Older Student/Over 60 years old

kab459 · Apr 7, 2014

I'm 4 years late to get in on this thread - I was too busy finishing my teaching career and getting ready to start LPN school (at 57). I always wanted to be a nurse. Went the route of becoming a CNA first, was amazed by the responsibility and professionalism of the LPNs I worked with in LTC, and was lucky enough to find a practical nursing program with timing to coordinate with my last year at my part-time teaching job. It was a year of 14-hour days, but I loved the education. Nothing easy about an LPN program. After passing the N-CLEX, I was oriented to my current LTC facility but only offered per diem work. That helped supplement the poor salary I was offered working as the "health aide" at a job-training and employment center for developmentally-disabled clients. I loved the people there, though the opportunities to develop my nursing skills were limited. Took a couple of weekend jobs with urgent care clinic (6 months) and a group home for developmentally-disabled clients (6 months) - both of which expanded my knowledge. Finally offered full-time nights at the LTC facility a year ago. I love it (and the nighttime differential $$), but of course would learn a lot more on days. I just turned 60 and still hope to complete an ADN program and see that RN after my name. Loving my new career inspires me to exercise, eat well, and take good care of myself so I can continue to enjoy what I do - caring for others. It's both a job and an adventure!

time2go, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 7, 2014

kab459-No one on this thread considers 4 years too late! We all waited longer than we probably wanted to to do what we're doing and here we are. We should all consider ourselves an inspiration as far as I'm concerned. I have gotten my first RN job in southern california after reading about people taking months to years to get their first job. I work at a clinic and I'm just fine with that. Of course, I was hired as an MA since CA takes so long to license anyone but will switch over as soon as my license comes through. That's the BRN's fault, not the job market's so don't take it as gospel that it will be hard to find a job once you finish. You just never know!

paujos · Oct 16, 2014

I realize this is an old post, but I am also turning 60. I have all my nursing classes done, and getting ready to start Nursing school. I was wondering how you did, and if you made it. I would love to know how things turned out. I applied for a BSN, but the tuition was outrageous. $853/credit, and would cost almost $50 thousand a year. I reapplied at the local community college for an ADN. I should hear in a few weeks. If you happen to get this, would like to know how hard it was.

Flatlander · Oct 16, 2014

I was 62, almost 63, when I started the ADN program, and graduated at age 64. I was 65 when I got my first job. Age is just a number. I intend to keep working until I can't or until I feel it's time to quit. I haven't found the job I love yet. Would love to end up in post anesthesia care or peri-op, maybe day surgery or some kind of clinic....I'm currently working in a private duty setting for an agency and it's pretty low-key, though I'm learning a lot and organizing my time....it's not a skate job, for sure.

Good luck. Beware of ageism, it exists and can bite you when you least expect. Although you'll never really know for sure because it's hard to pin down. Make sure you get performance reviews in writing as you progress in a job or in orientation, so that they have to have good reason and well-documented to engage in job discrimination.... But certainly don't dwell on that.

We of the baby boom generation have always pushed the envelope and we are doing it again. The "Encore Career" movement is what they call it for high level executives who want to give back what they've learned. Then there are those who can't afford to quit working until they drop, who are still in good health and feel they still have much to offer. There are those who just feel they do better with a purpose and a schedule and many productive years remaining. Whichever it is for you, or if you're writing your own unique life script, don't let anyone tell you you're too old!

paujos · Oct 16, 2014

@Flatlander Thank you so much for your quick response! I so much appreciate it. I feel relieved to hear from others that are non-traditional students of my same age. I am in very good shape. I walk 5 to 7 miles a day, and have always worked hard. I actually went to school for HVAC, and worked as an oil service tech in my 40's. I have done about every job from working in a potato factory, driving a combine, waitressing, you name it.

I have some that say go for it, and then, of course, the naysayers. I actually had a nurse at my college (while giving me an immunization) take me aside, and kindly said, "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" I was quite alarmed. She said, "You know Nursing is very hard work, and at your age?"

I did a month of clinicals at Cedar Crest College, until I got a 2 year assessment of tuition, and would have a $20 thousand shortfall. I was extremely upset, because they made me think I would be okay with financial aid and loans. They waited till a week after the withdrawal date to send me the tuition outline, which I asked for 2 months prior to the semester start date. I withdrew, and reapplied at the community college. I am hoping withdrawing will not affect me. I wasn't about to continue in a program, and do all that work, knowing it would go nowhere.

