6 answers
marely
Student
Mexia, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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what would be a good age to start nursing? What would be the best job if your just starting one?
i know a lot go after college but like if we don’t go what age would be best if we would start late? like say you didn’t get a job in your teenage years what would be the best job as a starter?
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6 answers
John Levesque
Clinical Quality Nurse
75
Answers
Waterville, Maine
Updated
John’s Answer
Nursing is a fantastic career that welcomes individuals of all ages. In my experience, we've had eager students straight from high school, and we've also had individuals aged 55 and above. Many are in their 30's, looking for a fulfilling second career or waiting until their children have grown up. If nursing sparks your interest, remember, there's no perfect time to start. Whenever you feel ready and it feels right, go for it!
Wishing you all the best on your journey.
Wishing you all the best on your journey.
yixuan zhang
3
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
yixuan’s Answer
Once you enter college and find a nursing program, it's a great starting point. But don't forget, there's also the option to volunteer at a hospital. This can give you a real feel for the nursing world and could make it easier for you to land a nursing job once you've completed your program. If you're worried about time, consider a job as a Phlebotomist. It's a different path than nursing and has a lower entry bar, but it does require excellent customer service skills and mental stamina.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3918
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
You can find your start as an assistant in nursing. This role will provide you a glimpse into the dynamic world of nursing. Indeed, it may involve a fair share of routine tasks such as assisting individuals with disabilities. However, remember that every great journey begins with a single step.
Who knows where this path may lead you? You could progress in your nursing career, perhaps even becoming a distinguished professor of nursing at a prestigious university. Alternatively, you might be drawn towards the field of medicine, studying at an esteemed institution like Harvard, and specializing in a fascinating area such as Otorhinolaryngology - a specialist in ear, nose, and throat conditions.
Embarking on this journey as a young assistant in nursing, possibly around the age of 17 or 18, could be the stepping stone to a fulfilling and remarkable career. So, take that first step with courage and determination, for the possibilities are endless!
Who knows where this path may lead you? You could progress in your nursing career, perhaps even becoming a distinguished professor of nursing at a prestigious university. Alternatively, you might be drawn towards the field of medicine, studying at an esteemed institution like Harvard, and specializing in a fascinating area such as Otorhinolaryngology - a specialist in ear, nose, and throat conditions.
Embarking on this journey as a young assistant in nursing, possibly around the age of 17 or 18, could be the stepping stone to a fulfilling and remarkable career. So, take that first step with courage and determination, for the possibilities are endless!
Sandra Sims
Occupational Health
2
Answers
Loganville, Georgia
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
Nursing is one of those unique careers that can be started at any age. I have known many nurses that nursing was their second career. It has so many opportunities in varied specialties. I started out in a level one trauma hospital in med/surg because I wanted a vast experience. Do your research and find your passion. Nursing is a hard job but it can be very rewarding.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
The ideal age to start a career in nursing can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and goals. Nursing is a field that welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and at various stages of life. Here are some considerations:
1. **Traditional Path:** Many individuals pursue nursing as a career after high school or during their early twenties. They typically start with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. These programs provide the necessary education and clinical training to become a registered nurse (RN).
2. **Second Career:** Nursing is an excellent choice for those considering a career change or starting later in life. It's not uncommon for individuals to become nurses in their thirties, forties, or even older. Life experience and maturity can be assets in the healthcare field.
3. **Practical Nursing:** If you want to enter the healthcare field more quickly, you can consider becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). LPN/LVN programs are typically shorter in duration than RN programs and can be a stepping stone to a nursing career.
4. **Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):** If you're looking for a starting point in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is an option. CNAs provide basic patient care and support to nurses and other healthcare professionals. Training programs for CNAs are relatively short, making it a quicker entry point into healthcare.
5. **Healthcare Support Roles:** There are various entry-level roles in healthcare that don't require extensive education or training. These positions include medical assistants, phlebotomists, and patient care technicians. While they may not have the same responsibilities as nurses, they provide valuable healthcare support.
