older but wiser

older but wiser [2007-08-13]
I am in my mid 40s and have completed all my prerequisites for the nursing program at my local community college. Now I am just sitting on a waiting list. I was a litte nervous about making such a huge leap at this point in my life, but I feel my future as a MT is limited. I am doing the same work I have always done and yet each year I make less money. I figure once you have that RN behind your name there will be a great many opportunities available. Most people do not think beyond working on a hospital floor, but there are other options out there which I think may be more suited to my aging body! Bottom line for me is if I have to work 15 years or more, I want to be doing something that fulfills me and allows me to support myself, and MT no longer does this. Good luck in your future whatever you decide.

Another MT to Nursing question... [2008-10-20]
Hi, I have been an MT for 16 years and have always wanted to get into nursing and now that my children are a little older, I am looking at it more seriously. Here is what I The 2-year RN program is filled until 2010 and even now, already over half full for the 2010 track. There is also an LPN 1-year program that I can test for starting in November, that begins next August. I am 40 years old and don I am thinking of doing the LPN next August, be out in a year and then doing the LPN-RN bridge program, which is offered either as a 1-year or 2-year program that you can do while also working. My thought is that I can get a job at the hospital where I have been MTing for 16 years as LPN (they do hire them), work there while completing my RN degree. Does this sound like a plan that would work and what advice or suggestions can anyone offer? I have spoke with the Dean of Nursing in the RN program and she said that a lot of people do that as the bridge program is easier to get into. Also, the hospital that I work for offers scholarships and also educational loans, so the financial part of it is not a real issue. Thanks for any help!

going to nursing school [2008-06-18]
I too have been a Transcriptionist for many years, 17 years actually. When my current boss asked me how I got into transcription I laughed and told her stupidity. LOL I am older also but probably will be working another 20 years for sure from now but probably longer than that. At least with nursing, if you get burned out on hospital settings in general, being an RN is in demand in a lot of different areas.

Rn not MT [2008-03-11]
I would go with RN. That said I was pursing RN at 40 but decided to go into business related field. The reason is you do have to have a lot of strong famliy support. Pursuing RN as a more mature adult can be done but it is VERY difficult for a single parent like myself who not only has to work full-time to pay the mortage, but also there is no other adult to help pull the weight. Ultimately that is why I decided against RN even though Iknow the job opportunities and pay are better. You have to look at your own lifestyle situation. Saying go for RN across the board without considerations to other aspects of your life -- how will you live while you pursue full-time school? Do you have a spouse to help pay bills and watch children? Is nursing your passion or do you prefer more solitary work? Looking at just the job security and pay RN beats MT However, I went into MT because it gave me the ability to work from home. As a young single Mother this was vitally important. I had paid sitters for daycare when I worked outside the home and I didn So for me the lower pay etc was a tradeoff for perks of working athome. Now my kids are getting older I would like to get out of MT. Working on production pay can be great or it can be difficult. There is no security of making the same paycheck, which I am looking for as I get older. So truly assess your own particular lifestyle, personality and what would suit you best. I have seen some really negative changes in MT. I loved it 10 years ago when I started out. The money wasn't bad and you readily could find in-house or at-home work with great benefits. It's much more difficult these days.

you'll be fine [2008-02-05]
you i just went back last year for RN with associates. i have 4 kids although older than yours. school schedule still allows enough time to get in full time MT work. i work ic so no set hours. good luck.

I hope things are picking up for you [2006-09-27]
My best friend and I have returned to school for the RN-AD program, we have both been MTs for 10 years now. I have 2 prior AAS degrees that are 12+ years old from a school in another state, my friend however has prior credits from this same school we are now attending. They transferred all of her credits even though they were older than mine, but only transferred credits in place of my needing to take any electives. I think if you return to a school you went to previously you have a better chance of having your prior credits transfer in. Best of luck to you!!! :)

scholarships. [2006-09-01]
Not all scholarships are based on income I had four of them when I went to college before. Most of them we either based on an essay or my grades. I have seen a few for older women returning to college. I know it would have my hands full but since I have already completed all of the general education requirements there is the possibility I would only be attending parttime. I also worked three jobs while I went for premed so I am pretty sure I know what is coming. Thank you for the advice. I will definitely check with the local hospitals. I live 2 hours from Pittsburgh PA but I really don't want to have to drive that far to go to work. Hopefully I can find something much closer.

changing careers [2006-07-11]
You'll be fine! I just went back to school to finish my pre-reqs and get into nursing school. I'm 30 and I have a 2-year-old. But, I really feel as if I am much more mentally prepared for studying and concentrating on classes, etc. Sometimes I think that being older (mental maturity as well you know) helps in that you actually WANT to study and are able to really focus on classes. You'll do great! I know where you're coming from though. I am waiting to get in right now myself. I hate waiting lists!