Is 50 too old to start a career in nursing, and how difficult is it to find a job

Nurses Career Support

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I just turned 50 and after raising children as a SAHM I want to become a CNA, and then enroll in nursing school while working as a CNA. I already have a B.A. degree (in English- aaarrgh, useless!) that I got years ago, and left school with a 3.50 GPA.) The funny thing is, while I was a candy-striper "way back when", and was interested in healthcare, I was always scared of the science classes so I never took any until my last semester in college and guess what? I LOVED 'em! My question is this: Is 50 too old to start a career in nursing, and how difficult is it to find a job out there at my age?

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I just turned 50 and after raising children as a SAHM I want to become a CNA, and then enroll in nursing school while working as a CNA. I already have a B.A. degree (in English- aaarrgh, useless!) that I got years ago, and left school with a 3.50 GPA.) The funny thing is, while I was a candy-striper "way back when", and was interested in healthcare, I was always scared of the science classes so I never took any until my last semester in college and guess what? I LOVED 'em! My question is this: Is 50 too old to start a career in nursing, and how difficult is it to find a job out there at my age?

No you are not too old. There are 2 ladies in my LPN class who are in their 50's and many in their 40's. I am 25 and one of the youngest people in the class. One lady who is 52, in my class, has always been interested in nursing but was busy raising her 3 daughters and had no time to go to school. Her youngest is now 22 years old and now she says its her turn to go to school. She is one of the smartest people in the class and has no college background. She is thinking about getting a job with the red cross when she becomes an LPN. She is also considering contuning her education and becoming an RN. I don't think age will be a huge factor if you are able to do the job, because as you know nurses are in high demand.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

If you have a 3.5 grade point average in your previous major, you might be able to get admitted into an accelerated BSN-RN program that is specifically designed for people with previous non-nursing degrees.

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Well, if this helps im a nursing student taking the pre-req courses and miore than half of the students are much older than I who have families they always joke at how i can be their child and saying they have children older than I , but I think its well worth it, Your cna job will be able to rule it out better for you if you're looking to see if this is the type of work u like or not, and with the nursing shortage a nursing degree adn experience within the field should be just what employers are looking for:up:

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

You're not too old. I graduated from my RN program at age 51.

Finding a job in my area wasn't at all difficult. My class was heavily recruited by several local facilities. I was hired by my first choice in February before graduation. It was a nice position to be in, especially in this economy.

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Hi donsterRN

What state are you in? - I'm 49 I just got accepted into the nursing program at my community college. I already have a BA in computer science. I've been wanting to be a nurse for the longest time - I finally decided to do it but now my biggest concern is that they will not hire me because of my age - I will be 51 when I finish with nursing school - I'm very worried.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.
Hi donsterRN

What state are you in? - I'm 49 I just got accepted into the nursing program at my community college. I already have a BA in computer science. I've been wanting to be a nurse for the longest time - I finally decided to do it but now my biggest concern is that they will not hire me because of my age - I will be 51 when I finish with nursing school - I'm very worried.

I'm in the Finger Lakes area of upstate NY. There are multiple facilities within a 50 mile radius of my home, and at least 4 programs of nursing. In my area, the nursing shortage is still evident. As I mentioned in my post above, I was 51 at graduation and had a job (a job I really wanted) well before I graduated. I know the situation is different in other parts of NYS and the country. I wish you much luck and success with your education and your career!

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Wow good for you :)

Thank you for your reply; I'm in Florida, I will need all the luck in the world :crying2:

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Hi:

Just read your post....don't worry, I'm also in Florida, and I am 59 and graduating from the BSN program in August! I have been received very well by all staff in my nursing rotation and by all my classmates! You are just a baby still...:)...good luck.

F

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I'm 40 and have spent the last 18 yrs running DH's business. We sold it and now I get to do what I want. I am also a SAHM - ages 4, 3, and 6 months - I just finished CNA school and turned around and enrolled in lpn program. I want to be a RN, preferably CRNA but I am just taking it step by step because my kids are so little.

I also volunteered in the hospital all through high school, took all the science classes, even got a perfect score on the science portion of my ACT then decided to study art history in college????? *sigh* I wish I could have a conversation with my 18 y.o. self!

I am not worried about my age when it comes time to interview. I think my age and life experiences give me a certain calmness and confidence that a 20 y.o. just can't bring to the table. (no offense to any young ones out there)

Besides, 50 is the new 40...right?!:cool:

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Thank you :)

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wifemom&lpn2be,

thank you for your words of encouragement; there is no stopping me now :yeah:.

good luck to you too.

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