Going to Nursing School at an Older Age

[AmaurosisFugax]

I have been planning to go to nursing school (direct entry MSN) & have been progressing in that direction. The other day I was having a conversation with a coworker (a non-practicing nurse!) and she said, now at your age (I am in my 40s) you have 10, maybe 20 years of nursing, but if a younger candidate gets your seat they can practice nursing for like 40 years, so why should you get a seat? It's more beneficial to train a younger nurse. I was rather tacken aback by the question & said something to the effect the more nurses the better and it is illegal to discriminate based on age, and she said the nursing shortage is a myth and age discrimination happens, no matter what! While I always believe education is throughout one's life and one should pursue one's aspirations, it got me thinking. (In some countries where their are no age discrimination laws this does happen). Is it really socially more desirable to prefer younger candidates? And does this factor into admissions decisions?

[HammockBound]

This is a great thread...I am starting my prereqs. right now...at 38! I have my BSW and have worked as a probation officer, doula, ran my own business for years, home schooled a LD child a few years and now I am looking for a change of career...Ive been home for the last 11 years with my 3 kids. Studying has been a lot easier this time around because Ive had to experience so many tests, procedures and "experiences" with my family that so much is familiar!