Honestly, Am I too old to become a nurse?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi

I am 51 years old and have a full time 8 - 5 job Monday through Friday. But I have always wanted to become a CNA and eventually nurse. Can I train to become a CNA/nurse evenings and weekends, or even on the internet (while still on my day job?). My eventual plan is to continue my day job while doing weekend and/or evening nursing.

Friends are telling me that if I take an online course, no hospital will hire me. Is that correct? (I would like some responses from nurses... would you guys feel like I can be properly trained?) How long does will it take me if I do evening and weekend classes?

What are your thoughts and opinions. Be Honest, I can take it.

My community has partnered up with a local college to offer people a chance to become an RPN (LPN). When I went to one of the information sessions I was worried that at 33 I was going to be one of the oldest ones there. To my surprise I was actually in the middle. My area has been hit hard by this recession and people are looking for a career that is going to offer job security...health care is the field to be in. There is nothing wrong with following your dreams...whatever your age. That's exactly what I wrote in my essay during the entrance test. I am showing my kids that regardless of age it is never too late to have goals for yourself. It will be interesting in September to see the age range of students that were accepted into this program.

Anyway, good luck to you!

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There are definitely some good points being made here regarding age, but I think the decision has to be definitely yours -- follow your heart. I'm 50 and started back to school at 48 to begin working towards an RN degree. I went through first semester nursing and part of 2nd semester, but had to step back due to personal situation in dealing with father's cancer and dealing with my own stress level of balancing nursing school with everything else in my life. Also, depending on your learning style, going back to school as an older student can be rewarding but also may be a little more difficult academically. But, again, everyone is different in how they learn. I just know for me, it takes me longer to retain things than I did back in my 20's and 30's. I do intend to eventually get my RN degree -- it just might take me a little longer than I had originally planned. I am even considering going to an LPN program and then reapplying to nursing school in 3rd semester to help me accomplish my goal. The one drawback I have experienced since starting nursing school is that because I had no previous medical experience I find nursing school to be more challenging for me than some of the other students who are currently either CNAs or LPNs working toward their RN. They definitely have an advantage because of their work experience. Nursing School is very hard and it's a very big commitment. Just be prepared to apply yourself totally and give it 100% or more if you make the decision to go. Personally, I know I would not be able to work full time and go to nursing school. Even working part time and going to nursing school could be challenging. Best of luck in your decision.

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I am 44 and graduated from nursing school last May. There were several people in my class older than me. Most of the older people were at the top of the class. I think life experience really is a plus when dealing with patients. The one thing I think that my age affects is that 12 1/2 hour (often 14-16 hour) shifts seem very long, especially when you are on your feet most of the time. I think that in a few more years I will be looking for someplace that offers 8 hour shifts or a job outside the hospital setting. Other than that, follow your dream. Working through a CNA program first will give you a good idea if you like it, and a CNA program does not require years of an investment. Best wishes to you.

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If it is really what you want, go for it!!

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Go for it. I am 47 and will be graduating with my BSN may 2010. I have been plugging away at this since 1999. You are never too old.

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I have been having some doubts if Nursing is the right field for me. I'm 39 years old and a single parent of 2 (11 &16) I was wondering if I was to old to become a nurse. I started out when I was 18, but never finished. Now I'm determined to start school this fall, I have alot of classes I have to take to bring up my GPA. I live here in Dallas, Tx, my concern is how hard is nursing school and is the HESI exam extremely hard? Please give me some direction

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
I have been having some doubts if Nursing is the right field for me. I'm 39 years old and a single parent of 2 (11 &16) I was wondering if I was to old to become a nurse. I started out when I was 18, but never finished. Now I'm determined to start school this fall, I have alot of classes I have to take to bring up my GPA. I live here in Dallas, Tx, my concern is how hard is nursing school and is the HESI exam extremely hard? Please give me some direction

No I would say you are not too old to be a nurse. Check out the student section and you will see several threads on people older than you starting their journey. If it is something you really want to do then do it and don't let people put you off. Best of luck

Oh and welcome to the site :)

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You're never too old for anything if you really want to do it. I'm 38, mother of 3 & starting my pre-nursing classes next month.:yeah:

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Specializes in Coronary Rehab Unit.

Age is only a number .... if you want it and are physically capable, then, no - you definitely aren't too old. I was 50 on enrolling in LPN school, 51 upon graduation, and am loving it (night shift and all:smokin:). Intending to move on to RN, but my brain needs a rest...LOL. Only you can ultimately answer your question, but by age alone, you'd be fine.

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Do not let your age deter you from accomplishing your goals!!

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Thank you guys for your response. It has given me some positive direction. I don't know if I should go for LVN or RN. Any suggestions

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The wife and I are both 42! Age is not a factor in nursing....caring, life experience, etc will be to your advantage in the long run. We are both CNA's at a nearby LTC facility. We took our CNA course at a local two year college in 4 weeks. Most community colleges & technical schools offer 4-8 weeks programs for becoming a CNA. While the pay is not great the hands-on experience is priceless. We both had former "desk jobs" that went down the drain with the current recession. After some major life and lifestyle changes everything began to come together. We are going to start school in the Fall 09' for our basic courses and enrolling/testing into the nursing program next Fall. I plan to become an RN and the Mrs. wants to become an LPN.

You are not too old no matter what anyone tells you! And yes you can do it all with some sacrifices.

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