[crb613]

I will be 50 in June....and will have been nurse for a year in May. I work a busy med surg floor, & I have as much stamina as I did in my 30's for me it is just not a big deal. I had no problem finding a job....if this is what you want go for it!

[myrlpie]

I am almost 46 and a LPN. I am thinking about going back to get my RN. I would love to have it by the time I am 50. I say go for what you want.

[danh3190]

I started a 2 yr program last year at 54 and will graduate at 56. I figure I'll still have 10 full time working years, God willing, and maybe some part-time years after that.

There are quite a few mid 40s and 50s students in our school and we seem to be doing well. I've found that all the studying and clinical makes me feel 10 years younger, guess 'cause I like what I'm doing.

What worried me a lot was that there would be friction with the younger students but I'm happy to say this hasn't happened. I think both the older and the younger students bring something special to the school.

[chesara]

I'll be 40 this year and I'm hoping to start an LPN program soon. I'm encouraged to read that many people start nursing later in life.

[SN bbgrl]

I am sooooooooooo glad i found this site - i just turned 43 and am 10 weeks into my first semester of an ADN program. I will be 44 and 3/4 by the time i graduate as an RN but hey, guess what??? Im nowhere near being the oldest in the class. I think its great - it doesnt appear that age is even a mitigating factor right now. All my theory grades are in the upper 90's and my low grade was an 80 in my first clinical skills test. In retrospect, i do not think i would have had the tenacity to work hard had i done this when i was in my 20's. Good luck to all, I know we can do it!!! You guys rock!!!

[zelebsel]

AllNurses Older Students Thread:April 19/07
Thank-you to all older students who took the time to share their stories of later life educational pursuits!! I am a PSW/LPN student at 37, and still hope to complete the full Bscn. I will easily be in my late forties when I graduate.

[Zephyr44]

Originally Posted by kamcal205

Is there any advice for this very mature student?

Good luck to you!

I'm 63 and just started a new job in telephone nursing. I was in hospital work until I injured my back, recovered and went to home health, but I was having a hard time carrying 50 lb children plus their respiratory equipment, much as I loved the kids. (I accompanied the children to school by bus.)
Where I work now there are 80 year old nurses, and some of them are more on the ball than anyone. Telephone nursing, or education and support, are the growing wave of the future.

[poundofsugar]

Originally Posted by kamcal205

I always wanted to be a nurse even as a child. Unfortunately, I attend a University at the time, that didn't offer Nursing. I majored in Psychology and didn't quite finished the last year. I later had one child. At this time it was quite difficult to pursuit a nursing career, plus I couldn't afford the education without working. I later begin working in Neurology as a Technologist. I perfected this field in all areas making myself more marketable. I worked presently with patients and in the back of my mind, figured this was the same as nursing, I mean working with and caring for the patients, or should I say "clients." But, in actuality, it;s not, I missed the yearning to be what I've always dreamed to be. I have worked for the government 11 years, and later learned they would pay for my growing education as a nurse if of course, I gave them x amount of years. I have finished all courses, except for the Nursing classes. My daughter is now 20 years old. I have no problem, but I can't help but wonder how is nursing for the second career people. I am presently 47 years old and will be close to 50 went I finished. Is there any advice for this very mature student?

U never too old or too young to accomplish a goal. I say go for it! Have confidence and think positive. Accept no negative feedback. So go ahead with yo bad self future nurse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[amdale]

I've seen the thread on older nurses and have been encouraged by many older than me and you. I say go for it. I believe there needs to be nurses of all ages.

I am just going to start my clinicals and am so excited. Finally to be getting into the hands on portion. I just know that this career is going to be the best work I've ever had. I also believe it is going to give me new found self confidence and awareness I have not had in the past.

Whatever choice you make, I hope it is the best one for you. Good luck in your decision.

[reesern63]

Originally Posted by kamcal205

I always wanted to be a nurse even as a child. Unfortunately, I attend a University at the time, that didn't offer Nursing. I majored in Psychology and didn't quite finished the last year. I later had one child. At this time it was quite difficult to pursuit a nursing career, plus I couldn't afford the education without working. I later begin working in Neurology as a Technologist. I perfected this field in all areas making myself more marketable. I worked presently with patients and in the back of my mind, figured this was the same as nursing, I mean working with and caring for the patients, or should I say "clients." But, in actuality, it;s not, I missed the yearning to be what I've always dreamed to be. I have worked for the government 11 years, and later learned they would pay for my growing education as a nurse if of course, I gave them x amount of years. I have finished all courses, except for the Nursing classes. My daughter is now 20 years old. I have no problem, but I can't help but wonder how is nursing for the second career people. I am presently 47 years old and will be close to 50 went I finished. Is there any advice for this very mature student?

You're going to be 50y whether or not you go back to school. If nursing is what you really want to do, you should do it. Personally, I say "patients." Always have, always will. There is only so much PC crap I can handle.