You are absolutely right Janet!

Thank you Marilyn!

I think you have made a great decision - there is always a need for phlebotomists!

And in regard to the other topic of going back to school or following your dream, no matter your age........ I'm an RN and I teach in a school of nursing. We have LOTS of older women and men too, who are just coming in to the field. One is never too old.

Hospital work is very physically demanding - I'm 55 and I'm not sure that I would want to work fulltime in the hospital. BUT there are so many other jobs for nurses - doctor offices, occupational health, nursing homes, walk in clinics, etc etc. that one can ALWAYS find a job - ALWAYS!!!!!

Dreams are great! Reality is better!!! Good luck to everyone!

A 4 yr nurse is usually one who plans on going into the administrative areas of nursing. A 2 yr RN is one who generally works on the floor of a hospital, nursing home, clinic, etc. You can also go for LPN which is only 1 year, and that too is in high demand and pays very well.

As an LPN my oldest began working in a nursing home, then moved into home health and got a starting wage of $19 an hr. So if anyone really wants to go into nursing, there are many levels of training and they're ALL in high demand. My daughter has been gradually working toward her RN while she works as an LPN.

My one regret is that I never went to school to become an RN. I'd have loved to work in ER. Now my health prohibits me from wanting to work that hard. I say if you want it, and can find a way, GO FOR IT!

COngratulations, it is always an up to decide something positive! My Brother & his wife and kids own and operate a lab called Inland Drug Screening, here in Calif. They do drug testing and dna and all kinds of bllod, urine and other. There is a big demand for this because of random drug testing and new apps and such. My niece was just on the Tyra Banks show on Tuesday, as the representative for IDS. They used IDS as a source of testing and she was on TV to give the results. Kind of great, huh? Good luck, you are never to old to learn a new trade. Keep us informed of your success.

Thank you so much everyone! I sign up on Monday...Can't wait!