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 didn't read the other posts, but I will say this. I am 29, I have a wife and two children. I became an RN this year. I went back to school at 23, worked a full time as a PCT at a local hospital and part time making coffee the whole time, went to school part time till I got into the program at my college (Edison State College), then full time. I graduated this May with my ASN, became at the beginning of July and have been working since, and I love it.It took me 6 years to finish, and honestly at times felt like a living hell, but was worth it. You aren't "too old", we are the same age (essentially, 5 months till 30), and you have the added benefit of the military paying for school. GO FOR IT! If I could do it, you can do it. I used to be super sqeamish, my first year working as a tech, EVERYTHING made me sick, but you get used to it, pretty much immune. I can pack an amputee's wound then go eat chili for lunch now, no problem. Don't let other people tell you what you can and can't be, you can do it, go for it.
Another thing: I left home when I was 16,was homeless for a time, I got married young and had children young, got me GED at 21, this process took forever, it was hard on my marriage, so I can understand your concern for your wife, but I made it and we made it, and I can tell you this, you will have proven yourself to her that you CAN take care of her when you are done............again, if I could do it, you can.....thank you for your service to our country, and good luck on your journey.
I think you are never too old to go back to school, but I just think alot of people are going into nursing for the wrong reasons...The hours are long at times the work is hard and some patiens and families can be a pain... Its not any different than any other job in that respect. There is something very rewarding about caring for some one who can not care for themselves. If you dont love it you will be one of those nurses we all talk about...lol Ive seen male nurses treated way better and paid more than female nurses over my 15 years so you don't have to worry bout that part. I think a self examination is in order before you make the leap.
]30 is definitely not too old. It is our journey that makes us who we are today. I would venture to say that your experiences to date will make you a better nurse than if you had gone into this profession straight out of high school. (I am not saying there is anything wrong with that path.)
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]As to the subject of liking nursing, who could not love a profession at has so many opportunities. If you look around and give it thought, you will find the area of nursing that is your perfect fit. And remember, that area may not be what you expect.
Let me start by saying Bull crap we need male nurses its a nice balance and we need your muscles. LOL expecially on my floor with the post cardiac surg. I started nursing school 2005 when I was 40 and now working as a RN, my only regret is waiting 15yr after graduation to decide on becoming a RN. I would have given anything to graduate in my 30s not 40s. don't make the same mistake. Nursing has a variety of opportunities so go for it. Call the college and try to get back into the program.
Please? Too old? No No NO!!! If being a nurse is what you want by all means go for it. I went back with 4 small children at 28 years old. That was 24 years ago without regrets. You know what you want now go for it. And God Bless You.
I graduated in 09 at age 49, my husband will finish in May 11 at age 65 :) I wish I did it at 30. I am now 50 and l really enjoy working on the Med/Surg floor. Sure it can be difficult at times, but I believe it will keep me going into my later years. Go for it, you will not regret it.
- Talk to some actual nurses- men & women (& other medical professionals)
- Volunteer in an ER, Hospice, etc.,
- Then seriously ask yourself; does this feel right for ME !!!
I just turned 52 & am the oldest in my class (though act the youngest ;-) I just finished my first semester in an Accelerated BSN program and besides relearning how to study 24/7 and reorganizing my life around family, (my wife and two children are an awesome psych/supply support staff!!) my advice is that you need to be clear why YOU want to become a nurse and if you choose to pursue that path- go for it 100%
I'm 34 & I just graduated, I still have to go back for my BSN. I had a lot of younger classmates, but there were also some that ranged from 5-20 yrs older than I am (males included). Good luck!
30 is not to old at all, not even close. I am working toward being accepted into the program here at ETSU and it looks good for me. However, I ran into the same issues that you are. I had friends telling me I was crazy for just going back to school let alone going into the nursing field. Even my wife had the same concerns up front. I was just looking for a career with job security. When a friend asked if I had thought of nursing, he knew I liked helping people and that I can remain calm in an emergency. He being a doctor, knew that I would make a good fit.
