Looking for advice.

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I am a 28 year old male and I work in the IT industry. However, I am no longer happy doing this work. Don't get me wrong it is a good field with room for advancement and monetary gains, but I can't see myself doing it forever. I have always wanted to go into the medical field and what I would really love to do is Pediatric or Neonatal nursing. I feel this is my true calling in life.

Only problem is that I would have to start training from day 1 and the next program in my area doesn't start till Sep. 09 and that is only for LPN. Also the only person that I am getting support from is my 7 year old daughter...and that is enough for me but at the same time she is still a child that thinks dad can do anything. Plus my ex-wife and family tell me that I should not take a risk by starting a new career at this stage in my life.

I am not looking for someone to tell me what to do as I have already made up my mind. I am just looking for some support from people that have left jobs and started over from scratch. Is it worth waiting so long to start an LPN course and then move to ADN? Any advice or just words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I am sure that there are many posts almost the same as this one but if you read this far please leave a response I promise I will appreciate it, even if it is not an answer I want to hear. Thank you.

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I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living or get busy dying. --Andy Dufresne

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

:welcome: Welcome to our online community!

I was a factory worker (machine operator) for 3 years before I took the plunge, quit this well-paying job, and enrolled in a full time LVN/LPN program 4 years ago. So far, I have few regrets for making this decision. I worked in the manufacturing industry, which is on shaky foundation in today's economy. I needed a career field that was more stable, and offered jobs that were less likely to vanish overseas.

I have to admit that many bedside nurses experience a great deal of stress and must tactfully deal with demanding patients, abusive visitors, physicians who are sometimes condescending, and management who may not be supportive. In other words, you'll need a tough skin. Some career changers are shocked at the lack of respect bestowed upon nurses. This job is not easy, so don't be fooled.

However, I live in an area that has an abundance of LVN job opportunities at fairly good pay rates. For that reason alone, I'm pleased.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

You're quite young, and life is way to short to be unhappy. You're going to find all kinds of ages when you go back, and many people choose nursing as a 2nd career, many even walk away from higher paying jobs. I started nursing school at age 32. Sept. 09 is going to arrive for all of us who don't die. What do you envision your life to be if you don't go for nursing? Is this life o.k. with you? Will you regret not going after nursing? Because time is going on regardless?

Check this out.https://allnurses.com/forums/f200/anyone-start-their-career-late-life-125963.html

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Welcome to allnurses! :balloons: You'll find lots of info and encouragement here.

Heck, plenty of folks haven't settled into a first career by age 28 -- you're certainly not to "old" to switch!! You will encounter lots of people older than you in nursing school.

Best wishes for your journey --

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You are never tooo old to start from scratch to chase your passion! I started over from scratch at age 32. You can do anything that you put your mind to!!! It sounds like your greatest challenge will be gaining family support. When they see you determined, they will hop on board! Most nursing programs have pre- reqs that you could take til you can enter a program. Congrats on your decision to enhance your being!:yeah:

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

I agree. Wait it out and start your ADN next Sept. Try and see if you can knock out some prerequisite or core classes in the meantime, in order to decompress your workload later. You're NOT too old to start a new career. Deciding to make the change is the hardest part. Who cares about your current job. You need to do what makes you happy and fulfilled in life. I'm glad to hear you're interested in NICU or peds nursing. We need more guys like you that are passionate about what interests them.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

I was 45 years old when I Sold my Biz and went back to school It took 3years for me to get my RN but I am very happy with my choice. No regrets! I have so many more opportunities because I took the plunge...

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Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You're NOT 82!!!!!! Go for the gusto, Godspeed!!!!

I became a nurse at 30 and have no regrets.

I absolutely looooooove what I do.

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