[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?

[edgwow]

You still have to work at least another 15 years to get full pension. Why not. I went back to school at 40. As you age, you do need to more careful with patient handling issues, so you are not injured. There are plenty of jobs where the 50 something nurse has the ability to let the younger staff do the turns, transfers, really difficult physical labor. Get a good pair of shoes and do not be discouraged.

[nj1grlcrus]

I started this semester at age 50, there is a huge thread about older nursing students, search for it. You can't believe how many of us are on this board!

[Halinja]

I'll be 48 when I graduate. I've been very encouraged by the hospital's reactions to me. Age can be a good thing!

[NREMT-P/RN]

How OLD are you going to be in three years IF you DON'T go on and finish your nursing degree?

Seems a little silly now, huh?



PS. You can thank my husband for that tidbit of wisdom - I was complaining that I was "old" and would be 43 when I finished law school - he pointed out that law school DID NOT change your age. GOOD LUCK!

[1Tulip]

Originally Posted by edgwow

You still have to work at least another 15 years to get full pension. Why not. I went back to school at 40. As you age, you do need to more careful with patient handling issues, so you are not injured. There are plenty of jobs where the 50 something nurse has the ability to let the younger staff do the turns, transfers, really difficult physical labor. Get a good pair of shoes and do not be discouraged.

What you say is very true. However, I have a 57 year old back and make sure I do ALL the things they taught us in shcool about body mechanics. Raise the bed to working level! Don't bend and twist at the same time! Get some help and don't do it all yourself! AND (may I add) get some advice about how to strengthen the muscles in your lower back and upper body.

[TrudyRN]

If it's what you want, go for it. There are lots of older nurses these days.

You can work in areas where lifting is minimal or non-existent - doc's office, psychiatry, school nurse, correctional facility, maybe community health, maybe some others. You could do research, teach nursing. Wishing you the best.

[Chaya]

I went thru nursing school in my late 40's. In general I found my "maturity" to be helpful. I was more focused when studying and less emotional-can't stress enough how much being more thick-skinned made a difference to me.

[mom and nurse]

Hi i was 45 when I graduated from nursing school in 2004. I'm 48 now. I don't regret getting a degree in nursing. Though I had days I loved the job, I've had to cut back at the hospital where I work for the time being because i'm back in school again trying to get a Masters.

My advice...go for it. Nursing has a variety of choices. Right now, I'm giving up on hospital work to study and perhaps will try to do something more in line with Community Health (something with less lifting, etc.). I was working in a hospital with 6 - 8 patients with lots of lifting, and it was getting to be too much for me (though I enjoyed working with the patients....some days).

[kamcal205]

Thanks