What would prompt a 45-year-old mother of teenagers to pursue a career in nursing?
Delusional thinking, some might say. At times I thought I was mad. How could I keep up with those tireless, technology-savvy twenty-somethings? Still I couldn’t ignore my inner rumbling. I wanted to do something significant with my life.
When I was younger, nursing was my dream. But I wasn’t the student I needed to be to make that a reality. Instead, I got a degree in social work. But like many women my age, I got married, had my first child, and traded in my dry-clean-only wardrobe for playdate attire.
The children grew up. At about 40, I started thinking about nursing again. Since I wasn’t getting any younger, I realized if I wanted to do it, I had to do it now. Five years later, I’m ready to take my State Board Exam and work at a rehabilitation hospital in the brain injury unit.
Being a second career nurse isn’t easy—and it probably never will be. I often feel like I’m 13 steps behind the young new nurses. Nursing is physical, and with a body that’s already slowing down, the eight- and twelve-hour shifts are draining.
I also find myself worrying about adjusting to the technology—which younger students are proficient at. Once you get used to one pump, it’s gone and the next one comes in. I’ve spoken with other second-career nurses, and all share that feeling of not being able to keep up.
But through the discouragement, I’ve learned what second career nurses have to offer.
Your Unique Experience
Second career nurses bring to the nursing profession something younger nurses don’t have: life experience. My fellow students—most who were about 20 years younger than I—often said to me, “You’re just so comfortable and confident.” They mentioned how nervous they felt when talking to a patient. I’ve never really stressed about that. I chalk that up to my background in social work and because I’ve had my own children and been through lots of family health situations. I bring more empathy and knowledge to the nursing environment.
I also think I’ve gained confidence as I’ve gotten older; I am not afraid to say to myself, I am still smart. I can still do it…and I’m going to do it. Seasoned nurses might snidely question the way I do things, but I don’t take it personally. Instead, I deal with it. I’ve encountered enough catty people in my life—from my previous work as a social worker to the PTO--to know that usually these people have insecurities of their own.
As a second career nurse, I’m also sure of my priorities. Often, hospitals want younger students who want to climb the corporate ladder—and, hence, are willing to take the tough shifts. At this stage in my life, accelerating in my career isn’t my first priority; my family is. So, I’ve chosen to be pickier about my shifts.
I encourage others to pursue a nursing career, even if you feel over-the-hill. Health care professionals are hugely in demand, and good, caring ones are going to be the difference in solving the problems we face. Each of us has something different to offer—whatever our life stage—and working together we can make a difference.
 |
|
|||||||||||
 |
||
search realityrn
sign up for weekly cartoons, tips, and blog posts
Register to win a pair of RX Medical Silver Fox Crocs
|
|
|
 |
October 7th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
I relate totally to this story- I am 44 and am 6 months away from completing my nursing. I’ve been working on the wards for 6months now and have had the much younger new grads continually tell me they envy my ability to communicate with patients, Doctors and not to stress out over situations – I know this is just a result of life experiences and confidence of age…. I envy them the fact they have 20 yrs on me to really have a longer career. I’ve worked in the health industry for over ten years in an administrative role so have the experience of knowing how things work…. it all helps. I guess the greatest thing about doing nursing in your 40’s, is that life has taught you some humanity and compassion which you can bring into nursing… which isn’t to say younger nurses don’t – it’s more that you understand the context of various phases of life, the stages…. which 20yr olds are yet to grasp. I get on great with the younger nurses and love being a ’student’ with them…. I also have copped some incredulous attitude of older lifetime nurses who think I’m MAD for taking up nursing…. but I am so grateful to have this new lease on life.
October 10th, 2007 at 8:07 am
Thank you for your interesting story. I can identify with most of what you have written, as I am of a similar age and about to sit my nursing aptitude exaination tomorrow. I am glad to read that you too, shared many of my concerns and that you overcame them and now enjoy your career.
November 30th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Thank you all. I’m in my late 40’s and decided to take the leap into nursing. So far it’s been a great learning experience, but I know from clinicals how physically demanding it is. Does anyone have any tips for dealing with the physical strain–swollen legs and feet, and just plain deep fatigue that comes with the territory?
December 1st, 2007 at 3:36 am
I’ve been nursing only (only?) 17 years – including training. In the last 3-5 years I feel I’m starting to understand it at a level beyond textbooks even tho I’ve always been, and been regarded as, an analytical thinker.
