57+ and starting a nursing career

[kelleytison]

Hi, I'll be resigning my position as a 1st grade teacher to complete prerequisite courses before applying to nursing programs. I'm 54 and will be graduating about 57/58. Needless to say I'm concerned about employment upon graduation. Is there anyone 54 or older currently enrolled in an Accelerated BSN program or BSN to DNP program willing to share their experience with me? Your likes, dislikes, regrets, what's it like to be back in the classroom or are you completing an on-line degree? Also I'd like to hear from new graduates 57+ who have secured or are currently seeking employment? Anyone a recipient of the NHSC scholarship? Really looking forward to your feedback.

Thanks, Kelley

[Beginning15, BSN, RN]

This is a wonderful thread! Gives me hope at age 50 - just applied for LVN and preparing application for RN - both for Spring 2015 start. I think if I didn't pursue this, it would be something I'd regret for the rest of my life. I love the encouragement here! So glad I found this website.

[kelleytison]

You are my hero, beischa!!!! Congrats on passing your boards on the 1st try. Hip, hip, hooray! I'm so happy for you and so excited about getting started this fall. I can do this. I can do this. I believe that I can do this.

If you wouldn't mine, please tell me where you went to school and the cost? It certainly must be an excellent program.

[kelleytison]

mauitocal, Thanks for your words of encouragement. My husband told me he can tell I'm not certain about my decision because I'm still researching. That might have been true before but after reading your post and all the others who have decided to live their dreams, I want to do it, too.

Good luck on the NCLEX.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

As far as retirement goes, I haven't been teaching very long. I spent two years at an Islamic school teaching kinders and this is my 5th year in the public school system so retirement funds in not a consideration. Furthermore, here in the VI the general consensus is that the Govt Retirement System will be nonexistent in a few years if our economy doesn't improve. Our government is going broke and what they've been doing with the retirement funds is a mystery to the general public.

That's US Virgin Islands? How is the job market there, or do you plan to move to the mainland?

Nursing education has become ridiculously expensive. What educational resources are available to you there? Will you have an income while a student? At 57, you would probably have about 10 years to prepare for your retirement. Only you can determine if that's possible.

There are many other careers that would allow you to help others that may have a less lengthy and expensive entry point. I hope you will at least consider them before making your decision.

in any event, good luck to you in whichever direction you go.

[kelleytison]

I've considered all the things you mentioned, ThePrincessBride. I've paid off my student loans and cringe at the thought of going into debt. I have also embraced the fact that at my age I can no longer pull an all-nighter and work tirelessly the next day. I have to get my rest. But after lots of soul searching, self-doubt, discussions with my husband about what will make me happy, I say yes. And after reading all the post from women and men who where brave enough to fulfill their dreams, set new goals, prove that learning is a lifelong process, that at whatever age you are you can add value to your life and the lives of others..well I'd have to say yes a thousand times. I think I can do it and I'll give it my best shot. I appreciate your pointing out that it won't always be a bed of roses.

[kelleytison]

Kudos, scross0613. We are blessed to have such supportive husbands. You are asking the same question I keep asking myself. I've spoken to nurses and doctors who believe that we will find employment. Guess what? I think they're right.

Full steam ahead!!!

[kelleytison]

You're right HolisticRN2016. So let's get this degree under our belts and begin our new, undeniably challenging, but absolutely rewarding careers as nurses. Nurses make a difference in the lives of others. We're going to be apart of that team. Keep pressing forward.

[kelleytison]

Ditto, Beginning15. (Who uses that term any more. I'll reintroduce it to the youngsters). If I don't attempt this, I would always wonder what might have been. Like you, I feel like we're all in this together. Please let us know how you are progressing along your path. And I hope everyone else who has posted something here will do the same thing.

[Beginning15, BSN, RN]

Man, I feel so pumped up after reading all of this! I keep questioning myself on this big decision, as "if" I get accepted into the program, I'm retiring from my great job of 24 years to pursue this dream. I have prayed for ways to know I am making the right decision and I believe this great discussion tonight is one of them. Thank you all so much.

[kelleytison]

Thank you, MrChicagoRN. I live on St. Croix, USVI. The University of the Virgin Islands has a campus on St. Croix and St. Thomas. UVI offers an ASN and BSN, but not an accelerated program. I'll need a student loan to pay for my degree wherever I go. When considering a second career, I need a career that will provide me with enough income to allot money to a retirement plan and still allow me to live comfortably. My husband and I have spoken about me living on the mainland. Many people throughout the Caribbean make the sacrifice to live apart as they pursue a better quality of life. It's possible that I'd stay in the states a year or two upon graduation.

Tell me something, MrChicagoRN, if you were my age, would you start a nursing career now?

[kelleytison]

Thank you Marshalls_mom and congratulations. From what I've been reading, getting into a program is half the battle. My only regret about living on an island is higher education. Unlike you,out-of-state tuition is my greatest enemy. For anyone returning to school, it's probably the most expensive sacrifice one makes for living in paradise.

By the way, I'm sure your information about employment will alleviate some of the apprehension individuals are experiencing. Best wishes to you, too.

[kelleytison]

pmabraham, maybe they've never heard of jack lalanne. . "For his 70th birthday, he swam a mile and a half through the Long Beach Harbor while towing a flotilla of 70 boats. With his hands and feet shackled, no less." I have started working out as a matter of fact. I found a health app on my Samsung that tracks my fitness progress and calories. It makes me want to take 10,000+ steps a day. I'll start lifting light weights soon. I getting ready.