laski

Just finished reading an awesome thread about a young 50-something getting ready to start a nursing program so I thought I'd put another call out for those over 40 (or close to 40) who are getting ready to start a nursing program (or those in the middle of one!) to tell us a little about yourself. These forums have been invaluable and getting to know others in the same proverbial boat will be a great foundation of support. Three weeks before we begin. I'm brushing up on A & P after finishing a summer nutrition course.

@Oz2, why do you say that? I am about to begin a nursing program in a matter of weeks. I have no illusions as to what the career path will be like, but I'm also not a nurse YET. Can you share your experiences?

I think the mix of ages is great. For some, like me, it is about trying something new. I have a BA and MEd but just wanted to give something else a try (especially since I have always been interested in medicine) after having my children. Others who are older were busy with their families and now have the time and support to go back to school. The experiences and backgrounds of the older students can really add a lot to the classroom experience. And, I would venture to say that many of them are excellent students, so thus they make GREAT study partners. Virgolove34, I you should never look back and think you wasted time. You were growing up, figuring things out, having fun . . . whatever it was, you are here now. And one day when you are "old" like me, you may reexamine and think, "Hey, I want to try something else!" and you can!

At 40, I may be one of the oldest. I just finished a nutrition class where I was the oldest by probably 5 years, including the instructor. I thought it might bug be a little, but nope. Not at all. Granted, I don't feel "old", which probably helps. The average age in my program will probably be late 20s. There are some around 22 and a few around my age. I actually like the spread--it keeps it interesting. And, I can't lie, it was kinda cool having the highest grade in the class. Being "old" means not much of a social life and more time to focus on studying. Wow, that sounds lame, but isn't nerdy hip nowadays???

I just noticed that Esme12 posted the same message on my op regarding the nursing shortage (https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nursing-shortage-not-747667.html). It is clear this is a topic that will continue to come up time and time again--and I totally get it. So many people have longed for a career in healthcare and are about to invest (if they haven't already), time and money that are already in short supply. Parents are leaving their babies, quitting their jobs, moving, adjusting their whole lifestyle so it is no wonder they are concerned with the earning potential or lack thereof. The simple fact is it is SCARY out there no matter what. I was a teacher and had I not left when I did (to care for my newborn son), two people would have lost their jobs! Huh? I suppose I was doing the work of two :) My husband's company, one of the biggest chemical companies in the world, just "released" thousands over the course of the last two years (which helps them stay under the radar since they do it over a longer period of time rather than all at once). The economy is clearly suffering as are job seekers, families, business owners. BUT, just as life is cyclical, I do believe the economy, thus the job market, will rebound. As many others have said, thinking outside the box (so funny, since this is such a cliche, but apt nonetheless) and going for positions that will enhance your resume and boost your experience is key, even if you ARE able to land that coveted hospital job. One of the most frustrating things I witnessed as a teacher was that there is the idea of self-entitlement that has creeped into our society--maybe it is the media, celebrity, politicians, reality TV, who knows. The simple fact is nothing good comes easy and you know, it shouldn't. I remember one student came to me one day and asked me, "Mrs. L, why did you give me a B?" I replied, "What you should be asking is WHY didn't I EARN an A?" I think for the most part these forums are full of really positive, ambitious people who simply want to realize their goals of becoming nurses, contributing and helping others. That is my very optimistic view, which may or may not be true. If it isn't, I'll just toil around here in denial for a bit. The weather's warmer here

Great info, Esme12! I had hoped not to sound as if I were bemoaning the job outlook for nursing. I'm not. If anything, as a former teacher, I'm used to doing my due diligence and felt fairly well versed on the current situation (thanks to AllNurses). I knew that although the current market is by no means promising, it doesn't mean that opportunities don't exist. I'm more than willing to put the work in and do not expect anything to be handed to me. Most of the "older" nursing students I've encountered have felt similarly, that's why after other careers and raising families many choose nursing when they are ready to return to the workforce. I know it is really easy to assume this post was another beating of the proverbial horse, but it was simply a request to hear feedback from current nurses and healthcare workers as to what their opinion was of the two RECENT articles/reports--one touting the EVENTUAL shortage that may arise over the next 5-10 years and another examining the possibility that nursing as a career has been over-hyped. I don't believe either are wrong and both offer evidence to support their claims. Now, whether they TURN OUT to be right or wrong, I guess it may be very individual and/or time will tell. I had to go back to read my posts to see if I was "whining" as MN Nurse mentioned. I didn't see it, but perhaps as often happens with my 4-year-old when he whines and I ask him to stop, he replies, "But mom, I'm not whiiiiiinnnnnnniiiinnnngggg..." peace

Dharma21 and DReinerMBA, nice to meet you! I'm with your Dharma21, I'm already thinking about my BSN, even looked at a few online programs today. I need to not get ahead of myself, but sometimes its hard not to think that way! Like you, DReinerMBA, I have an advanced degree in education. I received my MEd about 7 years ago and worked as an English teacher until I decided to stay home with my little ones. I was in healthcare (EMT, athletic trainer, personal trainer) years ago and always loved the field, so here I am, coming full circle. How has school been for you so far? Are you finding it any easier this time around? Does having the background in healthcare help a lot in your classes?

Here are two interesting sites/blogs exposing diploma mills: *Diploma Mills: How to Spot and Avoid Them! *http://diplomamillnews.blogspot.com/ (specifically: Diploma Mill News: Search results for nursing) I guess the key is to do your research . . .

