I did a "mid-life" career change to nursing also, at the ripe old age of 32, and this was 15 years ago. Same thing happened to me - a local hospital paid part of my tuition, then when I graduated there was a hiring freeze. They were going to try to make me pay it back, which was going to be tough since then the nursing job market had dried up, and everyone I graduated with was having a hard time finding a job. I waited it out a little while, and ended up working at the hospital that paid my tuition. Left a very bad taste in my mouth though, and in the end I hated nursing.
That's not to say don't do it, but if you do, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. And I would strongly suggest having some exposure to the medical field before you make that decision. Also, try to go to a community college and get an associates if it's offered. Your starting pay as an RN is exactly the same as a BSN, and the place you work at will more than likely pay for additional schooling to get your BSN. Also, the nursing job market is cyclical. Very high demand over the last ten years, but I've heard, in spite of what nursing schools are telling you, that due to the economy, many hospitals are cutting back. Just be cautious because it was a very high in-demand job when I started nursing school, then the market dried up. I don't see that happening to the extreme it did back in the mid-90's, but be aware that it is a cyclical market.
And finally, anyone considering a mid-life career change, needs to know that nursing is a very physically demanding job, and the hours you start with may not be to your liking. I hated night shift, and that's where I had to start - I felt like a vampire.
But I would never discourage anyone from making a career change - why not try something you think you may love?
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