6. **Consider Education:** If you're contemplating nursing, think about your education level and any prerequisites needed for nursing programs. You may need to complete specific courses or prerequisites, which can affect your timeline.
7. **Personal Circumstances:** Your personal situation, such as family responsibilities and financial considerations, will also impact when you can start a nursing career. Some individuals choose to start part-time or pursue online nursing programs to accommodate their schedules.
Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the "best" age to start nursing. What matters most is your passion for healthcare, your commitment to learning and providing care, and your willingness to adapt to your unique circumstances. Nursing is a rewarding field, and the skills and knowledge you gain can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career, regardless of when you begin your journey.
1. **Traditional Path:** Many individuals pursue nursing as a career after high school or during their early twenties. They typically start with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. These programs provide the necessary education and clinical training to become a registered nurse (RN).
2. **Second Career:** Nursing is an excellent choice for those considering a career change or starting later in life. It's not uncommon for individuals to become nurses in their thirties, forties, or even older. Life experience and maturity can be assets in the healthcare field.
3. **Practical Nursing:** If you want to enter the healthcare field more quickly, you can consider becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). LPN/LVN programs are typically shorter in duration than RN programs and can be a stepping stone to a nursing career.
4. **Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):** If you're looking for a starting point in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is an option. CNAs provide basic patient care and support to nurses and other healthcare professionals. Training programs for CNAs are relatively short, making it a quicker entry point into healthcare.
5. **Healthcare Support Roles:** There are various entry-level roles in healthcare that don't require extensive education or training. These positions include medical assistants, phlebotomists, and patient care technicians. While they may not have the same responsibilities as nurses, they provide valuable healthcare support.
6. **Consider Education:** If you're contemplating nursing, think about your education level and any prerequisites needed for nursing programs. You may need to complete specific courses or prerequisites, which can affect your timeline.
7. **Personal Circumstances:** Your personal situation, such as family responsibilities and financial considerations, will also impact when you can start a nursing career. Some individuals choose to start part-time or pursue online nursing programs to accommodate their schedules.
Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the "best" age to start nursing. What matters most is your passion for healthcare, your commitment to learning and providing care, and your willingness to adapt to your unique circumstances. Nursing is a rewarding field, and the skills and knowledge you gain can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career, regardless of when you begin your journey.
Char R.
Registered Nurse
67
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Marely,
Here are the answers to your questions.
What would be a good age to start nursing?
You can start nursing at any age. The best news is, no matter when you start, there will always be jobs waiting for you. Many students go to college right after high school because they are already familiar with schooling and want to get it out of the way while they are young. Some students wait later to start college and it works out for them. Others wait later but don't end up going because other things became a priority (job, starting a family, etc.). You can start whenever you want to, but I encourage you to not give up on your dream of becoming a nurse if that's really what you want.
What would be the best job if you're just starting one?
If you want to be a nurse one day, you can start working as a caregiver. You don't need any special schooling to be a caregiver (but you might need to learn CPR though). You can work with elderly people in their homes or at a group home. You could also be a certified nursing assistant/aide (which will pay you more) and work in nursing homes and hospitals, but you have to go to school for that. The program is usually only a few months though.
Here are the answers to your questions.
What would be a good age to start nursing?
You can start nursing at any age. The best news is, no matter when you start, there will always be jobs waiting for you. Many students go to college right after high school because they are already familiar with schooling and want to get it out of the way while they are young. Some students wait later to start college and it works out for them. Others wait later but don't end up going because other things became a priority (job, starting a family, etc.). You can start whenever you want to, but I encourage you to not give up on your dream of becoming a nurse if that's really what you want.
What would be the best job if you're just starting one?
If you want to be a nurse one day, you can start working as a caregiver. You don't need any special schooling to be a caregiver (but you might need to learn CPR though). You can work with elderly people in their homes or at a group home. You could also be a certified nursing assistant/aide (which will pay you more) and work in nursing homes and hospitals, but you have to go to school for that. The program is usually only a few months though.