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How old were you when you officially started your nursing career?

I really want to know because some people start their nursing career at an early age and some start at a late age but why is that?

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Cheryl’s Answer

Dear Zae'onna,

Everyone has unique circumstances in their life that contribute to their professional journey! I know many people who transitioned into nursing as a second career because they found it might be more fulfilling than their prior work. They may have not had exposure to nursing in their younger years, or maybe they were unable to complete nursing education at that time due to other commitments. Some nursing programs are also impacted, leading to some difficulty getting the right classes for graduation.

I was fortunate enough to be exposed to nursing during my high school years. As a project for my English class, we were sent to the high school Career Center to take surveys. Nursing was my top recommended job, and this really resonated with me! As part of the project, I also interviewed an RN and wrote a paper all about the field of nursing. I began volunteering in my local hospital as an ICU liaison and newborn photographer to get more exposure to the field. I found it to be enjoyable, fulfilling, and exciting. Nursing is a very dynamic role! I had so much respect for the nurses and decided I could envision myself helping people in the same way. I entered nursing school straight out of high school, and I began working as a med/surg nurse as soon as I graduated with my BSN in my early twenties.

If you are interested in the field, I would highly recommend speaking further with nurses in various settings and also volunteering if possible! Wishing you all the best in your journey.

Cheryl
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Ann’s Answer

I was fortunate that I was able to obtain my BSN after high school. I entered the program after I graduated high school and graduated with my BSN and started working as an RN at age 21. You asked why others are older-there are lots of factors. Some may not have the financial means to attend nursing school right out of high school and take years getting their degree, having to take in other jobs in the meantime. Others may go into a different profession before deciding that they want to go to nursing school. Life circumstances can interfere and cause delays (i. e., raising kids). There are just many reasons why some don’t get their degrees until later in life.
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Nico’s Answer

Hello, Zae'onna!

I'm not a nurse, however, my wife is an RN at one of our local hospitals around the Indianapolis, IN area. We have been together for almost six years, and every day she has been a nurse she cannot stop smiling.

Her journey to become a nurse started by enrolling at Indiana University, followed by transferring to Indiana University of Richmond to attend a smaller school to bring more focus to her studies. During her college career, she interned at different hospitals while attending classes where she was able to gain real-world experience while understanding the concepts in detail from her textbooks and lectures. Once she graduated at the age of 21, she was off to one of the most prestigious level-one trauma centers in the state of Indiana.

If you aren't around her age range, or if someone is not generally around her age range, there is still plenty of time to pursue a career in nursing. For example, my step-mom obtained her degree in nursing when she was 40 years old, and only a decade later, she became the regional manager of a nursing home group around central Missouri. I asked her at the time why she made the sudden decision to make the career change in her 40s and her response was, "There was a call for me to do it. I wore different hats in retail and other customer service-related positions, but I never gained the satisfaction of helping someone through a dark time. Sometimes, it's best to start over later in life to do the right thing then grow old and wonder, 'What if?'"
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Zae'onna
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Lindy’s Answer

At 24, I became a nurse, a decision rooted in determination, resilience, and a desire to serve others. In high school, opportunities seemed limited, but joining the military as a combat medic opened doors I hadn't imagined. That experience taught me discipline, adaptability, and the profound impact of providing care during critical moments. It also ignited my passion for healthcare and set the foundation for my nursing career.

Over the past 25 years as a registered nurse, I’ve grown both personally and professionally. My journey has spanned diverse areas such as acute care, care coordination, and value-based care. Each step has allowed me to evolve, not only enhancing my skills but also deepening my commitment to making a difference in patients’ lives. Today, I bring this wealth of experience to my role at Cigna Healthcare, Director of clinical operations, where I continue to support and advocate for individuals navigating their health journeys.

Nursing has given me purpose, growth, and an enduring passion for helping others. I truly love what I do and feel immense gratitude for a career that allows me to combine compassion with expertise. Looking back, I have no regrets—only pride in how far I've come and excitement for what lies ahead.
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Iris’s Answer

I was 24 years old. My nursing degree was a second degree for me, so that is why I started a little later as opposed to straight out of college. Some people start later due to it being their second career. Or perhaps they were inspired by someone close to them or a personal illness of their own.
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