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!!!!
Too old at 30? Absolutely not!! I got accepted into nursing school at the age of 51, and I was NOT the oldest student in the class! I've been an LPN for 3 years, loving it, and so glad I didn't talk myself out of it - thank goodness for a husband who was my biggest support. YOU have to decide what you want to do, don't let others decide that for you. And male nurses? They're great, need more of them. That rationalization is as bad as saying "you're a woman, you can't be a doctor" HUH?????? Good luck with your decision.:mnnnrsngrk:
Specializes in Med Surg, Homecare, Hospice, Rehab.
Wow. This thread sure grew in a hurry! I'm a male LPN, I'll be 57 next month, and I just passed my NCLEX-RN last Thursday. In the last two years (almost) I've had no problems at all with respect to my age. I had plans to try this back in 1990, but I wound upgrading my job at that time and let it slide to the back burner. If you think this is a type of work you want to do, 30 means nothing. j
Well I am 32 years old and I am entering my 2nd semester of nursing school, and yes I am male. I left a hard physical job behind that I made really good money at to go into nursing school. It was easily one of the best decisions I've made. I love it! I am currently a nurse tech with the VA and I make roughly a third of what I used to, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. If you feel like you can provide care and compassion to someone when they are having one of their worst days then you should explore nursing. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
I graduated from nursing school at age 38 after working as legal secretary for 17 years. I've been working as a nurse for almost 6 years. I am about to transfer to the 3rd job I've held at the same hospital (a level I trauma center). Except for the first year, I have never worked full time (usually 64-72hrs/pay period). I do work nights and there is a nice shift differential for that, but I prefer nights anyway. I have a job I really like and I am learning something new all the time. Oh, and I earn DOUBLE what I earned as a legal secretary w/all those years of experience, work fewer hours, and have a lot more flexibility and autonomy.
I'm not suggesting you make a decision based upon money you could earn, especially with the job market being tough for nurses, but if you think nursing is right for you (and remember there are many different ways to work as an RN) I say go for it. There are lots of older adults choosing RN as a second career, and I think we have a lot to offer. We are mature and bring our life experiences, previous education and other career skills to our work as an RN. For example, my manager frequently compliments me on my charting and nursing notes. I am sure that my experience working with attorneys and majoring in English (the written word is the main product for both) before getting my ASN has something to do with that.
One thing I did before signing up for nursing school was ask the school to put me in touch with a graduate who was working in a hospital setting. I was able to follow this experienced RN around for her whole shift. Once I did that, I really felt I was on the right track. BTW, I really hated nursing school (even though I was an A student) --but I have never for a minute regretted this career change.
I agree.. do what makes you happy. It doesn't seem like you won't like nursing, just may take a little to find your niche. You can go hundreds of ways once you're in.
And being too old???? I'll be 58 when I graduate with my RN!
I am 48 and graduate tommorow, almost every guy in my class was OVER 30. I did this for a better life with my husband, you have a good reason, good attitude, and structure. Go for it and do not let anyone tell you your to old ever!
Right out of HS, I let friends, family, etc. talk me out of a nursing career. Well, long story short, and many, many years later, I am in a nursing program. I will be 57 when I graduate.
First of all a quote from 10 Things I Hate About You: Don't let anyone ever tell you, you don't deserve what you want. While I understand that peer influence is a very motivating or demotivating factor, the choice is yours alone, and only you can determine whether or not you have to ability to get through the program. I am looking at other responses and may people older than you are in nursing programs right now so don't think that 30 is a cutoff for furthering your education. I was in college right after high school and screwed it up (rule obsessed family, needed "to stretch my legs" in college). I had the grades, but not the dedication anymore. I'm now 25, 9 months into nursing school and still feel that I should be further along in my education, but at least I made it....at least I am accomplishing my dream NOW and didn't just give-up permanently. As for being male, so am I. The hardest thing about being a man in a nursing program, is putting up w/ stupid drama that females tend to find themselves in, (not that men can't participate or start it too). It takes a very dedicated mind and a whole-hearted desire to be a nurse (in my opinion) to get through nursing school, because it is A LOT!, but do not let others dictate to you what you can or can't do. Do you think you can do it? It is something you really want and would love doing? If YES, then FIND A WAY!!
I would recommend following your own voice. I started a diploma program in March at age 46 after being at home to raise our three beautiful children. There were and still are moments when I'm second guessing myself, but am plugging away at it. There is ALOT of work involved and if you're prepared for it, and utililze good time management skills and attend all classes, threre shouldn't be a problem in keeping up. I'll graduate December 2011, take my NCLEX exam and plan to pass the first time around. I'll still have 20+ good working years and a chance to do something I've always wanted to do. At 30, you've got your whole life ahead of you. Good Luck!
Specializes in Retired OR nurse/Tissue bank technician.
You're not too old at all. There were men in my nursing program ranging in age from 32-46. As long as you're physically fit and mentally ready for the challenge, go for it.
Take a part time job working in the type of facility you would like to work at later, see what is done. If that is not possible, call that facility and talk with their nurse manager to see if she has time to give you a tour and talk with you about nursing.
Age has nothing to do with your ability to learn. Good Luck!
bubbles1972
5 Posts
Too old at 30? Absolutely not!! I got accepted into nursing school at the age of 51, and I was NOT the oldest student in the class! I've been an LPN for 3 years, loving it, and so glad I didn't talk myself out of it - thank goodness for a husband who was my biggest support. YOU have to decide what you want to do, don't let others decide that for you. And male nurses? They're great, need more of them. That rationalization is as bad as saying "you're a woman, you can't be a doctor" HUH?????? Good luck with your decision.:mnnnrsngrk: