Too old????

Nurses Career Support

Published

I am probably going to be in my early 40's before becoming an RN. How do you shake the feeling of "am I too old for this", "can I physically handle the demands of the job?", "is it too late in my life for a new career?", " can I compete with the 20 somethings?", etc I have been seriously overcome by such thoughts and wondering if those of you out there that were in similar circumstances might be able to relate to this and share your mechanisms of motivation???

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am probably going to be in my early 40's before becoming an RN. How do you shake the feeling of "am I too old for this", "can I physically handle the demands of the job?", "is it too late in my life for a new career?", " can I compete with the 20 somethings?", etc I have been seriously overcome by such thoughts and wondering if those of you out there that were in similar circumstances might be able to relate to this and share your mechanisms of motivation???

Definitely NOT too old to start! I am in nursing school now and there are quite a few people (probably 30% of the people in the program where I am) that are over 40. I am sure many others here can attest to the fact that many nurses are starting older now. If you feel it is really your calling, go for it! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In my opinion...no, you are not too old. In fact you have the maturity and now the fresh nursing knowledge to make an excellent nurse. Nothing against the younger nurses, I know lots of wonderful 20something nurses, but as a nursing manager I really appreciate the older graduates. As far as a career, you probably have another 25 years to work and go anywhere you want to go. You go!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Trauma, Neurosurgery, Othopedics.

I just turned 40 this year and am a new graduate nurse. Not one of the 20/30 something nurses that I work with have made me feel like I'm too old. They've done nothing but support me and encourage me. I think as long as you don't draw focus to your age, no one else will either. I say go for it!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Front office for Ob/GYN.

Too old! I'll be 50 when I finish...go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

I just Finished and I am 48!! and there is no competition, It seems as though we come out ahead in the interview Process. I have had an offer for each application i have sumited. they all want me to start ASAP. but i told them that i felt more comfortable starting after takin the boards...... 15 days to go!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.

I graduated right before my fortieth birthday. I was one of the majority in my class. There were a few 20 somethings, but more 40 somethings. Our instructor said it is her experience that the non-traditional students have a better grade point average,and work harder. You can do it. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurses who are mentally sicked.
I am probably going to be in my early 40's before becoming an RN. How do you shake the feeling of "am I too old for this", "can I physically handle the demands of the job?", "is it too late in my life for a new career?", " can I compete with the 20 somethings?", etc I have been seriously overcome by such thoughts and wondering if those of you out there that were in similar circumstances might be able to relate to this and share your mechanisms of motivation???

The average age for all the registered nurses in the US is 47, so you are still young. I think it is the state of mind, when I was an LPN, one of my classmates was almost 60 y/o. With determination, you can do whatever you wanted to do in your life.

Good luck!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am 50, just finished Level I nursing for an RN, ADN. Critical thinking came much easier to me than to some of the youngsters, so I think you will have an edge, not a liability because of your age, go for it:lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment