deb2mirabelle

Once again , I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of everyone's replies. It is the physical demands that worry me--I'm actually great at learning new skills. I'll just have to keep thinking and talking to people and make a decision by September. thanks so much. I'm really impressed by how many of you in your fifties are going strong! Would it be realistic to think I could do something more administrative after 4 to 5 years? Deborah

This is very encouraging---thanks for telling me a little about your transition!

Thank-you, that is just the way I'm looking at it. going to take this summer to get fit--then start pre-reqs.

Thanks to everyone for all the encouragement--and I'm glad I made my 45 yr. old buddy feel young. (I often say--wow--I wish I was 40 again--and my daughter says "40?--that's so old...!" Not to me!) I may start boning up on my math--so I can get into the bio classes ) Thanks to all!

Hi everyone--- Just wondering how many of you have come to nursing in your fifties? I'm fascinated by the idea of nursing--but would be 55 by the time I got out of nursing school--with a BSN, if I start the pre-reqs this fall. I'm most interested in working in peds, oncology, or L&D. Do most of you find this to be physically do-able into your sixties? I'm also thinking of trying to get a masters after a few years experience--which would make me an NP by about 60 how crazy is that? Because I feel like I'm going to live a long time(with any luck) and I'm not the retiring kind I'd love to be able to work until about 70..... Thanks so much for listening! Deborah

Thanks to everyone for all the info and opinions! (especially NYC guy---I appreciate your prespective, having done both.) I really don't want to have another (expensive) degree that isn't very employable--I already have one ) What about the physical demands--are you all hanging in there in your fifties?? Thanks a lot-- Deborah

Thanks, KK, that has been my impression as well---I'm glad to hear you'rehapyy with your nursing career! Deborah

Hi all-- I'm a mid-life career changer, and really want to work providing valuable service to people and make adifference in folks' day to day experiences. I've been seriously considering both a masters in counseling, or a direct entry nursing program (I have a bachelor's degree). Counseling appeals to me as being less of a jump from my first degree, but I wonder if it's really difficult to find work. On the other hand, nursing is very appealing but I worry about the physical demands as I grow older (already mid-forties--will be in my fifties by the time I finish pre-reqs, school, etc.) Any input from those of you who have worked in both fields? Thanks so much for taking the time to consider this! Deborah

thanks so much for your response! I think I just used the wrong terminology--the route I'm considering is an alternate entry masters' program--so I would get my BSN in the first 15 months, and then probably work part-time in L&D, while I did the masters' program......wow---a long, long process ), but I'm sure it's worth it. I wouldn't feel comfortable with any less preparation! How long have you worked in this field? Is it still deeply satisfying to you? Happy holidays~~~~~ deborah

Hi everyone! I can't really figure out how to work the "posting",(what does this reveal about my computer skills??), but I am really interested in a direct entry certified nurse midwife program at OHSU in Portland, Oregon. Is any one in this program now? I've been a photographer for 20 years and have photographed 6 births and I was truly amazed to be part of this process, and I am wanting to do work that feels more emtionally grounded and necessary, to be a stronger part of the community. I'd like to work especially to make sure that young, poorer, moms have the chance to have a good birth experience. Because I have a fine arts background, I"m just starting the pre-reqs and will apply for 2008 entry. Are there any folks in this program who would be willing to talk with me--via email, or over a cup of tea? any other people--like me --just beginning the transition from another career? If you live in Portland I'd love a "buddy". Is being a CNM too physically demanding for someone who will be in their early 50's when done? Do you love your work? (most important question!) and, can this career work with raising kids? thanks for all your time in reading this--and happy holidays to everyone! Deborah