Older Student/Over 60 years old

forestlover · Apr 16, 2010

I appreciate the supportive posts, and have been thinking about the age factor. At first I WAS nervous, but I think as time goes on, and baby boomers (such as myself) will find retirement is not as great as its cracked up to be. Frankly, I was bored to death, then decided to give nursing a try. Its is fun to be the token "old" person in all my classes. The younger ones look to me for guidance, and to speak up where they cannot. My instructors appreciate my "re-entry", and do give me a lot of support because I am not afraid to admit I am afraid and don't understand some concepts. Again, I am not sure I will make it, but I'm not gonna go down without a fight!!!

HopefulPete · Apr 17, 2010

I am also one of the older people here that is just starting out. I'm going to be 50 in a couple weeks. I also had some doubts about starting at this age but I'm not going to get any younger by waiting. I figure each year I wait is one less year I get to work in nursing.

Anoetos, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2010

If 50 is the new 30, I guess that makes 60 the new 40?

Trauma Columnist · Apr 17, 2010

I say go for it. I became an LPN at 32, RN at 34, BSN at 42, MSN at 43, did a post-MSN at age 44, finishing another post-MSN at 51.

I plan to work till they cart me out! Retirement is not going to be a complete retirement like other generations have encountered. I think many of us are going to work, at least part time till we simply can't anymore.

I vote for the RN because it will give you more options. Like another poster stated: A&P isn't an easy course at any age - do the best you can, ask for help, study groups, whatever helps you to learn.

vccorscc · Apr 17, 2010

go for it !!! i think alot of people overthink the age factor. Heck my dad is 60 yrs old but he is not your typical 60 yr old crippled man, the man has some serisous muscle mass and runs 5 miles every morning and i'd swear he could go thro med school at his age if he wanted to ---it's all about mentality :]

Trauma Columnist · Apr 17, 2010

60 is NOT old....and most 60 year olds are not "crippled old" folks - lol.

vccorscc · Apr 17, 2010

ohh hushh ! u get the gist

gpatry · Apr 18, 2010

Go for it!! You can do it! I don't think your age has to do with wondering if you can do it or not or if it's the right choice. I think that happens to everyone at some point, even us youngsters. You are so inspiring... I want to tell your story to my cousin and aunt as it was (still is) their dream to because a nurse and they both say it's too late and they're too old. I always tell them to just do it... but no luck. Maybe this will push them to...

Good luck and don't give up. You can do this! :)

Fiona59 · Apr 19, 2010

Consider changing your course of action to LPN. Physiology may not, (most likely won't), be a prerequisite to LPN school. When you finish LPN school and become an LPN, you will be a nurse. The LPN license may make it easier to get into RN school via an LPN to RN transition program. You will have become a nurse and will have bought more time to get it together in physiology.

Physiology was part of my PN education up here in Canada but in my province the old two year RN diploma is the PN education. Like others have said A&P was the deal breaker for many in my intake. 10 out of 70 failed it.

This late in life desire to become a nurse seems to be more of an American thing. The oldest student nurse I've ever worked with was 50.

Your mind may be nimble but eventually your body shouts enough. I'm 51 and figure I've got 5 years max left to work on the floor. I only know of one nurse working after 55 and he's working his way out of the door (his words). He plans to be gone by the time he's 60.

WaitingInNJ · Apr 19, 2010

I'll be almost 60 when I graduate from my RN program that starts Sept. 2010. I'm not worried about competing with younger classmates; I've been more than holding my own as a pre-nursing student while some of the 'kids' crashed and burned. There's a lot to be said for maturity. Not that I didn't do stupid things when I was a 'young' undergrad. Go for it!!

EVIADEAN · Apr 19, 2010

I am so inspired. I start Nursing School in Jan. At that time I will be 1 month shy of turning 43. I thought of my age as a disadvantage. Maturity is definitely a plus because at this point in my life it is all about business. I had my first child 8 days after my 40th birthday and I am so proud to be a mature mom. Life is just starting for me. I plan to ultimately become a CRNA. I have my course plotted and I am ready to reach for the stars. I know that it won't be a piece of cake but I think that I can pretty much handle curve balls without falling apart. As long as you are alive, it is not too late. Congrats to all who choose not to let age stand in the way of reaching your goals!!!!

forestlover · Apr 19, 2010

Wow-

I don't think wanting to work later in life is an "American thing"

I think it's a people thing-

A mind set thing-

Being in shape and sharp in wit thing-

I still feel vibrant and young!

Like an earlier post said, I want to work until they cart me out feet first

I want to be productive and contribute back

Gardening and quilting, or whatever retirement means, just won't fit the bill

So American, Canadian, Egyptian-whatever-it's how you feel!!

WaitinginNJ-I would love to have personal contact with you as you are the only person I have heard in

my situation, but I don't know how to do it. I would be so interested in what you are experiencing. If

you are interested, do you know how to do it???