I am 43 1/2 age women who is contemplating on becoming a nurse. I am currently apply for Diploma in Nursing to start off with as I am so daunted by university studies and become I am hands on and visual kind of girl. Later I wish to do continue with Bachelor or a Vocational Graduate studies. Please advise is it too late to start in early fourties? Scared to make the move as I am single and need to support myself finacially and with a house mortgage to boot.

There are lots of pros of nursing from having the flexibility of hours, diversity of many specialities, a good solid career as there is always work available, recognition in the community, personal contact with patients and knowing you are making a difference in their lives. The pros are and not sure if I am cut out with becoming a nurse as I know it involves high attention to detail, dealing with stressful and confronting situations, juggling many tasks at once, dealing with arrogant Doctors/Specialists that don’t have the time of day to explain instructions clearly and patiently, bully amongst nursing peers that have been in the field and making you feel incompetent and inadequate, all the paperwork and administration, aggressive patients that are demanding because they are sick and want things done instantly, public liability and the huge responsibility of any mishaps and accidents by a pracitising nurse (enrolled/registered) so no room for error.
I believe with my personality and character I would be suited for more low key environments and roles and very interested in community care nursing, school nurse, assistant nurse in medical/specialist centres and even mental health. No really keen on working in hospitals because of the high pressure, and internal politics. Although I know during training (both enrolled and registered) that placement in the hospital is compulsory.
What are your thoughts? Greatly appreciate your feedback. Patricia

Just thought I’d put my 2 cents in! I’m a registered nurse and have been in the profession for 5 years…as for drug calculations don’t worry!! I thought the same thing I’m not good at maths but the calculations are easy once you know how (there are formulas to learn) occasionally you come across a difficult calculation such as mls per kg but you always check with another nurse! If this is the only thing holding you back I say go for it! The average

I am an Australian citizen. My college study is major in graphics design. If I pass the IELTS exam and study a nursing degree in an Australian University, my age will be 48. Can I still work as a nurse in Australia?

I just want to help people who need help.

Thanks.

Also, do you know if any hospitals or Doctors would take in a high school student for work experience for a short period of time? I would like to experience it before I applied for Uni

Thank you!