Every year RNs matriculate in fast track nursing programs all over the country—and some of these graduates have this in common: they’re over 40-years-old. According to a **2010 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average age of RNs at graduation is higher—good news as we face a shortage of more than 900,000 registered nurses by 2030.
Beyond the statistics, morale among mature nurses is extraordinary, especially among Phyllis O., telemetry RN working as a travel nurse in San Antonio, Texas. American Traveler sat down with Phyllis—or rather, she took time out from her exciting travels out West, to take our call. This is what she had to say.
AT: Our recruiters have noticed that lots of our RNs come into travel nursing as way to build more financial stability—as well as gain the ability to travel freely throughout the United States. Would you say that’s why you’re trying out the travel nurse lifestyle?
Phyllis: Well, I’m past “trying it out”! I love how diverse this field is, and am already on my second travel nursing assignment. I do love to get around! I had a fairly good job in civil engineering before, but I found the job unfulfilling. Sometimes I’d get a paycheck and wonder what I had done to earn it—this feeling drove me nuts! My Mom convinced me that following her career path in nursing might be my destiny. And she was right!
AT: A nursing mentor is always so nice to hear about. What was your mother’s RN specialty, and how old were you when you decided to take her advice and follow in her footsteps?
Phyllis: I graduated from nursing school in 2010 and now I’m 54. Mom, before she passed away, was a home health nurse, and though I work in Telemetry, I’m drawn to emulating her: of being even more nurturing in my role as nurse—and educating patients and their families. I have plans to complete a master’s degree and learn everything I can about community based and public health nursing.
AT: Can you tell us why public health interests you?
Phyllis: In San Antonio where I work, the Air force Base is like a triage for hundreds of Mexican refugees, all seeking medical care. The idea of immunizing the kids and helping educate them about their health is really an exciting prospect! I can’t wait to make a difference.
AT: We’d say you already have! Thanks Phyllis!
American Traveler Promotes Nursing Careers at Every Stage in Life. Which One Are You In?
At American Traveler, consultants work closely with every applicant, helping them align their expectations and dreams with an ideal nursing job. As their stories show, there is compelling, high paying and interesting work for RNs of every age. It’s as Phyllis put it at the close of our interview: “Ask yourself: what do I want to do with the rest of my life—because the whole second half of it is just waiting to be lived!”
If you have an inspiring story to tell about your journey as a nurse, please leave a comment or get in touch with us by calling 1-800-884-8788 or applying online today.
**Inspiration and facts for this blog were taken from AARP’s recent article: The Late Shift: Second Acts in Nursing.
