Starting over age 40

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Hi!!

so I've decided to change careers into nursing .. Im literarily starting from scratch. I have no college degree .. I'm 40 yrs old and I'm scared! Now that my kittens are older now, 21/16/12 .... I've always wanted to be a nurse and some how I ended up in Dental for 17 yrs , I love my career but it's time to change, Advise please!

Specializes in ICU.

I graduated at 40 this past spring. I passed my boards and am now an RN. I had secured a job before graduating as did 90% of my cohort.

It does depend on where you live in the country. Certain areas have a shortage, some do not. That can be said for any profession.

I ask that you understand fully what you are in for. Understand the job. Understand that it is a job. It's stressful and you are dealing with the with the public.

Good Luck with your endeavors.

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I am 38 and about to start my ASN in Sept. I will graduate at age 40, and will continue with more schooling after that. Remember that age is just a number. Hell, I still get carded when I go out. Don't let that number stop you from living out your dreams. Good luck!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

OP: I will give you the same advice I give every career changer. Spend a 12 hour shift with a nurse. If he/she doesn't eat, sit down or pee- then neither do you. If they don't leave on time, neither do you. THEN decide on your next move.

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Remember that age is just a number.

If only that were true!!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

If that is your dream, go for it! I have been a nurse for nine years. I got my ADN when I was 42 and my BSN when I was 48. Do your homework on the job market in your local area. Depending on where you live, as a new nurse, you may have to travel an hour or more away for employment or take a position that you may not want long-term.

After at least one year of nursing experience, your options will be broader. I would go for the BSN as opposed to an ADN, because a lot of hospitals (especially Magnet) prefer it. And...now many are starting to require it. When my hospital hires ADN RNs, they have to sign a contract that they will obtain their BSN within 5 years.

If you decide to go for an ADN instead of BSN, be aware that many hospitals will give you tuition reimbursement to further your career (usually after one year of employment). And, many RN (ADN, diploma, etc) to BSN programs also exist.

I guess my point is...do your research. I wish you the best of luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Depends on where you live. In my area a SNF would pay me what I made as a new grad after nine years of acute critical care experience.

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