Too old to begin career in ED?

[rnhope]

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.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

It's not a question of whether you are too old to do something, its whether you are young enough to do it. That you are! Who says you have to tell anyone your age? I am 41 and was told a few months ago by someone I work with that they thought I was 28. You are only as old as you feel, reach for the stars my friend! Go and rock that ED position!

[annlewis]

wow, two job offers....I am going for my RN degree......hard to find jobs as a LPN

[dianne68]

I am in my first semester of nursing school and I am 42!! It sounds like that the ER is where your heart is at and I say, do it!!! I am sure that when I graduate, I will be feeling less competent myself, already do...but you will learn as you go!! Good luck and congrats!!!

[SoundofMusic]

Well, I also would like to start applying for ED jobs this summer. I'm 47 and have had 3 years of experience on a tele floor and one in rehab which I also agree - is a modified hotel for overweight spoiled "get me this, get me that" type of patients. I don't care how difficult ED will be, I don't care what humiliation I will suffer during the learning experience -- I just cannot take running for another box of TISSUES for ANYONE and I'm tired of transferring and lifting their enormous bodies in and out of wheelchairs all day.

I get along almost better w/ younger nurses myself. If anyone has an attitude about my age, I will tell that that is ageism and I will call them on it. AT 47, I have at least 17 years left in the healthcare field

. . . and I won't leave to get married or have babies, either. So there!

That said, I'm working very HARD on losing weight and getting in shape. I know I will need to be at my physical best to handle the ER pace -- so I'm getting ready for that. But you need that in any nursing job I feel.

[Pappilli0n]

26 years ago I entered nursing at age 41. If you want to learn and be exposed to all sorts of health events....

I'd say go for the ER. Your enthusiasm and willingness to work hard will get you through. I became a nurse on an ENT and "VIP" floor. ENT involved major surgeries for cancer patients....more tubes coming and going than

I could count! BUT you know what, each tube had a purpose and I learned from each. I can remember "tagging"

behind the early morning rounds with the Doctors and the Interns and Residents just to learn more and see first

hand what was going on with each patient. I think the "older" nurse is there because she wants to be, not just

"for the money" as SOME grads are (not all thank goodness)

NOW, if you want to "get your feet wet" at a slower pace, especially if you have responsibilities at home that

never leave you...I had 3 little guys at home, 6,8 and 10....and even though my husband was very supportive, I still was the Mom, if you know what I mean, SO, you can always learn in the Rehab setting from the

patients and their histories and their need for rehab (cardiac, ortho, neuro, etc) there and keep the ER as your future goal when perhaps you'll be more comfortable.

IT IS YOUR DECISION. Enjoy whichever on you choose. Make it fun because nursing takes up a lot of your

brain cells, mentally and physically.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

AT 47, I have at least 17 years left in the healthcare field

Who says you have to retire when you're 65? Hopefully you will be in it for years thereafter as long as your body and mind will allow! God willing, I would like to work into my mid-70s at the very least! I don't listen to the nay-sayers who say one will burn out, I'll let God determine when that will be.

[MAlicea]

This is so inspiring because I am a mother of 3 and just recently decided to change careers and go into nursing at 26 and I keep doubting myself because everyone is so young, this has really made me encouraged to go forth and do my best no matter what. :heartbeat:nurse: I am also very nervous that I wont be good at nursing as my entire background is in Admin Assisting and the banking industry. My plan is just to take it one day at a time and enjoy the experience.