[NavyJim58]

In my opinion there will always be a nursing shortage because its a stressful and difficult job in the hospital and in nursing homes and the general public would rather draw welfare than work as a nurse. My own family can't understand how I could do such work. I don't care if someone is just in it for the money as long as they do a quality job at work. I haven't met a lot of Florence Nightingales. The average age for ADN graduates in 2004 was 32. See the link below for the latest statistics in nursing. Yes, its a great second career and remember.....you can work one day a week or 7........days, nights or only weekends. I dropped my little ones off at 6:45 in the morning and went to school. Picked them up as late as 7pm. They turned out ok. My daughter is even going to nursing school next year. Thanks for listening.

http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce...ryfindings.htm

[fuzzie]

Originally Posted by NavyJim58

http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce...ryfindings.htm

Great site Navy....the age of the nursing workforce is clearly trending to older workers, which also supports a continuing nursing shortage.

I am an older male...51...and just accepted to Boise State. I have also been accepted to a local program (ADN) in Denver, and am waiting to hear from another ADN program in OR.

I have some ambivalence over leaving my cushy airline job (not so cushy anymore, really), but realize the glory days of the airlines are over.

So I'm looking forward to new challenges and more intimacy with clients/customers. Wanna do some good!

The only thing that concerns me is licensing, as I've mentioned on this board before. I'm in recovery and have been taking meds for dysthymia for a number of years...any info (anecdotal or otherwise) regarding licensing of nurses with (controlled) dysthymia (recovery doesn't seem to be an issue)??

[TomB]

Depression or "dysthymia" won't be a problem. I don't think they'll even ask you about it. Don't offer any information. Just respond to the questions asked.