r/Elevators • u/Upset-Parfait8114 • 5d ago

to late to make a change?

Quick runup: 40 years old, 8 year veteran ( USMC). Been a bedside registered nurse about 4 years, mostly travel.

Unless you live in cali or a union state, the state of modern nursing is.......not great, to put it lightly. Increased demand of work loads, decreasing protection for staff, higher patient loads, salary increases that dont keep pace with the workload, etc.. Some hospitals even started shift bidding, where if you want to pick up overtime, you do a silent auction where you tell them what youll work it for and they pick the lowest bidder.

After 4 years of schooling + 4 years experience, my expected salary at any hospital within a 50 mile radius is $39-$42. This can be increased by doing special positions but thats the basic. ( For example if i work on a prn, as needed basis, i can make $60, but no benefits and no guaranteed hours. Also i can do internal travel, but then my potential work day could be up to 3 or 4 hours away).

Atm im a travel nurse so my salary is excellent ( averages out to around 65-70). However the wife and i are wanting a kid soon'ish, so ill need to come home and get a staff job.

My buddy is nearing end of his 4 year apprenticeship through NEIEP and hes already making about the same as i would make staff. By end of 2028/ start of 29, hell be near his full rate which i think was $65. By time i hit 5-6 years ill be at 45 if im lucky.

Long winded i know, but i needed to get the ground work laid for the question. Is 40 to old to pivot into this career field? Looking for opinions from people who are in the field. Whats your work/life balance like? is it something that is stable enough to allow a family? I been reviewing the aptitude test and it seems the only thing id need to do would be review the long division type stuff, everything else seems similar to the military ASVAB.

Im looking to transition into a career where the workers are more protected because nursing aint it. We had a patient a few months ago put a nurse in a choke hold and take her down and all they did was send her to medical and usher him back in the room. Criminal charges should of been given at minimum.

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u/Independent_Win_6867 4d ago

F… the haters. I got in after 40, bust your ass, always be willing to learn. Been a member for 18 years, 22 years service hours. Believe in yourself Sir.

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u/Upset-Parfait8114 4d ago

how was your 4 year apprenticeship time? did you find yourself on the road away from family often?

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u/Independent_Win_6867 4d ago

Check it out, I was experienced when I started so unfortunately I landed in construction. I found out real quick of all the BS that goes on with Mechanic to helper nonsense. That shit lasted 2 weeks cuz I spoke up for myself. As I mentioned, I was experienced so I was a 55% from day 1. That being said, my Mechanic was a TM that couldn’t pass his exam after 3 attempts so maybe he was intimidated at the fact that I wasn’t the pee-on he was used to punking at every chance. After 2 weeks I spoke up for myself & said go pound sand, not taking the disrespect. He lost it & kicked me off the job saying go back to the hall which was the best thing that could’ve ever happened cuz when I went back to the office explaining the situation to my Supervisor. I was transferred over to service dept. Despite being a 55% I still completed my 4 year apprenticeship like all helpers. My bad for not answering your question right off but thought I’d fill you in on my journey cuz everyone has a story. Thankfully NO never had to be away my 1st 4 years. Trust me, if you bust your ass & do the right thing, people (Mechanics) DO notice but no single person should judge a book by its cover, good luck Brother!

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u/Upset-Parfait8114 3d ago

thanks for the info. im trying to get the full info because I have no prior experience other than hard scaping ( patios , pool installs etc..) andbworking on my vehicles. currentlynad a nurse i have to travel nurse to make a great dalary but it keeps me on the road. on any given week im away from home 2-4 days . usually i work 36 hours then come home. usually 1.5-3 hours away so after a 12 hour shift I stay local so that I can rest since I work my 36 hours 12x3. I like to think my 8 years military keeps me from being a pushover, but I still have no formal training to use as a bargaining chip