When I contacted the university I told them I was also concerned about my age, being 43, and I was told that there was a 65 year old women in the program now. I was also concerned about being a male and I was told that is not a concern now-a-days. My wife had found some statistics online stating that when a male and female are equally qualified that the male is hired 87% of the time over the female. This is what made me feel more at ease about taking the leap into nursing. The most important thing is that you need to feel compfortable with your decision.
A lot of hospitals have a shadowing program where you can follow a RN arround to see if you can handle it or not. You could also work in doctors offices among other places.
i think if you want to be a nurse than you should. Dont pay attention to what people tell you. Lets just say you do have a weak stomach etc so what who cares if you want to be a nurse you will get through that. i dont think anyone likes seeing projectile vomit and poo but you get used to it lol. Do what your heart tells you to do and go for it. I understand how you feel I am 29 and I hate desk jobs too. Desk job= Hell lol. Give it a try what do you have to lose you already know you hate your job now.
Specializes in Med Surg, Homecare, Hospice, Rehab.
Hey, Squid ! (I am Army(Ret.)
Don't let anyone tell you what you cannot do!
I started nursing school at age 50 and didn't bow out (retire) until age 68.
Only you can set your limits.
All those things you mentioned that you have been told why you cannot be a nurse are just so much Barnacle #$%&*!
I was seen as a nurse, (and as a doctor by a patient who could not hadn't the female physician who was seeing the patient with me . . . go figure). As an "Older" male, I think the Profs treated me better than the younger female student set.
And, as such, I could add the wisdom of my age and (on-going) military experience to the mix.
(I was not the oldest in my class, just the 3rd . . .).
FYI: Protect your boundaries and RESPECT theirs. (I am just saying.)
That, and the fact that they found out I was also a practicing Army Chaplain as well. (Desert Storm came in the middle of my nursing school time. Yes I took a ribbing from many of the hospital staff, but I was also invited to learn stuff I would not have if I were just "Chappy".
You will have patients, both during school and after, who will ask you to leave because you are male, as well as to replace a female because you are male. BTW: Unless you are built like Hulk Hogan, do not hesitate to ask for "Lift Help".
Let nothing stand in your way, especially others' problems and your own internal bilge.
Diplomatically insist on proper respect from physicians, nurses and patients.
Study hard - a "B" is minimum passing where I come from, except on Medications Math where 100% is minimum passing.
Put yourself on the receiving end of the medications math.
You can do this, Swabby.
I am in your "Amen Corner" Email me if you choose.
You are one year wiser and more experienced that you were.
Nursing is the most multi-faceted profession next to ministry.
There are areas of specialty just for you. Not all of them will make you puke.
Incidentally - in the OR, I discovered if I fascinate myself with the process, I don't get "woozy".
(Save empathy for the patient's pain until back on the floor.)
You can dissociate yourself from what might mess with you by really focusing on the patient's process - works for me, and the patient.
Pitch all the regrets off the Fantail - you will find that you have gained something in this past year that would have been a stumbling block a year ago. (Been there-Done that).
johndz
15 Posts
I didn't read the other posts, but I will say this. I am 29, I have a wife and two children. I became an RN this year. I went back to school at 23, worked a full time as a PCT at a local hospital and part time making coffee the whole time, went to school part time till I got into the program at my college (Edison State College), then full time. I graduated this May with my ASN, became at the beginning of July and have been working since, and I love it.It took me 6 years to finish, and honestly at times felt like a living hell, but was worth it. You aren't "too old", we are the same age (essentially, 5 months till 30), and you have the added benefit of the military paying for school. GO FOR IT! If I could do it, you can do it. I used to be super sqeamish, my first year working as a tech, EVERYTHING made me sick, but you get used to it, pretty much immune. I can pack an amputee's wound then go eat chili for lunch now, no problem. Don't let other people tell you what you can and can't be, you can do it, go for it.
Another thing: I left home when I was 16,was homeless for a time, I got married young and had children young, got me GED at 21, this process took forever, it was hard on my marriage, so I can understand your concern for your wife, but I made it and we made it, and I can tell you this, you will have proven yourself to her that you CAN take care of her when you are done............again, if I could do it, you can.....thank you for your service to our country, and good luck on your journey.