Published Nov 6, 2008
AKFLIGHTRN
101 Posts
Hello. I am a 37 year old father of two who is going back to school to pursue Nursing. I was an EMT when I was 25, but gave it up when I moved to the Minneapolis area to work in the I.T. industry. After many years and much soul searching I have decided to pass it up and pursue a more altruistic career. I tell my kids, life is not about what you get, but more about what you give.
I am just now finishing up the last of my prereqs and will be applying in January to a program at the local community college. I am hoping to finish my ASN, move right into a BSN and then on to an MSN. My ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner or a Physicians Assistant.
Just wanted to pop in and say Hi. I am a long time Lurker that is ready to become more active :)
Matt Olson
dan1100rt
39 Posts
Hi Matt,
I'm a 41y/o father of one; I also left IT after a long career to pursue nursing. I've never looked back: nursing is turning out to be exactly what I'd hoped for.
Being IT savvy has helped a great deal with school - many of the courses are at least partially online (if not completely online). Much of the research we do is via online databases.
Good luck with your pre-reqs and with your future nursing career!
- Dan
cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP
7 Articles; 1,156 Posts
Hello Matt,
My name is Chris and I'm a 21 y.o nursing student who started out at my local community college but after completing all of the prereqs I was told that the waitlist would be a few more years so I switched to my local four year college and now I am in the first semester of their program. I have approx. 2 1/2 more years to go and then I have my BSN. My plan is to go back and get my MSN after a few years of practice so I can become a NP and eventually teach nursing. So thats my plan..
!Chris
GrilledCheese
18 Posts
I'm starting to think we should form a club: The Midlife Crisis Former Computer Professional Male Nurse Association.
just_cause, BSN, RN
1,471 Posts
IEEE -> ANA club
I'm in. There's another mid-lifer in my program whom I'll invite as well.
Count me in. I am burnt out in the IT world. Now my big decision is do I go and become a CNA to gain more experience when I start the Nursing Program in the Fall.
Matt
Well, I didn't. But that first clinical day was a splash of cold water in the face. :behindpc:
I have heard that from a few nursing students I know in the program now. I was an EMT a few years ago, so I have a little understanding.
jameskm
6 Posts
Add one more IT defector to the list! I'm 42 and will be finishing up LPN program in June 09, my RN pre-reqs are already finished. I couldn't just sit around twiddling my thumbs on a waitlist. Just hang in there!
CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P
1,023 Posts
Matt -
If you're considering becoming a PA, you might want to check into that a bit more before starting along the RN path. You MAY end up having to re-do some (or a lot) of your classes.
Congrats on being brave enough to "jump ship" on your IT career, and switch to something completely different.
malestudentnurse
31 Posts
I am also a mid-lifer (35) and after years in the factory went back to school. I sent two years doing pre-reqs. I had to start from the beginning I hadn't been in a classroom since High school. Kept a great GPA and got accepted my first try. We totally rock!!!