New Nurse Early 50s in Nashville area?

[sheilam426]

Hi All,

I'm looking for some candid feedback based on your experiences, observations, stories you've heard, etc. Generally speaking, I am a member of the "it's never too late to pursue your goals" camp, but I also believe in a realistic approach to making decisons. Here's my situation...

I'm almost finished with my Assoc Degree at Nashville State then plan to transfer to earn BS. My background is in health insurance/medical billing and want to stay in the healthcare industry in some capacity. First choice is to go to nursing school and do hospital nursing for a few years then become a case manager or utilization review nurse. By the time I finished nursing school, I would be 52. Other considerations - I must continue working full time, so Cumberland Univ is the only night program at $50,000+. Given the time, effort, and financial investment, I want to feel hopeful that I have a shot of getting hired at that age.

Thoughts or opinions?

Thanks!

[Margotrita]

Hi!

I will finish my BSN in December and am late 40's. Everyone I meet at my clinicals and university tell me that I will be quite marketable due to my maturity and life experience. I will have a large debt in school loans, but plan to work PRN once I am up an running with my skills, in addition to a regular 36 week, to knock out the debt. You are going to be 52 whether you pursue this or not. I reached a cross road in my life where the thought of the debt and going back to school at my age was scary, but my future felt scarier at the thought of not pursuing my dream and career goals of being a nurse.

Go for it!