I've been thinking about going back to school to become a nurse. I currently work as an interior designer, I have been in this field 15+ years. I'm beyond burnt out on working for 100% commission. And my field is changing and it's not getting better.
I thought about, and actually started, taking computer aided design courses that would land me a job in automotive design--I live in Detroit. But one major problem--I would hate to be in front of a computer all day!
As an interior designer, my favorite part of my job is human connection. I'd be miserable in front of a screen all day. I'm passionate, hardworking, and a true people person.
I've always been a pretty good student. I've been looking over the HESI exam and I'm not very intimidated by it, even though I plan to study study study.
My sister and her daughter are both nurses. I told her yesterday I was seriously considering going to nursing school. Her first thoughts "you will hate nursing school and you will hate being a nurse."
Is there something I'm not thinking about? I plan on quitting my job next mouth and taking the 3 prerequisites I need to apply. Beaumont hospital has a volunteer program and I will apply for a position there this summer.
Any older students out there? Are you happy? Regretful? Thanks For listening 😊
I've been a CNA for a bit more than 3 years and am almost finished with the first semester of a 2 semester LPN program. I turn 40 this week.
Your age only has to mean something if you insist on it. Besides, 40 now doesn't mean what 40 meant even a generation ago. You likely still have 50 or more years to live.
I am a 44 year old RN Nursing Student and after 15 years of working for a municipality I am following my life long dream of becoming a nurse. I have never regretted the day of quitting my $60,000 a year job to do something that I have always felt a passion for. I will graduate in May 2016. I have never done any thing so hard, yet so enjoyable. I never dread going to class, I never dread doing clinical, I never dread the patient interaction. I will be honored when the day comes that I can answer as my occupation that I am a "Nurse" and know that it is by choice. I admire and empower you to follow your heart and do something that you will enjoy and love. Good luck and best wishes on a journey of a lifetime.
For what it's worth, I work with a number of nurses in their late 60s, 70s, and one who is 80—with no plans of slowing down! You could potentially work another 20, 30, or more years if desired. In fact, there's a story on these forums about a 95-year-old working nurse.
Thank you for being an example of how one can reinvent herself at any age! I love stories like yours. Best wishes!
BTW, with your wound-care experience, it sounds like you would be an excellent wound-care nurse.
Thank you! That is so encouraging. My husbands favorite nurse in the burn center was 77 working full time with no plans to retire. His admit nurse was 55 like me when he started nursing school so while there it didn't seem what I was choosing to do was too out of the ordinary. In the real world I know it is but there are a couple of grayish heads in my class and my young buddies in their late 20s have been more than accepting of me as an equal.
I warned my husband when we married he was stuck with me because women in my family live a long time, my grandmother passed away just before my father and she was 98 living in her own home until a fall and hip break. Mother is 83 and still doing great in her own home.
I stay very active. I'm on two tennis teams ALTA and USTA and my ALTA team is in first place right now! I plan on working as many years as I can and hope to make a difference in every life I touch even if it's in a small way like a smile and letting them know I care, patient, family, co worker, etc.
I loved my observation time in the OR as it brought my A & P textbooks to life! I loved my clinicals because I'm all about hands on patient care. I loved my time shadowing in the ER and am leaning that way right now. And I'm still entertaining the idea of being a burn nurse but that entails a long commute since I live in such a rural area.
My main worry is the application process, will they look at my age and total lack of experience and pass me over, without even an interview? That's a real fear.
Staying active is so important. You will be a role model for your patients and coworkers. As far as getting hired, I think your age and background will be a benefit, if anything. Your experience running a business is valuable.
Thank you! :) I see your specialty is Geriatrics, dementia and hospice. God Bless you! I worked last summer between semesters as a caretaker for a 98 year old Alzheimer's patient. It was challenging at times but I feel in love with her! Wonderful work, so rewarding and I learned so much from her.
I really enjoy my specialties. Dementia, in particular, is near and dear to my heart, as my paternal grandfather had Alzheimer's disease. I am near completion of a master's degree in therapeutic herbalism. My future research will involve the use of traditional herbal remedies and dietary interventions for the prevention and treatment of senile dementia. Currently, I am researching the historical treatment of senile dementia in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.
I am a 37 years old pre-nursing student, I work like you 100% commission in a retail job, the things changed after depression" , plus I am burned out too.
Just to give you a perspective I am a foreign born, and English is my third language.
I have been going to school as part-time student for 3 years now; I just finished my prerequisite courses, and working full time. I choose to go to classes' vs online courses because I need the human interaction. My 3 years of perseverance paid back as I have been accepted to a nursing school, in 2 years from now I will have Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I took HESI entrance exam once and I scored well, also I have a great GPA. When people hear that I am going to school, some encourage me, and some had a remark like Do you at least understand the courses?" You mentioned that you have just 3 prerequisites to take, use them as a test drive. You can take 2 classes in person in the classroom, and take the third one online, that will clarify any apprehensions you have. If you don't try it you wouldn't know if you will hate it or Love it. If nothing else, we are helping our brain staying sharp.
If you have any question, I will be happy to answer them.
I, too, am leaving my career of 15 years and beginning pre req's for nursing. AND I'm a 47 yr old male! I have some volunteer and shadowing ahead of me, but I am looking forward to the challenge! There are nurses in my family and I have many close friends in nursing. When I told them of my plans they were all very realistic about what to expect. One said I was crazy but to go for it anyway. None, however, tried to dissuade me. All reassured me that nursing is common for career changers. I have another good friend who, at 46, is in the middle of his program and had nothing but words of encouragement. I have a very supportive wife, and two young children. They keep me young. I know it will be a huge challenge. But when a career drags you down, as mine was, get out. Otherwise you'll be a miserable person within that field. It will show in your work.
I'm 54, and in my first semester of a BSN program, so 40 is definitely not too old. I worked for 17 years as a firefighter/paramedic, so becoming a nurse is not that much of a stretch for me. I think volunteering is a good idea. I live in California where all nursing programs are impacted, and therefore very competitive. I didn't have a bachelor's degree prior to starting this journey, so it took me three years to complete my pre-reqs. I don't regret my decision!
Red Kryptonite
2,212 Posts
I've been a CNA for a bit more than 3 years and am almost finished with the first semester of a 2 semester LPN program. I turn 40 this week.
Your age only has to mean something if you insist on it. Besides, 40 now doesn't mean what 40 meant even a generation ago. You likely still have 50 or more years to live.