Thujone, I'm wondering the same thing. How are they able to offer programs like this? I mean, I don't see anything quite like this for teaching, engineering, medicine. Why nursing? If a school can't get accreditation, how can they even accept students in a nursing program? If they are not HERE, how can they even operate?

While the first article is from US News' University Directory, it does cite a report from Georgetown University, this same information was mentioned in Forbes and is available on BLS and in numerous other articles. The Forbes article also cites a report from NSDA as the basis for nursing being over-hyped as a career. The study, based on a 2011 survey (http://www.ajj.com/services/publishing/deansnotes/nov11.pdf), is really revealing. It is especially astute in supporting what I see on these forums all the time--region to region variations do exist (with the West having the biggest challenging in new grads obtaining employment). However, there still isn't a shortage. This report brought to light the need for nursing programs and nurse educators to be responsible in discussing the current job market and the realities of the career path students are choosing. It is clear the surveyors do not want to see additional nurses on the unemployment line. Unfortunately, as mentioned in many recent posts here on AllNurses, there are for-profit institutions that do not have a rigorous selection process, thus they accept several students with the promise of a "degree" knowing their opportunities upon graduation will be limited if not non-existent. I'm wondering if current nurses and other healthcare workers see the trend changing? Might there be a NEED for nurses in the future or will the diploma mills (as discussed in an article here on AllNurses) negate the expected shortage of 2020? NOTE: I realize the report was conducted by a nursing organization, however, it is clear that the goal was to bring to light the realities of this career path. Also, in addition to the study there are additional works cited that are no affiliated with any nursing organizations. Please take the time to read the reports. I think being a former educator, I am a supporter of doing your due diligence. If after having all the facts you are not deterred from nursing, then you know that it is more likely the path you were meant to take. DISCLAIMER: Facts mixed with a few small nuggets of my opinion. Be gentle . . .

elprup, no kidding! Before allnurses I would have bought the hype, but I've read countless posts claiming the only shortage is with jobs. I just thought it was interesting what was discussed in these two articles, especially since both are very recent. I think like anything, it's cyclical. If you are in nursing and lack the passion and dedication, perhaps the job market may turn you off. Otherwise, you are willing to do what it takes. I'm wondering if veteran nurses think that the expected shortage of 2020 is a real possibility.

There has been so much talk about the "supposed" nursing shortage vs. the influx of nurses (and nursing programs and nursing students) that I wanted to see what data was out there. One recent article cites a report that states healthcare will experience extreme growth, resulting in shortages (including nursing) by 2020 (http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/articles/new-report-highlights-the-growing-demand-for-healt_12469.aspx -- published two days ago) Another article published in FORBES asks whether or not Nursing has been over-hyped as a career choice. It cites surveys of recent college grads, pointing to the difficulty in obtaining positions, especially for those without a baccalaureate degree (accelerated BSN had some issues as well). That said, the article does end by pointing out that the BLS expects the demand for nurses "to increase rapidly alongside rising demand for outpatient care, long-term care facilities and home healthcare." (http://www.forbes.com/sites/alisongriswold/2012/06/18/has-nursing-been-overhyped-as-a-career-choice/ -- published five days ago). It seems as if the shortage/influx of nurses can be very regional. In our area, there are healthcare facilities going up every other day. If it isn't an Autozone, it's a medical office/building (though we are getting a Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts! No Target, yet). A couple hours north of us in Columbus, there is a shortage of JOBS for nurses. Then again, there is also a shortage of teaching positions (with thousands applying for ONE open position). A sign of our struggling economy? Clearly, that can be another reason for the lack of positions AND the influx of new nurses (bad economy, losing a job--go get more training, start a new career!). So, while I will graduate with an ADN in 2014, I may have to wait to find a job until 2020? Who knows? With drastic changes in our economy, healthcare policy, culture, technology, science, there is no telling what tomorrow or the next will bring. After graduation I'll probably get my BSN and maybe my MSN and then teach . . . or, I'll win the lottery. Try out for a reality show. Write a best-selling memoir . . .

Hey JavaWench! It IS why you are tired . . . the two-year-old, that is. I had my first at 35 (I was mortified when my chart had me listed as "Advanced Maternal Age") and my second at 37. They will be 3 and 5 in just a matter of months! I was worried about doing this now, not waiting until mine were in school full time. But, the advice I received was that now is the time because soon enough you'll have school demands, dance class, soccer, midnight cupcake baking, school clothes shopping, karate, piano lessons . . . AAARGH! :) I have the same worries as you do, but I'm hoping the 40-year-old me will have her act together and stay focused.Think about it, we have awesome incentives, those little people who call us MAMA! Crazy as it is, I think they have inspired me more than anything. Your reasons for entering are pretty much the same as well. As a matter of fact, I wrote my application essay on the nurse who inspired me, my L&D nurse. Sorry about your business. It seems to be a common tale these days and it is really disheartening, but that said, perhaps this was your moment to try something new . . . could be a pretty exciting adventure.

midlifecrisis1, you are where I may be one day and I won't have half the experience you have. NP, heck, you are climbing WAY up that ladder. I'm on the bottom rung :) Seriously, it is great to hear from you! You are what so many of us aspire to be What do your children think about you heading back to school? Are you excited? Ready???

Ah, and the reason I ask! I have two little ones, almost 3 and 5, and all I can think about is how they ARE my social life. While I have NO issues putting in the time, I want to spend as much QUALITY time as I can with them. Nice to hear you did it and it was manageable and you worked FULL TIME! Now that, I have no idea how you did. But you did!