34 to old for a career change?

[Anonymous]

One thing, in terms of physical work, is that the higher paying nursing jobs do require more physically intensive work. That is, hospital jobs, such as ICU and OR nurses, pay the most - I'm guessing 60K to start, 80K for mid-level, and around 100K for a few really senior nurse supervisor positions. Nurses who work in doctor's offices make significantly less, like 40K. Working in a hospital, you have to be on your feet much more, and move around patients, etc. Nurse practitioners start higher, but I think they max out around the low 100s.

BTW - My numbers are a few years old, so someone in the field please correct me. But you can also look to see what the VA pays their nurses - the private sector usually pays more.

[Anonymous]

I think that's great. Just do your research. I have a 43 year old friend who is going back to medical school next year!

[Anonymous]

Teachers and nurses are ALWAYS in demand. You would be foolish not to consider either.

[Anonymous]

I've been a nurse for the past 10 years in this area and am also a nurse practitioner.
Hospital nursing jobs (shift work) pay the most in terms of RN jobs---generally around 50K to start and then senior nurses will make up to 80K if they have 20 years of experience and are still working rotating shifts.
Doctors offices jobs pay less----many as little as 30K/year.

Nurse practitioners actually make less than many RNs which is the great irony and what many of us in the field roll out eyes at (more education = less money). NP jobs average around 65-70K will a few up in to the 80's. I've actually never heard of an NP making near 6 figures and I have 6-8 who are good friends (we all met in nursing school). Also, my husband hires NPs (as a physician) into both a primary care and a specialty setting these salaries are also 65-70K.