Need advice on nursing career

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Hi,

I'm new to the forum and need advice.

I've recently been informed by the company I work for that I'll be without a job within a year.

I've been with them for 25 years performing a male dominated type of job. I've grown bored with the job and I'm trying to look at his downsizing as a blessing in disguise.

Sooo... My question to you out there.. Has anyone made the major step from whatever job in their midlife (I'm 47) to a nursing career? If so, were/are you happy with the decision?

I have three requirements for what I'm looking for in a new career. A) work with a variety of people B) work with both sexes, since I've worked primarily with males most of my life, and C) get training in a field where there is a higher likelihood of getting a job

With these goals in mind, do you feel that nursing is a good option?

Do you feel that men are accepted in the nursing field?

Looking for any other advice you may have as well.

Thanks everyone

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Lots of folks -- of both sexes -- here have made mid-life career changes into nursing / healthcare.

First question to be addressed by those in your shoes: Will nursing (or whatever specific area within the industry you intend to pursue) be a good fit for you? Research and soul searching are required to answer reasonably.

Think nursing offers many great opportunities... and things will only get better in the next 10 years.

Guys that are professional, caring, pleasant and hard-working... as in any career field... will do real well.

Good luck in the future!

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Thanks Havin a Party,,

I didn't provide all of the questions that I'm interested in.

But mostly, the crux of my post is... For those of you who did make a midlife change, what were the main challenges that you ran in to, especially as a male RN? Were you well received by fellow RNs? By the patients you served? etc.

Thanks everyone

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I did it around age 40, and wish I had done it decades before. I got the job of my dreams, though, so that might make me biased. I've been received pretty well.

I was previously in law enforcement/corrections.

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Hi,

I'm new to the forum and need advice.

I've recently been informed by the company I work for that I'll be without a job within a year.

I've been with them for 25 years performing a male dominated type of job. I've grown bored with the job and I'm trying to look at his downsizing as a blessing in disguise.

Sooo... My question to you out there.. Has anyone made the major step from whatever job in their midlife (I'm 47) to a nursing career? If so, were/are you happy with the decision?

I have three requirements for what I'm looking for in a new career. A) work with a variety of people B) work with both sexes, since I've worked primarily with males most of my life, and C) get training in a field where there is a higher likelihood of getting a job

With these goals in mind, do you feel that nursing is a good option?

Do you feel that men are accepted in the nursing field?

Looking for any other advice you may have as well.

Thanks everyone

G'day,

About 2.5 years ago, I left a well-paid banking role (of 9 years) and returned to uni to study nursing.

I'm now in final semester.

You'll find that your (new) colleagues, patients and their families have alot of respect for you. This is because you come to the industry with a wealth of work and life experience which impacts profoundly on the way you conduct yourself and the way you perform your duties as a health-care professional.

Indeed, you will meet many new and interesting people from all walks of life and it begins at uni. I'm in a graduate entry course. As such, we all have degrees and work experience from a range of professions. The students in my course had careers in teaching, architecture, accounting, journalism....the wealth of work/life experience really does enrich the learning and work experience.

It was the right decision for me to leave the corporate world. However, the experience/knowledge I gained in the corporate world compliments my work as a nurse. By coming to this forum and asking this type of question, I suspect your time in your current field is coming to an end. It is a life-altering decision and I sincerely hope you give it a go.

All the best.

PS - The only thing I truly miss about my previous role is the annual bonus payment which financed alot of travels. However, nursing will allow me to travel the world and work.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho/Neuro, Hospice..
Thanks Havin a Party,,

I didn't provide all of the questions that I'm interested in.

But mostly, the crux of my post is... For those of you who did make a midlife change, what were the main challenges that you ran in to, especially as a male RN? Were you well received by fellow RNs? By the patients you served? etc.

Thanks everyone

My biggest challenge was just getting back into the swing of school again, I had poor study habits the last time (25 years ago) but with maturity and motivation and a focus of what I wanted to do with my life things became less of a personal challenge (academically things were challenging but everybody had to deal with that) and more of a routine of work, study, school, sleep, repeat. I also noticed that my ability to retain new info was not what it used to be, so I just studied more effectively and adjusted my habits.

I was/am very well received by my peers and my instructors, being male has never been an issue. I have been well received by my patients as well, most have been curious or even intrigued/impressed by my late life shift in careers. I think that's helped build rapport with them as well.

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I'm a man, and a nurse. Many men are very well suited for this difficult, but rewarding profession. The only way you'll really know would be to take that first step. Did you feel a calling to the profession?

If your friend called you, would you answer?

-Joe

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I am in a very similar position.

I am currently in an industry that is really suffering, and not sure how long things will even stay at the level they are now. I almost went into nursing out of high school, but was essentially 'too lazy' at that time. Now, 25+ years latter at the age of 45, am considering a career change. Part of what has inspired me also has been helping my daughter, who is 18, look into schools, careers, etc..... she chose out local ADN program here, and opened my eyes to the possibilities that are there.

There are several things that made me consider nursing as a logical choice. 1) I live in a semi-rural area, and do not really want to travel 1 hour plus each way to classes for other careers that I would be interested in since I would also need to work at least part time to make ends meet as I go. 2) We happen to have a great Tech School ADN program right here in our small town, with almost no waiting list once I get the pre-requisites out of the way. 3) I LOVE working with people of a wide variety, 'helping' others, etc.... 3) It seems like a fairly quick education time frame, and a reasonable price (about 15K for all pre-requisits and nursing classes over 3 years) 4)Lots of diverse job opportunities and chances for advancement. 5) I love the idea of so many flexible schedules that seem to be out there - I think I would love the 3-12s that seems to be a common shift schedule in our area. 6) It seems like a fairly 'safe' - as in not exportable or decreasing in need - career

Interstingly, as I have mentioned this possible career change to people I know, they have unanimously thought it would be a GREAT career for me to be in 'with my personality'. Maybe that is a sign???

From current RN's I have talked to around here, there is NO bias against men or 'career changers'.

djd

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