41 yr old male wanting to start a 2nd career in nursing?

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I've always wanted to be in the health care field. I went back to school in my mid twenties but chose chemistry over nursing, and now I work at a consulting engineering firm as a project manager but I feel my tenure in the engineering world is at an end, and that its time for a career change. I guess I want to know how old is to old to enter nursing as a man? What was the demographic in the class room? How are job opportunities in Canada (I'm in Vancouver). Do men do this as a second career or am I thinking crazy? Any and all insights are much appreciated.

SJ

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

It's never too late. I'm 43 and just finished my ASN in February !!!

I too was in a similar situation, but my field of interest was Accounting. I'm so glad I made the move to nursing!

PS. I'm in Florida... sorry, I can't give you any advice on job market in your area.

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43 ha! I'm 50 and graduating in December. You can do anything if u put your mind to it. I'm also in Florida. Best of luck to you!

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Hello! I am from BC, and my husband, who is also an RN, went back to school at the age of 41 to make his career change to nursing. I can't speak to the work available in the Vancouver area, but certainly your opportunities for work will be no different than your female classmates. If nursing is what you want to do, go for it!

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i don't think that you are too old at all and many men in my class were switching to second careerS in nursing at roughly your age. Follow what you think is the right choice....the two years that it takes to complete the program will happen whether you are in school or not. If your present career is not stable, then I suggest you start applying now and not kick yourself when you decide two years from now that you should have gone back in 2013....GL!

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Thanks for the positive feedback!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I was 43 when I graduated from nursing school; Texas

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Specializes in Psych, Geriatrics, LTC..

I graduated nursing school when I was 46. Go for it!......

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I graduated a year ago at 43, got a new grad position at a good teaching hospital, and just started a better position at a bigger teaching hospital in the area where I really wanted to live and work. And though it is the hardest thing I have ever taken on, I love nursing! Don't let doubts hold you back if you really want this and good luck to you.

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Specializes in CVICU.

I'm 44 and just graduated - formerly I worked as an architect. Never too late to leave a career that isn't getting you what you want from your life. I am taking the NCLEX in a couple of weeks and starting at a great hospital the first of July. Good luck - feel free to reach out to me if you have questions.

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Alberta and BC are lousy markets for nurses right now.

The lower mainland is saturated with new nurses. Maybe if you move north you'll have a better chance. Just remember that UBC, Langara, UFV, and BCIT are all graduating RNs, plus the programmes on the Island.

You need to start looking at the health authority web-sites to see what the job market is like. Just remember because a job is posted doesn't mean it will be filled.

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I'm 46 and start a BSN program July 1st. I will be 49 when I graduate. Please tell me if you find out you're too old so I can hang up my spurs...

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