Nursing as a Second Career

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Hello all. I am a 38 year old who has been a stay at home mom most of my adult life. My kids are now older and I am considering a career outside the home for the first time. I've always been interested in nursing because I've always had a great deal of compassion for people in need. My question: How many of you out there started your nursing career "later" in life..that is, you didn't go straight from high school to nursing school to working as an RN by the time you were 22. I'd like to hear some encouraging stories for us "oldies" out there. :-) Thanks.

Melody

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There are a number of good threads on this topic in the "Student Nursing" forum; just do a search there, and you'll find many of us "mature learners"!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Melly -- Started nursing after a downsizing last year. Was a sup for 25 years there.

You're very young! See all the previous posts on the ages of students in nursing.

Go for it!

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Thanks Larry! I needed the encouragement. :-) I've encountered so much unhappiness and disillusionment amongst some of the nurses on the board that I was beginning to have doubts about going into nursing. It was quite unsettling since helping people in need is what I've always wanted to do.

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I am a mother of 3 and have been a photojournalis for 13 years. I took 2 years off to be at home with my wee ones and now I am in nursing school - I am 37 years old. I have taken all but 2 of my pre-reqs thru the local community college (I am taking the 2 that are left this semester and summer) and start nursing school this August. I am really excited to be doing this - I might be older than most in my classes, but I am finding many people our age going back for a new career! Best of luck - I'm with ya!

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You can definitely do it! I am a former high school teacher and will be graduating in August. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. Nursing can be very rewarding but as some of the experienced nurses on the board have mentioned, there are also some major irritants that come with the job. Try to surround yourself with positive people, make up your mind to not take abuse from anyone, give the best care possible and pray a lot. :)

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I graduated at 46. Worked in the travel industry forever. In our school the average age of students was 36. So you are by far not alone.

It's a tough job. There are a lot of downsides to it, but in my opinion, the upside makes it worthwhile. Remember, the negativity you often see here is because this is a place you can go to vent about a rough time and others will understand where you're coming from.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

I am 38 and working as an LPN while in school obtaining the education for RN. I graduated from LPN school at age 37 (14 days before I turned 38) lol

I say go for it, if it's something you truly want. :-)

Kelly

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Have been a nurse for 28 years. Nursing Educator for many of them. I always thanked my lucky stars when I have adult learners in the group. That always made my job much easier.

When Pan Am and Eastern Airlines shut down 75% of the laid off flight attendants, senior flight attendants went straight into Nursing and the airlines paid their tuition. They did wonderfully in school, and run many nursing floors in South Florida today.

Keep that good thought.

Barbara

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