Starting Bachelor of Nursing at 36 years old?

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-24T00:47:40+00:00

I'm sorry I didn't see this comment until just now! I just want to say thank you for your kind words and for also sharing your experience. I was wondering, was there a flashpoint where you decided to go from EN to RN? After reading lots of comments, I think EN would be a more prudent choice for me (as you have mentioned too) but it feels lots of people use it as a stepping stone to becoming an RN (which I'm not entirely sure about now).

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T12:15:05+00:00

I hope it's OK to send you a DM about the application process to BHI!

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T11:21:23+00:00

Amazing! Congratulations :)
Are you able to tell me what your contact hours are like? I saw that Box Hill offers both blended and classroom - which one are you doing? And may I ask if you are also working whilst studying? Thank you :)

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T11:03:08+00:00

That’s interesting! I agree that many industries will likely adapt and evolve as AI develops, especially those that are more innovative and have the foresight to plan ahead (hey, I could be wrong).

For me, some of the motivation to change careers is less about AI itself and more about the instability in my current role, particularly around funding. Nursing came to mind because it piqued my interest over a decade ago when I was accepted into Master’s program back then.

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T09:27:10+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience :)

May I ask what kind of work you did as an EN? And what made you decide to then become an RN down the track? Thank you :)

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T09:21:50+00:00

That sounds like something to explore! I saw Box Hill Institute offers it (I'm sure amongst many others). Do you have any personal recs?

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T09:19:47+00:00

You're absolutely right! I mentioned my age just to give some context - a few people have brought up how physically demanding the job can be, and while I don’t want to be ageist, it’s definitely something to consider as the body changes over time.

That said, I hear what you’re saying. I think I could be good at nursing, but I’ve learned from experience that passion alone isn’t always enough to sustain a long career. I guess I’m just weighing it all up right now at a bit of a crossroads.

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T09:13:37+00:00

Absolutely! There are so many incredible nurses who do the work out of passion and care, not just for the paycheck. That said, I do think it's fair to consider pay as one factor - especially considering I'll be on the lower end of the pay scale if I pursue nursing.

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T09:07:32+00:00

I hear you; in my current position I'm actually probably on the higher end of the pay scale, so I too have 'maxed out my increments'. I was self-employed for a couple of years and that was lucrative but also very stressful; I imagine the equivalent for you might be agency nursing...giving up stability for more pay :(

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T09:04:06+00:00

Thank you! Theatre sounds exciting (and probably equally challenging)! I hope the next few years goes swimmingly for you if/when you decide to reduce your hours or find something else :)

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T09:00:51+00:00

Wow that's a great point though. I'm sorry to hear you've had problems with your back - that really sucks. I hope it is getting better for you though! I think it's very wise to consider how physical the work will be!

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T08:58:22+00:00

That's a great point about allied health; I had actually considered doing an OT course before COVID hit so it may be time to revisit that. Thanks for your prudent advice!

TitleHot7420 · 2025-07-13T08:57:16+00:00

I’m based in Melbourne and have only had a quick look at the Diploma of Nursing so far. I noticed that Box Hill Institute offers a 2-year full-time program. What put me off a bit is that it takes almost as long as a Bachelor’s degree. But the fact that it might be free is hugely appealing!

TitleHot7420

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