Questions about Nursing as a Second Career (for a 37 yr old male w/ an IT backgrd)...

[Lou R.]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 37 year old male about to relocate to Houston (probably by September) and I'm considering nursing as a second career.

My background is a BS in Mechanical Engineering (3.68 GPA) and just over 10 years in the Information Technology field (customer support mostly).

Naturally I'm nervous about doing this and have questions. I'm also worried that nursing schools may say just about anything to get me to enroll (since that's money for them), so I'm hoping for some realistic responses here. :)

Please note that I am only just beginning my research, so I apologize in advance for any ignorant questions.

1. Is it going to be a problem for me being 37 (not to mention male...)? I know the saying goes it's never to late to do anything, but what's the reality of the situation in this field?

2. What's the best route to go? Should I start as a LPN or as a RN? I'm going to be limited in funding to whatever financial aid I can get, so I'm assuming that will limit my options.

3. What are the real world prospects for a job as a new nursing graduate? I know there's supposed to be a shortage - but when I looked in the papers and online, most seemed to require some specialty (ER, ICU, etc.) and everything required at least 1 year of experience. This is probably my biggest concern.

4. How do you relocate as a RN if each state has its own licensing? Can you get licensed in another state before moving there?

Thanks very much!

- Lou

[Lou R.]

Thanks so much for the replies everyone! Hopefully this will all work out for me. I guess step 1 is to now find a school that will accept me and give me financial aid. :)

[ali_gator]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 37 year old male about to relocate to Houston (probably by September) and I'm considering nursing as a second career.

My background is a BS in Mechanical Engineering (3.68 GPA) and just over 10 years in the Information Technology field (customer support mostly).

Naturally I'm nervous about doing this and have questions. I'm also worried that nursing schools may say just about anything to get me to enroll (since that's money for them), so I'm hoping for some realistic responses here. :)

Please note that I am only just beginning my research, so I apologize in advance for any ignorant questions.

1. Is it going to be a problem for me being 37 (not to mention male...)? I know the saying goes it's never to late to do anything, but what's the reality of the situation in this field?

2. What's the best route to go? Should I start as a LPN or as a RN? I'm going to be limited in funding to whatever financial aid I can get, so I'm assuming that will limit my options.

3. What are the real world prospects for a job as a new nursing graduate? I know there's supposed to be a shortage - but when I looked in the papers and online, most seemed to require some specialty (ER, ICU, etc.) and everything required at least 1 year of experience. This is probably my biggest concern.

4. How do you relocate as a RN if each state has its own licensing? Can you get licensed in another state before moving there?

Thanks very much!

- Lou

Hi Lou-

I'm only a student, but I've met some men older than 37 in my pre-nursing classes. If you already have a B.S., you might want to (like everyone else suggested) look into an accelerated option. They are typically 1 year, and fast-track you to a B.S.N.

I don't know what it's like in Texas, but in California the c.c. waiting lists are 2 yrs long...so going through a 4 yr program.

[NextSummer]

Hi Lou,

My husband is also 37 and he was an engineer before nursing too! Very similar, interesting. He found nursing courses are more difficult than engineering courses. Good luck and try to find a second degree program as others recommended.

[guest27716]

I was just wondering why you who have worked in IT are leaving? IT pays well. I love to hear why other's are leaving different fields. I was in the business field and hated it with a passion. I want to enter the medical field but don't know where to go. I love teaching but don't know what speciality would fit that.

[dreatx]

I was just wondering why you who have worked in IT are leaving? IT pays well. I love to hear why other's are leaving different fields. I was in the business field and hated it with a passion. I want to enter the medical field but don't know where to go. I love teaching but don't know what speciality would fit that.

In my case, it is because i hate it and should never have done it but it paid well so i followed the dollars. now going to work makes me sick so i go to the local juco and i am taking sciences right now. we shall see how things go.

[utahliz]

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