38y/o male nurse?

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Hello everyone,

I am a 38y/o male looking at the Villanova accelerated program. I have a BS and a MS and I am currently an adjunct biology instructor. I am looking for a career change and I am considering nursing.

Just looking for some insight into possibilities of a male my age starting out in nursing, the Villanova program, simply words of advice.

Thank you

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I went into a BSN program in my early 30's with a young family no problem. There were a couple other guys in their 40's and 50's. In the hospital there's always the occasional patient who prefers not to have males, but I was also surprised to find there are also some patients who prefer males. I imagine your background in bio will help you out. If you're doing a two-year program, definitely try to do some externships on the side - I know of many people who land their first job that way. Hope that helps!

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Specializes in NICU.

Place two fingers on the side of your adam's apple and press. Do you feel a pulse? If you do, then you are good to go. :)

There are plenty of people (males and females) over the age of 30 going through nursing school, especially an ABSN program.

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Thx for the info! I like the pulse comment. lol! I am hoping for a longer program (14 months) for the opportunity for the externships.

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Specializes in NICU.

I am 47 (almost 38) and have 74 days left in a 15 month ABSN. If I can do it, you can do it at 38 :)

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....and I'm 50...about to start Duquesne University's Accelerated BSN program.....go for it!

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Nice to see guys in a similar situation. I'm 33 and starting nursing school in a month. Can't wait.

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I was quite a bit older than you when I completed nursing school and like, already had both a graduate degree and another baccalaureate. Your sex is not a barrier but contrary to some of what you see on AN, it is not a help. In my experience however, age is a very significant barrier. That said, at worst, you will be only 40 or so when you are looking for that all-important first nursing position and I don't believe that you will face any significant age discrimination. Don't wait too long however - the situation worsens considerably as you age.

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When I went to nursing school out of high school, my class had 30ish students. It was at a small junior college that was well known for its nursing program. Of those 30, i think less than 10 were younger than 30. I would say over half were over 35. So apply and enjoy the journey.

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