Aug 08, 2012, 08:08 pm
Hi Swaz,
No, don't let anyone tell you you are too old. Many of the hospitals consider life experience a blessing. I too was worried with the age factor (I am a similar age to you) but I have just found out today I have been given my first preference for a graduate program in one of the most competitive hospitals in WA. It's all about presenting well and knowing what you want out of nursing. You don't have to do a graduate nursing position but I think it helps to ease tension and certainly is a foot in the door (so to speak). I know a girl who applied for a GP in one particular hospital in Perth, was not accepted, and then was accepted for her second option for a grad program. She started her GP at the hospital and within 3 months into the program, she withdrew, as she disliked it so much. Then she saw a job advertised for an RN at the hospital she had originally wanted for a GP, she applied, and was accepted! I asked her had she found it difficult with only 3 months "real" experience and she said no, it was the best decision she ever made. I think it comes down to confident levels as well. I myself would NOT apply for a hospital without having experience however I have friends who have worked in hospitals without completing a GP and they were fine because they were confident. Don't let your age put you off!!! Oh, and BTW, I studied with a lady who started her undergraduate nursing at age 50!
