I'm 32 years old and pregnant with my 5th child. I've been on food stamps most of my adult life as well as having used up my 5 years of welfare. I'm sick of being poor. So while this is something I want to do, it is for the money as well. I've always dreamed of being a midwife but thought I would love to start out with nursing and then be able to provide for my family. I want to be able to send my kids to college one day. My grandmother was a nurse and I've been told by many people I would make a great nurse. Blood and poop do not bother me.
I want to start next fall when the baby is old enough to be away from me. My partner is being supportive.
My main concerns are: spending 4 years in scool (2 years to do the pre-req)
Not being able to find a job here on the Big island of Hawaii
It would be impractical for me to move my whole family somewhere else.
Anyone else have similar experience or any advice?
Also, more jobs might open up in 2-3 years. It's hard to say, but this can't go on forever. If you want to go back to school, do it. Just know that you really need to stand out.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Do it! But don't do it just for the money....do it because you want to make something of your life...I'm not a nurse, I start nursing school next month and I'm in my late 30's..why am I doing it?
Because I wanted to be a nurse for a long time and I have the opportunity to do it. I saved and saved and saved...
Will it be hard...heck yes but I am going to do it. I wish you luck and I also give you kudos that you want something more.
I'm happy for you that you've got a goal and a plan to achieve it. But please don't impugn anyone else's motives for wanting to be a nurse. Doing it "just for the money" is as valid a motive as anyone's. The money WILL provide a better life for her and her children.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
All things are possible through christ!! I have four children and I just graduated in August and just passed my nclex September 5th!! If this is what you want then go get it!! Don't let anything or anybody stop you!! May God bless you!!
I understand that you're religious, but unless you're willing to graciously wade through posts proclaiming that "all things are possible through Allah" or through Buddha or through atheism, please don't proselytize here. Not everyone is the same flavor of religion as you, and I for one am tired of seeing Christ praised in non-religious threads.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
"If you do go into nursing here is a big tip: Don't tell your Peds or OB instructor that you know a lot about having babies and taking care of babies already.."
I don't recommend anyone begin nursing school at this time. Not that your age has anything to do with it. It's the economy and the fact that you need to work, really need to work. So, having just said that, your time is not as lengthy as the 20 year olds starting out, to wait for the job market to open up."
Well what was it like 4 years ago trying to get a job?
What will it be like in 4 years?
Do you think it might get better?
I've been reading about how the healthcare industry is going to be hiring more nurses as the babyboom population ages. Maybe this is just hype but I have read that it is supposed to get better. It's hard to think about it not getting better, and harder to think it might get worse.
There is a future shortage of bedside nurses as the baby boom generation ages and as the current crop of newbies opt out of bedside nursing to pursue advanced degrees. The CRNA market where I live is hopelessly over saturated now and has been for several years, and this is only now starting to decrease the fervor for anesthesia school. We're going to need good nurses at the bedside over the next decade as we baby boomers start to retire and as we age and require more healthcare of our own.
The economy took a nosedive, and is slowly recovering. Even now, there are new grad positions available for those willing to move to where the positions are. It will continue to slowly improve (unless of course we have a clueless millionaire in the White House, but I digress). For anyone concerned about building a lasting career, health care is a good option.
The OP is 32; will be 36 when she finishes and have approximately 30 more years to work and to save for retirement. I'd say if she wants to, she should go for it.
My sister was 50 years old when she graduated from nursing school. She just retired last year after 20 years. If nursing is what you want to do, then do it. Caution, nursing school is no joke,and when you get your first job,overwhelming. It is a REALLY hard work. So you need to love it! I'm 53 years, I am a bedside nurse on a very busy surgical floor. I left for one year to do case management, because it was getting too hard. Well I'm back at the bedside, missed the clinical aspect of nursing. So what I'm trying to get at is this......Nursing is a calling,we are suppose to do this,so if you don't feel it,don't do it . If you have the calling it doesn't matter how old your are when you answer.
Go for it!! I graduated at 40 and have never regretted it! I chose to go part time to school so I could be with my little ones and also to concentrate on my studies. I would have been overwhelmed going full time but that is just me. The years will march on regardless and you won't know until you dive in. Try a couple of pre-req's part time and see how it goes. Wishing you the best of luck!
If I were to go to San Fransisco, LA, or New York maybe. I may go to Maui. Here is a link to an example of what I do. But I'd rather do nursing and just sew for fun and make my families clothes. Making clothes is very competitive. Although it seems like nursing is too.
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Ashley3H12
27 Posts
My boyfriend is in law school with classmates in their late 50s. It is never to late to pursue your dreams!