I experienced ageism while at that school. It didn't discourage me. I just rose above it. Some look at you like, shouldn't you be home knitting or something, LOL! I don't take offense. I always wanted to be a Nurse, and was accepted to Duquesne University out of high school. It didn't work out due to financial issues. So, once my youngest of four graduated, I went back to school. I have A's in all my classes, and love it!

I applied for the September 15 deadline, and will find out the beginning of November whether I am accepted. I was accepted before, but decided to attempt a BSN, because of the buzz that hospitals will begin to not hire ADN's by 2017. I am hoping that leaving, and withdrawing won't be an issue. I did get an AA Degree at the school that I reapplied to. We shall see.

Thank you for the encouragement! It means a lot to hear from others in my age bracket.

(This is the first I have heard the term, "Encore Career" movement. I am enjoying researching it.)

FergusS1 · Aug 8, 2015

Your post was from 2010 and you were 62 then. I'm curious to know and get an update, did you ever finished nursing school, how old were you when you completed? and what are you doing now? I will be 60 in 3 mos. and I'm a recent LVN grad, would love to get into the RN Bridge program, but think I may be to old. My husband makes me feel like I'm wasting my time, and that I'm to old... .

Please someone respond, I need some reassurance to help build my confidence.

paujos · Aug 8, 2015

Hi Fergus51: I am not sure of the original poster, but I actually was in a BSN Program last year, but withdrew because of cost, $853 a credit. I was then accepted into two separate programs, an ADN and St. Luke's School of Nursing, one of the oldest hospital based diploma programs. I chose that one as I will have 900 clinical hours. I will be 61 in December, and will be 62 when I graduate in April/2017. I don't feel you're too old at all! I have met so many people in their 50's & 60's who are in nursing school. In fact, I ran into a fellow classmate the other day. She is 56, and still in the BSN Program I was in. Go for It! Nothing ventured, nothing gained. At this point, what is another couple years. Our school offers 70% discount for the BSN if we work for them two years. That is what I plan to do. Good Luck with your decision!

Flatlander · Aug 8, 2015

Hi. Nice to hear from this thread. Yes, I completed the ADN, was hired after 9 months on a cardio/acute care floor and was let go at end of orientation. That's why I stress getting performance reviews very early on and specific areas for improvement if told you are not progressing as expected.

I'm still working in complex home care (client with quadriplegia, G tube, trach, Cath, etc.) Was just hired on at a nursing home and start in a couple weeks, evenings, 8 hour shifts.

What doesn't work for me is 12 hours shifts. Hate 'em. I get really tired, but some of the young do too. We're finding out through recent empirical research that long hours and night shifts actually impair health! I wonder how nursing field is going to solve that one!

I've been told I'm slow and I believe that I am. That may or may not be due to age. I rather suspect it's that I'm very cautious, deliberate, and I think too much. However, it is critical thinking that I do and I follow up on every discrepancy and hunch that could prevent problems down the line.

Yes, nursing is indeed hard work! Even for young folks. I believe it is imperative to stay in good physical condition, eat well, get enough sleep, and keep stress under control.

Please continue to share experiences as an older worker. We can provide support on this forum! Thanks for connecting.

Flatlander · Aug 8, 2015

To paujos: I think your waitressing experience and the physical labor and truck driving will help you. Waitresses have to be fast, organized, and able to prioritize and delegate (you can use this in your job interviews!). And obviously you are not afraid of hard work and not overly concerned with "status-seeking." I had to get used to a lot of scut work. Goes with the territory.

If nursing is what you want, do not let age stop you! No one ever told me out loud that I was too old, but my mother kept telling my sister I'd never find a job at my age. She grew up in the age when you were out of luck if you were over 40. But goodness, people are now often youthful into their 70's (60 is the new 40! I think so!)

Good luck.

SapphireJulzRN · Aug 8, 2015

Just wanted to throw this out there...I graduated at 43...BUT, one of my classmates was 62 when we started school. Our last semester she was diagnosed with breast cancer, went thru chemo and radiation and still managed to graduate with us! Now THAT take determination and strength! We were all so very proud of her!

paujos · Aug 9, 2015

Wow!! That is amazing!! I give her so much credit! Thank you for sharing... That is very encouraging, as we can always use the confidence pull!

paujos · Aug 9, 2015

@Flatlander Thank you for the update. I read the other post, and am just now reading this one. It is reassuring to know everything went well, and you were able to find work. I realize they will be long shifts. My daughter-in-law is a nurse and 30 years old. She even feels it. I think that is a lot for anyone. I didn't even realize I wrote that long post last October, LOL!! Oh well. Take care, and will update. At this point graduation will be April/2017.