The only benefit I think I may have in having time-served experience is seeing the old practices, slightly amended, re-titled, making a come back. Apparently, (according to Mother Jones or MyOwnWoman – or both, I forget) a life-time nursing career will probably see the same philosophy/model/issue revisited and revamped 3 or 4 times, invariably coming back to the original idea.
Having the savvy to know family is important- or working to live – and picking your shifts is better than being blinded by career and – living for work.
Good luck to you all. Wear comfy shoes.
December 7th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
I’m 26 and I have decided to go back to school to be a nurse. I read somewhere that the average age of a nursing school graduate is 30 (not 23 or 24 like most degrees). I am married, but I don’t have any kids yet and after hearing stories of single parents or women who are pregnant or people with 4 kids going through school I figure I can do it. I just can’t see myself sitting at a desk for the rest of my life. So thank you to those who have families and get through nursing school for giving me the courage to go for it too – Cheers to you!
December 12th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
How about a 52 year old grandmother who is 6 months away from graduating with a BSN? I think this is my third career, but one thing that life has taught me is that life is what you make it, and life is full of choices. Yes, it is tough to be at this age and going through the rigors of nursing school and beginning a new career, and dealing with some pretty “shoddy” attitudes of some, but the opportunity to support myself with something other than minimum wage jobs and a chance to make a difference in someone’s life is well worth some of the uncomfortable issues I have encountered.
December 12th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Kay we are kindred spirits. I am 44 and a LPN bridging to RN. I have been a LPN for five years, so I am a relatively new nurse for my age. Opinions and support vary greatly. So we’ve got to make it personal. I wan’t my grave marker to say more than, “she survived.” And its kind of sexist too, most all of the great scientists made thier greatest contributions in thier 60’s and beyond. Sending love your way, your fellow nurse in the trenches, Gigi PS. I am a grandma too!lol
December 12th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
I am 24 with a business degree and decided to go back to school to do nursing!! Thank god I decided to do this before “life got in the way”… I am lucky in that I realized before I went further down the wrong path!
January 30th, 2008 at 10:53 am
An excellent post; one that mirrors a lot of my thoughts.
Nursing school can teach so much, just not common sense. Only life seems to teach that.
February 5th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I’m working on my Masters in Nursing Education. I’m trying to find out how many RN’s were beauticians before becoming a nurse. I’ve known a lot of them in my career and want to do a research project on areas that future adult RN students can be recruited from.
Thanks,
Monni
August 13th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Thank-you for writing. I am a 45-yr old new nursing grad with an Associates degree. I am currently looking for a job with very mixed feelings_ Am I too old?… But in America we are told to follow our dreams… I was married for 20 yrs taking care of my family doing odd jobs off and on- try putting that on a resume!
September 25th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Wonderful article! I am a 43-year-old new grad LPN and I plan to bridge to RN in the next couple years. It is so good to see so many with a similar experience – love and best wishes to each of you. The world really does need women’s wisdom and I see evidence of this need, and examples of our value to the world, every day. If I find I have the stamina, I may well go on to become an NP.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:44 pm
This article is sooooo inspirational. To become a registered nurse and ultimately, a neonatal nurse practitioner, has always been a desire and dream of mine since I was the tender age of 2. I have found it so very difficult to get into a nursing program or nursing school here where I reside (in Tennessee). I currently hold a bachelor of science degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry, and career certificates in both medical and nursing assisting, respectively. I also have a wealth of knowledge in other areas of medicine, as well, but none of this has helped me to get into nursing school or a nursing program. Each time I get close, but yet, still so very far away. Reading you guys responses has given me hope to not give up on pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse, even though I am now 41.
November 4th, 2008 at 12:33 am
I began nursing school when I was 47. I just graduated in May at the age of 50. I find my rapport with patients is easy for me. Caring about their pain and really listening is natural for me. Skills can be taught. There is no school for life experience except the wisdom of years. We bring a lot to the nursing profession as mature women. It is NEVER too late!
November 17th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
This is my second career too. I went to nursing school when I was 32 and got an ADN. I’ve applied into a BSN program for next year. I would like to go to grad school later on too. I have a friend who’s mom went to med school at age 50, so it’s never too late to find a new career!
