Nursing School Age 49?

jdomep · Jan 14, 2003

There are 2 in my class (of 18) that are over 50. They are awesome ladies and have great life expeirences to share as well

PennyLane, RN · Jan 14, 2003

Good luck Suzy! The fact that you're going back to school for nursing is truly an inspiration!

oramar · Jan 14, 2003

Nothing wrong with going to school at this age. Like someone else said, watch out for the debt. Best choice at this age would be LPN program or ADN. They are cheaper and quicker.

suzy253, RN · Jan 15, 2003

Thanks again to all those who replied. My real fear is that I'm scared to death. Is this a real fear? Were any of you really scared too?

K O'Malley · Jan 15, 2003

I wouldn't be afraid of nursing school, with your age and life experience you will probably do fine. I don't want to paint an overly rosy picture as I am a 55 yr old nurse and have been at it for 32 yrs. Very few make it to 60 or 65. You will most likely work 12 hr shifts which often turn into 13 or 14 hr shifts and you will likely get stuck with night shift. It can be exhausting, backbreaking work. I would be very careful about what area you work in when you graduate. Avoid med-surg. Unless you are in pretty fabulous shape it could kill you deader than a doornail. One nice thing about nursing is that many hospitals have four hr. shifts but you will probably have to work a year or two before you qualify.

researchrabbit · Jan 15, 2003

You will be surprised at how much you know. I graduated at age 40, and I was not the oldest in my class (we had several over 50s). I've never worked in a hospital (probably never will -- doesn't suit me), always done research. There are other jobs that will work for you if hospital floor work doesn't.

suzy253, RN · Jan 22, 2003

This is what worries me: I'm not in great physical shape. I am overweight (presently on Weight Watchers though) and have had a recurring back problem since the 80's (partially herniated disk). I can barely lift a full laundry basket without my back getting sore. So are my expectations in myself unreal? I just don't know if I can handle the physical side of it.

Thanks again for your input! Cheers

maggie7 · Jan 22, 2003

I graduated when I was 46. I was a HHA for 7.5 yrs and it took me 3.5 yrs to graduate. I had about $3500 in loans to pay back and did that in 3 yrs. I went from earning $8000 in 1994 to $53000 in 2002. I work as a CRN, 8hr shifts at LTC, 11-7 shift. One thing about being a little older is that the time flies. I can't imagine now doing something else or to be compensated as well. Go for it! I'm really much too old to be dancing like this!

Scavenger'sWife, RN · Jan 22, 2003

Hey, I agree....GO FOR IT!!

Your story sounds like mine. I was also accepted and actually took a few classes in the early '70s, but had to drop out due to hubby health probs.

The dream never died and when my SIL graduated from nursing school, I sat there so envious I could hardly stand it. My hubby encouraged me to try it again. I entered my ADN program at the age of 44 and went to school full-time (quit my job). Graduated in two years! Took the A&P together w the nursing component, clinicals, etc. and did very well. Graduated in the top ten, was elected Class Prez (I said they just wanted a Mommy).

The class the year before mine had a 54 year old graduate.

I only owed $4,000 when I graduated. Check into all the grants and govt loan programs along with scholarships etc. that may be particular to your college. I got three scholarships that the main criteria was to be over age 35! And I applied for another scholarship for which I wrote an essay and was awarded $500! So check everything and apply for all of the ones for which you are qualified.

BTW: I work Med-Surg full-time now. It is a great training ground, but it does take a toll on the body. I have an ankle problem which may need surgery and am thinking about changing the kind of work I do to salvage my joints. However the GREAT thing about nursing is the variety of jobs available to us! So get that degree and I know you will be glad you did pursue your dream! WANTING IT can be more than half the battle!

We are here to help you. And GOOD LUCK w the weight loss! I recently lost 35 lbs and it really feels great!

:) :)

K O'Malley · Jan 22, 2003

There is quite a bit of heavy lifting in nursing and I know several nurses who ruptured discs while moving patients. Many shifts you will be on your feet for the entire 12 hrs, so I won't lie to you, it is physically very challenging and exhausting. I work with a huge staff and I am the second oldest nurse(I am 55). I am in very good shape but am starting to give out. There are Nursing Jobs that aren't quite as strenuous but you usually have to get some experience under your belt before you qualify.

2banurse · Jan 23, 2003

I think that you have to do what you need to do. I mean, when you look back, do you want to know that you at least tried nursing? Even if it was only attending school? There was a lot of good advice on this thread as well as things to consider. I would advise you to look at the different specialty threads to find areas of nursing that you might like that won't put as much physical strain (at last for your back). I just have to say go for it!

Kris

RED_ALERT37 · Jan 23, 2003

FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND YOUR DREAMS...... DONT LET AGE BE AN ISSUE !!!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR ADVENTURES !!!