Mature Student: Job Prospects?

[StudentnurseDiane]

I have always wanted to be a nurse and will be fianlly graduating this year as an RPN/LPN with a 4.0 average after raising a family and so on. I am wondering, when someone is in their late 40's, is it harder to be employed? Even though life experience is being brought to the table, I am still older than most. My friends say that it's terrific I have done this, yet I feel that I may be unemployable at my age. What do you think?

[ORRocksRN]

I think it is all in how you approach it. being mature is a great asset in lots of ways, go in there with that attitude and you will do fine. remember that it is illegal for an employer to ask your age or to discriminate based on that, so don't offer the info if you are uncomfortable about it. don't ask, don't tell. you have the same education as everyoe else, PLUS you have been educated by life. you are at an advantage. but do take care of yourself and stay as healthy as you can, don;t hurt your back and wear comfortable shoes. you are as young as you feel!

[dandk1997RN, MSN, RN]

Being older can be an advantage because some employers may think you are more stable than a twenty year old, which you very well may be. I wouldn't get discouraged before you've even graduated- you'll be fine.

My aunt got her nursing degree at...47? She has been gainfully employed ever since then in a small hospital. Go into your interviews and knock their socks off!

[MermiesGreatGig]

I will graduate in December at the ripe young age of 40. Prior to nursing school I had a very lucrative HR career. I can honestly tell you that any prospective employer is NOT interested in age. They are interested in finding a competent employee who WANTS to work. I hired so many people who simply wanted a paycheck. Just push your individual assets, and you will be fine. PROMISE!!!!!