November 29th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I am 42 and have been a nurse since I was 30. However, I now want to get a MSN in Midwifery… Who knows? Why not. Live your dream! This is America. The GREATEST country in the WORLD! You can do anything you put your mind too!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:30 am
It’s nice to see that I’m not the only older person going back to school. Leaving a full-time job to go back to school was un-nerving. Now that I’ve made it through the first quarter (with a B) has given me much more confidence. I waited until my son was old enough to take care of himself so that I can devote the time for studies. One thing that I noticed as an older student is the lack of peer pressure. My priorities and sacrifices are much different than the younger students. And yes, they do admire my confidence and relaxed attitude towards patients and doctors. The wisdom helps to handle the stress. By the way, I’m 45.
February 2nd, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Thanks for all the comments, I’m 52 and considering finishing up a nursing degree!
Better late than never!
February 11th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I am 51 and into my 3rd semester of prereq’s for a BSN program. I have a previous degree but was never satisfied with the jobs I was offered. I wanted to do more. I know what you all mean by having the experience of life that makes us better communicators with patients. And at my age, I’m comfortable in my own life enough that I don’t sweat the small stuff. Like someone said…the skills can be learned. The attitude and comfort zone is acquired with time.
February 11th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Ditto, it’s never too late! I am 52 and a junior in a BSN program. Prior to my nursing program, I practiced law for 24 years. Always wanted a career in health care and nursing, with its holistic approach was a natural fit for me. I learn from my instructors and from my younger student colleagues. Age is what you make it: don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are too old (it’s illegal, btw..)
February 13th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I am so here, i’m waiting to start an RN program- i’ll be 51 when(if) i get in next year. The pre-req classes have been great, A & P after 30 years out of college and i kicked it! I think our years of life experience are invaluable, like a previous post said, skills can be taught, the rest comes with age.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:07 am
I am a paramedic now. I was an RN with a crit care cert first.
I like nursing now as a second job/career with the maturity I have now and the insight I so sorely see lacking. more importantly those that seem to give me the respect I so often missed when perceived as younger.
February 25th, 2009 at 1:08 am
Oh and I’m 40!
February 25th, 2009 at 6:25 am
I became an LPN at age 40 and promised myself that if I did return to school I wanted to finish before I turned 60! Well, in April I will be 59 and granduate from my RN program. It hasn’t always been an easy road but well worth the trip.
May 5th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
I just turned 32 and I was really afraid to go back to school, but seeing all of these posts makes me feel like I still have time to do it. I am going to school now to become a Paramedic and am planning on eventually transitioning over to an RN. Thank you all so much for your posts encouragement!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:38 am
I am 48 and just finished my RN and will be starting a nursing job next month. I want to do hospice nursing eventually. I can’t imagine doing that in my twenties. I think the physical part of nursing is harder, but the critical thinking part of nursing is easier at my age because of life experiences. A big round of applause for all of us out there who dare to care even with gray in our hair!!!!
May 31st, 2009 at 6:23 am
I am 35 and after years of working in the hospitality industry as a Bar Manager, I have decided to do the Bachelor of Nursing. I have some pre health study courses to do first, to be eligible. I am nervous about going back to study at my age but the previous comments have all been helpful in putting my mind at ease. I didn’t like the thought of being stuck in a class full of 18 year olds, but now realise that age can be an asset. I need a challenge so am going for it!!! Yay me!!!!
June 11th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
I was 47 when I graduated Nursing school. It was tough getting the brain kickstarted after a 25 year hiatus from school, but I know it’s one of the smartest things I’ve done. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else at this point in my life. It was a heck of a transition going from the Marine Corps into Nursing. I’m still a little rough around the edges, but my fellow Nurses accept me for who I am (or, if truth be known, they just put up with me because I bring a lot of upper body strength to the show
) but I swear I love what I’m doing and I hope it shows. One of the greatest things I’ve brought with me from my first career is the ability to work long hard hours for days on end. Lord knows that’s one thing the two careers have in common. I encourage everyone (including my three sons) to consider Nursing as a career. You just can’t beat it.
June 18th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
This is terrific that I have found this site and all your comments. I am 45 and doing research now to help decide to go into nursing – the biggest issue being, am I too old? Thank you for all the positive posts. I’ve wanted to go into nursing/medical field for several years now, the desire is just getting stronger and I want a career that is more fulfilling. Although it’s difficult to give up a job at a university that will pay for my kid’s college tuition, my current salary is not the greatest. I have a son two years from college and three more on the way, however my need to serve and feel fulfilled is taking over in this case. Hence, I’m reviewing a local college with the two year nursing program and researching the web as well. Any advice is welcomed!
