realize we are right where we need to be and that it should have been done a long time ago. Do NOT stay in a job that is so unsatisfying! Get out! Run! How fortunate you are to have 100% of school paid for.
I also worry that my stomache wont be able to handle it. Ya know what? There are 1001 different aspects of nursing and not all of them deal with bodily fluids and icky stuff! To get through school it will have to be delt with, but after that there are many things you can do.
As for men not doing well in nursing, I think that is so wrong. There is a need for diversity in nursing and I think males do very well in the field.
We start school in a week and a couple of days and everyday I can talk myself out of going. I cant do it. I wont be a good nurse when I finally do get my degree, I wont be able to deal with it, Ect, Ect.... Dont do that to yourself or let anyone else do it to you. We can do it!
I know I'm late to the party, but I wanted to send my encouragement as well. I turned down a few programs in my late 20's, and just turned 31. I'll be almost 34 when I finish. But, I'll be 34 and finished.
When I told my friends, they all said, "Really? You? A nurse?" and laughed. It's just more motivation to complete the program and be successful.
I know I'm late to the party, but I wanted to send my encouragement as well. I turned down a few programs in my late 20's, and just turned 31. I'll be almost 34 when I finish. But, I'll be 34 and finished.
When I told my friends, they all said, "Really? You? A nurse?" and laughed. It's just more motivation to complete the program and be successful.
Good luck!
I've gotten that reaction too! They can kiss my rear when I become a nurse, then they can kiss it again when I become an ARNP.
Too late for nursing??? You must be new to allnurses because I've heard some wonderful and inspirational stories of people who entered nursing in their 50's. I wish you didn't listen to others in your life who told you you were too old, because you may have been half way done with nursing now.
Well, don't dwell on the past and move forward. Start surrounding yourself with people who will encourage and support your decisions. Volunteer at a hospital if your schedule allows.
no it's not to late to become a nurse. you have an added bonus with rent, tuition, and book fees covered because you completed the navy! that would be incentive enough for me to jump up and do it! listen, you are as young as you feel. it's a blessing to have all your faculties in check. if this is what is in your heart......do something about it!!
I just quit my desk job and I will be pursuing my nursing full time.
How awesome! Its a huge step and one you wont regret! Im excited for you!!!! Thank you for your service to our country :anpom: and good luck in everything you do.
happy2learn
1,118 Posts
I think your wife is just concerned that you'll choose a career you don't like and end up unhappy.
My hubby started school for forensic science. He had 1 year left to finish his Bachelor's, but I could just tell he was not excited about it. He did enjoy learning things about forensic science.
I noticed that we would not watch any shows about detectives or things like forensic files. He really had not interest in them. He only watched the Food Network. He loved to cook.
I told him to think about it. What makes you happy? He kept focusing on the pay, knowing that it takes a LONG time for a chef to make good money. I told him that I didn't care about the pay. I want him to be happy. If that means making $12 hr for quite a few years, then that's what it means.
He is in culinary school and he loves what he does. That's what matters. As a wife, I don't want to see my hubby end up in a career he doesn't enjoy.
Only you can decide if nursing is for you. As far as being too old, heck no! My mom is in school with me, she is 44 years old. I see plenty of nursing students older than you.