Transition to Nursing as 2nd Career at age 40

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Hi! Just looking to connect with others who may be in a similar situation. 18 years working in business/HR and an MBA, I've (finally) made the decision to start pre-req's and pursue a career in nursing. It's something I've always wanted to do but feared that I wouldn't be able to handle the "gross" stuff. I'm putting those fears aside and starting classes at my local community college in January. Fortunately, a lot of my former classes transferred and I only have to take five classes before I can apply to the clinical program. I'm 40, married with a toddler. Taking this step is both exciting and scary but I'm looking forward to making this change! It would be great to talk to others going through a similar transition.

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I'm can fully understand I'm 37 and decided to leave my career and start nursing. Good luck to the both of us!!

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I am 45 and started working on pre-req's a couple of years ago for nursing - this would be my second career as well. We are crazy.

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We are most definitely that lol... I think it's going to be rewarding though

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Specializes in Surgical Nursing.

I'm pretty close in age to you. I'm 34 (soon 35) and just finished my first semester of prereqs. You got this! It's exciting and exhilarating to remake yourself at any age.

I've been in retail banking now for 8 years and really decided I hit a dead end for advancement. I don't want to manage, because I've seen what a headache that can be along with all the fake posturing and cliques. No thanks. Not that nursing doesn't have the same but it feels like real work and a useful skill that has true meaning.

Just think how useful we'll be with nursing under our belts in a post-apolcalyptic world vs. MBA's and other business degress. Lol, I digress.

On a side note, my mom just finished her nursing degree at age 62! Yes, she's close to the age that many retire but she doesn't want to she wants to work well into her 70's.

Congrats to you on taking that big step forward, and good luck!

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Just turned 40 in this year, obtain my LPN license in November 2014 at the age of 39.. Finished my prerequisite this November and on my way to earn my ADN.. Spent the last 17yrs in banking and finance.. Ready for my new adventure and hard work.. Best of luck everyone on there 2nd careers.. :)

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I turn 40 in July, and start my program in August. I've got two boys, 11 and 13. I've been an elementary school teacher for 12 years, and I'm crazy excited to be making this change. We can do this!!!

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