How old is too old?

U.S.A. Nevada

Published

I am thinking of getting back into nursing, I worked for a Dr. who retired recently and worked for him for over 12 years, he asked me to go to work for him while I was in school for nursing, between life and family I always regretted not getting at least my LPN. I'm in good health late 40's but worry about my age and information retention, any insight would be greatly appreciated.

:mad:

Just another little side light about your indecision. I went back to school when i was 38. I was studying to be a Paramedic and get my Associate Degree up in Illinois. I too had concerns about getting back into school, but I did it. I also decided to try out for the college baseball team, even though I hadn't played since high school. The coach told me I would be the oldest guy he ever coached, but I was welcome to try out alongside the 18-19 year olds. It wasn't easy., but to make a long story short, I not only made the team, I started in the outfield in every one of 54 straight games over the next two years, and made first team all-conference my freshman year, and 2nd team all conference my sophomore year. Don't ever sell yourself short. Sometimes you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. I also started RN school at 47. get started, or you will always regret it. and GOOD LUCK.

RJ

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Hey - WOW!!! I am impressed, as a fellow ER RN. I am having to get out of the profession due to cardiac problrms.

Anne, RNC:yeah:

Hi there,

I turned 61 in January. I work ER, and have been an
RN
since 1995 and a Paramedic since 1988, have worked in university hospitals and small hospitals, have ten years of flight nursing, rotor and fixed-wing. As far as the age thing goes, if you are in good health and can take the physical pounding of the job, you will be fine. I'm fortunate to have always been pretty healthy, so i get through it just fine, although I'm very happy to go home at the end of the sift and put my feet up, haha.

The issue with me is that the ER is always so hectic, and some days you really get beat up bad. I have really started to think that I don't need all the stress anymore. There are tons of rewarding things about the ER and nursing in general, but as time goes on, hospitals expect us to do more and more, with pt's getting sicker and sicker. I'm on a travel assignment now in vegas, and although i like the place pretty well, this might be my last job when i leave here next month. I'm 10-30 years older than anyone I work with, and i think I might leave it all to them. It's been fun though.

Go for what you want though, get some experience, try some travel nursing, and see how you like it, find your niche. Nobody says you have to do it forever.

RJ:nuke:

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Hi Anne, thanks for the reply, and sorry to hear about your cardiac issue.

I am pretty much ready to get out of it too. The stress level has risen higher than i care for anymore. My wife and I have a business to run at home, and it is all just a bit much. Good luck

RJ

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I'm 44, just got my LPN. I need to take all my pre-reqs, and go for my RN.

I figure I'll be done, if I'm lucky, by the time I'm 46.

Go for it!

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I am thinking of getting back into nursing, I worked for a Dr. who retired recently and worked for him for over 12 years, he asked me to go to work for him while I was in school for nursing, between life and family I always regretted not getting at least my LPN. I'm in good health late 40's but worry about my age and information retention, any insight would be greatly appreciated.

:mad:

Hey--go for it!! I think that's great. Really, really, really.....you CAN do it!:yeah:

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Thanks, I will talk to CSN and see what happens I do see on the requirement sheet that you need health insurance? I work part-time and do not have health insurance is this something new? I don't remember it being part of the qualifications list last year? I will keep you posted

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