Expert: Margot RN BScN GNC - 1/29/2012

Question
Hi Margot, my name is indy, I am 47 years old and I am taking my prerequisites to enter the nursing program to earn a A.S. which is a 2 year degree in nursing in Southern California. I am going through the darkest trial of my existence, life circumstances have thrusted me into an ocean of despair, where I either have to learn how to swim or drown, but somehow misteriously by the Grace of God, He has infused me with His strength and has given me a passion or desire or a call to help others(which I've always love to do), I've always try to be a blessing to others and somehow it has led me to the nursing field, which I have never ever been interested in,prior to this I had only worked in the iron work industry for 26 years(I have a California Contractor's License)  before this I always hated hospitals or anything that had to do with doctors, actually I've only been in the hospital 3 times in my life, for the birth of my 3 kids, I am blessed with a great Health, Thank God. Because of this personal tragedy that I am going through, I ended up going back to school at age 46,(my sunami started oct of 2010), I donot even know how (by the Grace of God)but on the summer of 2011 I was enrolled in college in a math class and I also took a CNA course which allowed me to become CNA certified by the state, I did my clinicals at a nursing home, the first day at the nursing home I was so dissapointed and thought "this is not for me", but somehow by the 2nd day something happened and it sprung something on the inside of me, my heart became full of compassion for the elderly and I developed a passion to want to make a difference in their lives, to make them feel loved and confortable to show them  God's Love and Mercy through me, after I got my license I went back to that Nursing Home and became a volunteer, I am now working part time only on weekends at a caregiving company called Visiting Angels (it is very rewarding), I've already taken my first Anatomy Class, I will take Phisiology and chemistry on the spring, I feel so passionate about becoming a registered nurse, but a thought has crossed my mind whether I am too old to start a nursing career, I know that I am not too old to become a nurse, because if you really want to do it and with God's help, there's nothing you can not accomplish, but my concern in more towards the hiring aspect of it, is it hard to get hired as a nurse, without experience at let's say age 50 or 52? How easy is it to get hired if you're up in age versus a young 20-30 year old? Are there jobs available for older nurse graduates? Thank You very much, I will be eagerly waiting for your response. thank you and May God Bless you

Answer
Hi Indy,

Good for you for going back to school as a Mature Student - you'll never be sorry and Nursing is a wonderful choice as it offers so many career options.  I do not think you're too old, nor do I think you'll have any challenges finding a job.

Just follow your heart, do the work and I'm confident you'll be a fantastic Nurse!

All the best,
Margot