Too old to begin career in ED?

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Hi all! I am a new grad, I passed the NCLEX in Dec. I was offered a job in ER with a 12 weeks training program longer if I need it. I was also offered a position at a sub acute rehab. I am not sure which position I should take, I have always had an intrest in ER nursing but I am doubting myself partiallly because I am an older nurse (40) and maybe at this stage I should be looking into different areas of nursing?? I am physically fit no worries there about keeping pace, I guess just worried about my lack of experience I've never put in a line, Idk any advice will be appreciated thank you.

Specializes in Med Surg/ Rehabilitation.

40? That's it?!?! Go for it girl! You got it!

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

One thought. Forty is YOUNG not OLD!!!

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thanks again to everyone for making me feel really good about my decision to start ED nursing. I have a quick question for all of you if I may. I was wondering how long it took you to not feel like you stuck out like a sore thumb as the new grad who knows nothing lol?

I was always told in my fellowship the rule of thumb for any critical care job is 3 years before you're fully competent in nearly any situation. Now, that has nothing to do necessarily with the feeling of being the sore thumb. My preceptor in the ED said it took her about 7 months to 'get into the groove' of everything, and another 4 or 5 months before she really had day to day ED activities down pat and could handle even the hairier days without assistance.

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

I started working in yje ED at 48 stayed there for over ten yrs Yes it is a much youger crowd but I had fun with them It can be very chaotic and you can have times of running only short distances and don't be afraid of yelling for help. There will be times that you have too. If you don't know ASK. At lot of times we say "time is muscle" and work the hardest in the Golden hour"

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Specializes in chemical dependency detox/psych.

For your new grad question: I started to not feel like an idiot somewhere between 1 and 1 1/2 years.

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Specializes in Emergency,Tele,Peds,Home care.
40? That's it?!?! Go for it girl! You got it!

I was thinking the same thing..lol...Kudos to you on your new career and never doubt yourself, I have plenty of friends in the ER that are well over 40 , they are some of the best new nurses that there are...good Luck to you! :yeah:

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

Huh, you're a spring chicken!

Welcome to world of ER. Older nurses with life experience cope better with some of the stuff you see first time around.

Lots of us over 50 here.

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

The oldest student in my class at nursing school was 55 when she graduated and went into ED. She loves it and is doing fine. Another classmate in his mid forties is also loving being an ED nurse. So if age is your only concern, I say go for it!

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I recently transitioned from my "home" -Surgery to the float pool which includes floating to the ER. After 10 years trying something new frightens and excites me at the same time. Try it and if you don't like it try something different. How did you know you'd like your favorite cookie without trying it?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

I started a new grad programme in rehab and was so bored out of my skull, within 3 weeks I quit. I used to cry b4 going to work just about, because it was awful, - pampering to overweight, rich people in a private hospital who complained about every little thing. Ugh.

I would go for the ED/ER job. You will get great general experience and 12 weeks is a great orientation. And you say you are fit, so go for it I say.

And matey 40 is hardly old. I would have been older than you when I started nursing school.

You're a spring chicken! :)

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Specializes in geriatrics.

My friend is 39, a recent grad in the ED. She also has 2 kids. She loves it. I also find that many units appreciate older nurses, especially new grad older nurses, because often, we are able to handle the various challenges that arise. Good luck :)

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Specializes in geriatrics.

My friend is 39, a recent grad in the ED. She also has 2 kids. She loves it. I also find that many units appreciate older nurses, especially new grad older nurses, because often, we are able to handle the various challenges that arise. Good luck :)

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