Is it to late for me to become a Nurse?

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Hello,

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!!!!

Can anybody out their relate?

Specializes in ER, ICU.

If you haven't- read What Color is Your Parachute? It is a well loved book on career change. It addresses issues such as work environment and so on. It helped me realize that EMS, then later nursing, was perfect for me. Good luck!

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I don't think it's 'too late' at all. I have a friend who didn't become a nurse until he was 35. Before that he was a miserable factory employee. Becoming a nurse is one of the best decisions he has made. I have seen him in action and he is an exceptional nurse, truly exceptional. I, myself, won't be graduating until I am 35. So, I would say go for it. You'll never know unless you try. Good Luck to you! :)

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Wow Louis, thanks for your question. I'm a 43 year old male. I am only now beginning to think of going back to school to get my RN. I have vere frew pre-req's, and realize it will take me a few years. I've been debating. After reading your delima, and the rest of the posts, I am even more confident to go forward. It is never too late. So if you are 32 or 33 when you complete the program, most likely you will have another 25 to 30 years of a career left. Besides, how old will you be in 3 years? The same doing what you are currently doing, or you could have an RN under your belt. But you will be that age regardless.

From 1 Louis to another, I say we go for it!

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I sure hope you are not too old. I finished all of the prereqs and start an LPN program in October. I am 51. After 30 years as a programmer and homeschooling 4 kids (all the way through belive it or not), it is time for me to do something I have always wanted to do. Good Luck!

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First of all, you're never too old. I'm 36 and I am starting my first semester of an A.D.N. program next week. Secondly, who cares if you're a male or not? I certainly wouldn't mind working with male nurses (I'm a female). No one can tell you what your heart's calling is except for you. If this is what you want, then go for it. Your life will be fuller and more rewarding if you follow your dreams.

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No, not too late! And well done you for deciding to go for it!

The things in life you regret are the things people dissuaded you from doing against your will. Don't be like me looking back and wishing that you had done what you wanted to do, not what others told you, you wanted!

If you don't like it, then that is not failure; it means you have come to the decision yourself.

Good luck! :D

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debbiecorn,

First congratulations on successfully homeschooling. That is a job within a job. I've heard more and more older adults such as us going back to school for this. Good luck to you in the program. I hope I can be saying I'm starting my program soon as well.

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Specializes in operating room.

I am 44, will graduate in December...in my class we have a gentleman in his 50s...another lady in her 50s...several others in their 40s...

Your friends and family misled you (though probably not maliciously). You are not too old, and I would've strongly encouraged you to enter and complete nursing school. Men are highly sought after as nurses - they are usually stronger (therefore usually get injured less often) and generally make awesome nurses. As for the "weak stomach," you will either have to choose a specialty of nursing that minimizes those events that cause you to feel squeamish, or I recommend just getting in there and exposing yourself (get used to it).

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Specializes in operating room.

I am 44, will graduate in December...in my class we have a gentleman in his 50s...another lady in her 50s...several others in their 40s...

Your friends and family misled you (though probably not maliciously). You are not too old, and I would've strongly encouraged you to enter and complete nursing school. Men are highly sought after as nurses - they are usually stronger (therefore usually get injured less often) and generally make awesome nurses. As for the "weak stomach," you will either have to choose a specialty of nursing that minimizes those events that cause you to feel squeamish, or I recommend just getting in there and exposing yourself (get used to it).

I hope you don't have much trouble re-applying...

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Specializes in Emergency Room, Specialty Infusions.

You might not like nursing school. It's hard. Very hard.

But nursing offers so much in different settings and practices. You would find one that would fit, for you.

And, what I have noticed over the years.....employers, other nurses, and even instructors LIKE male nurses. I have even noticed Doctors being more friendly to male nurses than females.

Do it. You have the next 30 years to be what ever you want.

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What everyone else said! I'm starting my ADN program next Monday and I'm 47. So what? I'll be working for the rest of my life. I might as well do something rewarding.

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Hi, I'm so glad that there are so many people that are just as confused as me about beginning my nursing career (especially the cost of nursing school). I never in a million years would have thought about becoming a nurse... I have B.A in Finance and i'm a waitress and very very part time a spanish medical interpreter.. interpreting in hospitals and at dr appointments made me become very interested in the healthcare field, I've thought about becoming every single type of healthcare provider... but i didn't think I could stomach being a nurse.

Have you volunteered at your local hospital? I have been volunteering for 5 weeks now, only 3hrs a week in the ER of Atlanta's inner city trauma hospital! THE MINUTE I STEPPED FOOT INTO THE ER AS A VOLUNTEER, I KNEW THATS WHAT I WANTED TO DO - i quickly realized i was able to stomach most everything (so far) - Dead people was something that kinda freaked me out prior to this, until I saw a guy die of cardiac arrest within the 1 hr of being in the ER. And yes it sucks, but thats part of the job.....

And if money is not the issue - than go!!!!!! I have met so many cool male/guy nurses that didnt even become nurses until they were 40! not to say that I don't think I'm too old to got back to school (and pay for this out of pocket - loans) and i'm 26! My biggest biggest fear is the money! I never had to take out loans for my 1st degree and i was able to work, but i dont think its possible to really work while in nursing school, especially during the accelerated programs.

So i hope it all works out for you, but your job seems pretty boring :( my job is too....

Go for it!!!!

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