[pcarpenter]

When most of my friends are talking about retirement, I have just started my new career. I have been in the healthcare business all of my life, but only got my RN 6 months ago. Any other "change of life" RN's out there? I am currently working on a busy med-surg floor and my body is taking a beating. I don't know how long I can keep this up!

[Suesquatch]

I'm a 53 year old LPN in her first year of health care. Going for the RN on-line.

Yeah, I'm physically tired, but man, does this beat sitting in a cubicle.

[allantiques4me]

How totally cool!! I too have been in the medical field since I was 16,became an LPN at age30,and now Im 44 and was contemplating going back for my RN,but sometimes I feel too old,I know Ill only get older!Anyways consider you will always be able to work.You could do some home care cases if the hosital and nursing homes become too much on your body.You made the right choice!!Good luck!!

[traumaRUs]

Good luck guys..it does get easier because you learn to consolidate trips into the rooms.

[pcarpenter]

TOO OLD? I too had doubts about doing this job, especially about my age. But you know what? I discovered that my maturity gave me a great advantage over my younger classmates. My biggest concern right now is the wear and tear on my body, and within the year I will start looking for a less physical position. I've always thought that "discharge planning" was the best kept secret in the hospital...that is what I'm shooting for!

[nurse kitkat]

Hi there, just wanted to let you know that my mum is 58 years old, completed her div 2 two years ago and is about to start studying towards a bachelor of nursing next year. She had to leave school when she was young to help support her family, she raised her own family of four kids while working in low skilled - low paid jobs that she hated and now its her turn. She's an absolute natural when it comes to nursing she's compassionate and caring and when I've seen her working with older residents at the local nursing home her face just lights up when she's with them. I am so proud of her! I don't think that anyone should let age hold them back from doing what they want to do in life. Age is really just a state of mind.

[Tweety]

It is rough in med-surg isn't it?

Welcome to Allnurses!

[Night_Owl]

It's great to hear of others out there. I thought I might be the oldest pre-nursing student in the country. I just turned 59 and am completing a Surg Tech program while on the wait list to do my nursing clinicals. It beats the hell out of rusting in a rocker and despite the late night studying, I'm enjoying the journey.

I haven't been working in the healthcare industry all of these years but I was a Pre-Med undergrad, so I've come full circle and feel a real sense of "career" peace for the first time in years.

I'll finish the Surg Tech clinicals April '08 and hope I can find a job quickly. I'm anxious to get out there! When I finish the nursing clinicals in '09, I hope to stay in the OR and that my Surg Tech experience will be an asset to getting a nursing job there.

It's wonderful to hear from all of you--very inspiring!

[suzy253]

I just got my RN in July at age 53. I work a extremely busy med surg/step down telemetry unit. I do get tired but I think I'm adjusting pretty well and loving it!

[slou!]

I am going to show this thread to my mom for inspiration! She wants to go to nursing school but says she is "too old" I keep telling her that until they have age requirements in schools she isn't!