I posted this question in Reply to another's post. But thought maybe I'd get more response if I post as a new thread. Rather than get into the lengthy post I previously made....I'll nutshell it here:
Any new RNs age range 35 and up have a hard time getting first RN job due to younger competition? I'm 31 and just starting NS in October. I keep doubting my decision to leave a decent-paying (45+) legal position to change careers into nursing. I really want to. Can't stand my job and there is no future, no real benefits, etc. But I can't help but wonder if it's too late for this?
I'm so excited about nursing school most of the time, but once in a while, I wonder if I'm being a dreamer and unrealistic in my goals.??? :stone
With the nursing field, I really dont think you are going to have a problem competing with younger entry level nurses.
If anything, "older" people entering nursing have an advantage because of the knowledge you have gained just from living life and the more time and experience you have had in dealing with your own challenges and from dealing with others. If I was an employer, I would see this as an asset, not a negative.
When I think of how much I have learned about myself and how much better I can empathize with other people just in the ten years since I started college (I am 29) it is really amazing.
The way I see it, the older grads have 10+ years under their belt of dealing with not only life experience............... but most came from previous careers and previous degrees in other fields.
We've dealt with various employee relations issues, mean bosses from previous jobs, career stress, career burnout, probably had a lot more experience with needing healthcare for ourselves so we know how NOT to be on the floor, we've learned how to work in various work environments where personalities clash, and we have all these experiences to compare when we're faced with similar experiences in our new career.
I think it's also a plus that patients will think you've been a nurse for years! That will be the only time I'll be glad I'm not 25 anymore
Any new RNs age range 35 and up have a hard time getting first RN job due to younger competition? I'm 31 and just starting NS in October. I keep doubting my decision to leave a decent-paying (45+) legal position to change careers into nursing. I really want to. Can't stand my job and there is no future, no real benefits, etc. But I can't help but wonder if it's too late for this?
I'm so excited about nursing school most of the time, but once in a while, I wonder if I'm being a dreamer and unrealistic in my goals.??? :stone
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dana
I was in an evening NS program, so most of us were older, second-career types. I think about 75% of us had jobs lined up before graduation. I don't think you'll have any trouble whatsoever.
I was in an evening NS program, so most of us were older, second-career types. I think about 75% of us had jobs lined up before graduation. I don't think you'll have any trouble whatsoever.
Thanks so much for everyone's input on my post. I truly feel better already. Nursing school - here I come!
I am 37, a new grad and have my ex employer (that I worked at as an aide) calling me, begging me to come back! I didn't have any trouble getting the job I wanted!
I will be thirty at the end of the year. I interviewed for a Pediatric Nurse Residency Program which had 159 applications and had 50 positions to fill. I got one even though I am older than most new grads. So, I think that age really isn't an issue.
I am 43 and just graduated with my BSN n May. I interviewed for 3 jobs, was offerred all of them and one at at the hospital I did my clinicals at but did not apply! I think the best thing is to concentrate on presenting a professional appearance- you should be able to do that with your previous job experience. I think that is an edge we older grads have over some of the young 22 year olds who cannot look an authority figure in the eye....Good Luck!!
You've got to be kidding #1) you are not even middle age yet, you ARE one of the young ones, and #2) who would you hire, the giggly little fresh faced student type, or the mature, serious minded, adult that can actually relate to many of your patients?? Also, age helps with the "critical thinking" concept we are all so confused about in school. Nurse recruiters are desparate, but not stupid. The one that makes the best impression, regardless of age will most likely be offered the position. (Unless of course the recruiter is a male and the 20yr old is really cute;-)
I posted this question in Reply to another's post. But thought maybe I'd get more response if I post as a new thread. Rather than get into the lengthy post I previously made....I'll nutshell it here:
Any new RNs age range 35 and up have a hard time getting first RN job due to younger competition? I'm 31 and just starting NS in October. I keep doubting my decision to leave a decent-paying (45+) legal position to change careers into nursing. I really want to. Can't stand my job and there is no future, no real benefits, etc. But I can't help but wonder if it's too late for this?
I'm so excited about nursing school most of the time, but once in a while, I wonder if I'm being a dreamer and unrealistic in my goals.??? :stone
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dana
I know EXACTLY how you feel. I am 32 & just passed NCLEX. However, I wasn't doing anything prior to that...just hanging out, accumulating debt. For me, I have tried college a few times, & ended up 'sitting out' here & there. FINALLY, I finished in August 2004! I think I had a lot of growing up to do, which is probably why I never really saw it through in the beginning.
You are not too old for this! I had a classmate who was 41 when we finished. She had 3 children & worked odd jobs, and cared for her elderly mother. The bottom line for her was that she wanted to be able to provide for her children & her mother, & have some stability. I had another classmate (who ended up switching to Nutrition), who was 53 when we started the 1st semester of the program. She didn't give a damn, she was simply going for what she wanted. I totally respect that! Also, you said your job has no real benefits, no future, & you can't stand it. Nursing has various avenues, and chance for advancement.
A couple of years ago, my husband & I had really well paying jobs. Then the company laid off, for reasons that we NEVER would have predicted. We were screwed. Neither of us had any skills to transition into a similar job, plus, a similar job would not have paid as much as we were making. The job was nice while it lasted, but once it abruptly ended...oh man! I think you should go for it while you have the opportunity. Good luck!
You've got to be kidding #1) you are not even middle age yet, you ARE one of the young ones, and #2) who would you hire, the giggly little fresh faced student type, or the mature, serious minded, adult that can actually relate to many of your patients?? Also, age helps with the "critical thinking" concept we are all so confused about in school. Nurse recruiters are desparate, but not stupid. The one that makes the best impression, regardless of age will most likely be offered the position. (Unless of course the recruiter is a male and the 20yr old is really cute;-)
On the other side of the coin, I've seen some appallingly young (and often alarmingly cute) young nurses in my classes and now at work who are mature, serious-minded, and awesome, even when they occassionally giggle. Life experience is a wonderful assest, but as I slide toward decrepitude, it's good to know there are plenty of talented younger nurses, too.
I totally agree.... however, I was encouraging and answering the original posters concerns. I mentioned "the one that makes the best impression, regardless of age", so don't worry, I would never dream of leaving out the alarmingly cute.
spencesa76
31 Posts
With the nursing field, I really dont think you are going to have a problem competing with younger entry level nurses.
If anything, "older" people entering nursing have an advantage because of the knowledge you have gained just from living life and the more time and experience you have had in dealing with your own challenges and from dealing with others. If I was an employer, I would see this as an asset, not a negative.
When I think of how much I have learned about myself and how much better I can empathize with other people just in the ten years since I started college (I am 29) it is really amazing.
Age is wisdom.