August 20th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Thanks for all the posts. I am 43 and have been taking lots of the medical prereqs at my local Community College. I have done transcription for years and really got into it for the flexible schedule. Now that my kids are teenagers I am going to need more, and more money. I keep wondering if nursing would be for me if I am too old. Maybe not.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Thank you for the great article, Sue and all the wonderful posts. This all certainly gives this 42-year-old healthcare marketer some inspiration to finish up my research into a second degree BSN program and get moving! Best to you all.
October 7th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
After years of working as a C.N.A. I became an L.P.N. at the age of 46. As an L.P.N I work full time for the goverment in the geriatric unit. Am 48 now working towards my R.N. Those pre-reqs arent easy. I just wonder why i have to take them. Hopefully i would be done by 50 GOD willing. Is nice to know that i am not the only older nurse still going to school. I salute all of those wonderful nurses who dare and have the corage to pursue their dreams in spite of many obstacles. It has been proved in this post that age is not one of them.
October 24th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
So thankful to find all of your posts. I’m a 48 year old mother of two teenages who has always worked in an office setting. I’m ready to apply to a LPN Program and terrified!! To old, out of college for 100 years, etc., I must be crazy, right??
It is so wonderful to hear encoraging and honest advice from people who have been down this road.
Wishing you all, the best life has to offer.
November 10th, 2009 at 3:42 am
I am 51 and just got accepted in the nursing program. I am scared but thrilled at the same time. It is nice to see there is so many older adults that have the same idea as me and that they don’t think it is too late
November 17th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I just turned 50 and am in the my first year of nursing school. Taking A/P two summers ago was so refreshing. It’s great to learn. Clinicals have been tough — not the work so much as the nurses’ mentality, which I’ve learned is referred to as “eating their young.” Although I initially came in feeling pretty positive, the nastiness of these women is really getting me down. Any advice? I hate to work so hard to get into a toxic work setting.
December 28th, 2009 at 11:23 am
I am 51 and was so excited about nursing school. I smoked A and P and Microbiology and thought I was doing great. A year ago I fell short of passing PN1 (I was like 3 points short of the required 80%). It was rigorous but I did well in clinicals and everything else. Every time the new semester rolls around I agonize as to whether to sign on again. This is were I am yet AGAIN.
I feel like I lost all my confidence and am not sure I was to put my all back into something. I realize this is not the ‘can do’ attitude that is required but I am terrified of putting all the time in again and not passing. It is awful yet I can’t seem to let it go.
Oh and the other roadblock. I can’t hear out of a stethischope. Yes I had my hearing checked and it is fine. It is very strange. I bought a very expensive amplified one and can hear ok but have trouble with BP’s. Sorry I sound kinda whiney!! but thanks for listening.
January 12th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
I will be 64 in a few weeks. I finished nursing school ten years ago. It is never too late to learn ANYTHING you are determined to learn. It might be a little harder, partly because of responsibilities, but it is possible if the desire is there.
I don’t know why nursing faculty has so many dragons! “To weed out the unfit” they will say, but it also drives out the fit who need a little hand because they aren’t good STUDENTS, not because they won’t be good NURSES. Not everyone does well in a classroom environment.
Some of them will tell you it’s because this is the way it was when they went through nursing school – I’ve had them say that to me. Well, what about ‘Let it begin with me’? We used to wear animal pelts too!
Something which I regard as a problem is that a lot of nursing professors haven’t worked on the floors in a very, very long time, and have no recent experience of a working nurse’s real working life. Walking through the halls with a gaggle of students doesn’t make it. Being very knowledgeable about the science of nursing and theories of nursing and being skilled at imparting them to students is very important, but it isn’t necessary to be brutal doing it. In fact. most employers, and I should think this includes universities and community colleges, have Zero Tolerance policies for disruptive and abusive behavior.
I went through an evening program. Most of the faculty were or had recently been, working nurses – they were the most junior, and didn’t get the plum day positions, and I think that was to our benefit. They also tended to be younger (30s and 40s, rather than 60s and 70s) than the professors in the day program, and they were ‘nicer’ They were not ‘easier’ on the students, they just weren’t mean and nasty. The reason I bring this up is that it may be possible that someone who is struggling in the day program may find that that do better in the evening program, if their school has one. We had several students transfer in when openings became available (the evening program was limited to twenty students) and they used to comment on how much more humane the evening program was! I think that’s is tragic – school should be rigorous, but humane, days or eveings!
Savvy