Is nursing for me...?

[MrWhite]

I trying to get some insight regarding the path I'm taking for my future education.

My ultimate goal is to become a CFRN (flight nurse). Nevertheless, before I dive in deep on a set path this seems like a great place to seek some expert advice.

Currently I have a BA in Communications (minor in Medical Communications), and a MS in Emergency Management.

I also have a extensive background with Pharmacology, and Chemistry. My current gig is in Pharmaceutical research and development.

Lastly, I'm also a fixed wing pilot with only 300 hours, but fly for pleasure.

I have looked into several nursing schools and have some pre reqs that will transfer. I still need a couple of pre reqs to take. I can knock those out during next two semesters at the local community college. I'm confident from practice exams that I will do well on the HESI, however the TEAS is going to take some serious effort which concerns me.

Since I have a few months before Spring semester I figured that I could get my ACLS cert to get a head start. One of the programs I'm looking at requires BLS before admission, and figured it would not hurt to take the extra step.

Here is the rub.....

I'm not a young "whipper snapper" and figured if all goes well I should have my BSN and pass the NCLEX when I'm 48 years old. Thereafter I will still need about 2 years of trauma or critical care experience before I will even be considered for a flight nurse gig. That being said I'm not sure there is a chance I can get hired as a flight nurse at the ripe old age of 50. Granted my path may change while in school and I may develop interests in other areas of nursing such as trauma, CC, PICU, etc. However, being out in the field helping others while up in the sky seems like my calling.

Are my expectations realistic, and achievable?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Are my expectations realistic, and achievable?

There's no hard, fast rule stating that flight nurses must be under the age of 50. I'd be lying if I said that ageism wasn't an issue in nursing, because it is. However, your goals are attainable if you are willing to be flexible and relocate to secure your first critical care nursing job.

Despite what you have heard, there's no nursing shortage. If you are located in an area that is saturated with too many new nurses, you might need to relocate to find the type of job you are seeking. Everyone and their mamas wants the exalted job in acute care or transport/flight nursing, so there will be some competition.

Good luck to you!