Terrified!!!

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Oct 20, 2017

I graduated with a nurse that went back to school at 52. For her it was the fulfillment of a lifelong personal goal. She was financially well off and decided to do it for herself even if she never actually worked as a nurse. I didn't keep in touch with her but I do know she passed the NCLEX and took a job as a clinic nurse in her hometown after graduating. So, yes it is possible. If the cost of school isn't an issue for you don't let your age hold you back.

jodispamodi · Oct 20, 2017

In my program we had many student nurses who were over 50, even a 60year old! I would suggest though seeing if you could possibly shadow a nurse before you start school, many people love the idea of becoming a nurse but when they discover the real duties/politics/tasks they realize its not for them. We had several people, of all ages 20's-50's drop out after first clinicals when they realized it wasnt for them. So yes you can become a nurse at 53, but make sure you know what you're getting into. Best of luck to you.

Tallgirl517 · Oct 25, 2017

Hey, I started back and became an LPN at the age of 46. I have a Bachelor's degree and wanted to change careers to something I have always wanted to do. I just was accepted into the LPN to RN bridge program to get my ASN. Not going to sugar coat it. HELL of a lot of hard work. But worth it. I work in a pediatric office now, and once I finish the ASN, going straight on to the MSN. You are never too old to reinvent yourself. You age is a number, your attitude reflects you. Some of best friends are young nurses in their 20's!

meginnurse · Oct 25, 2017

Hi,

I am also 53 and will begin my ADN program in January. I took a year to complete the necessary prerequisite courses and went for it! I will be 55 when I graduate and plan on working for at least another 15 years. So I guess it all depends on how much longer you plan on working vs the cost/time it will take to finish the prerequisite courses and your degree. I've found there were many opportunities I had in the past that I did not take advantage of (including becoming a nurse 10 years ago), so I didn't want to let this one pass by again. You've obviously thought about it since you took the time to pose the question, so it's worth the time to dip your toe in the water and see what happens. Good luck!

OlMaMa · Oct 27, 2017

So happy to see this! I am also 53 and thinking of returning. I already have an undergraduate and also studied to be a sonographer a few years back but I have mild RA and the repetitive movement in my hands aggravated my joints too much. Regular daily tasks do not though. So I have all my prereqs and a lot of physics under my belt already. My kids are almost college bound and I'm finally not anemic anymore...lol. I have a job where I currently walk 6-10 miles daily and it's not an issue. I love being busy and focused all day and hoping Nursing will give me the same kind of get er'done work day. If I do go I'll be 55 when I get my ADN. I say go for it as long as you have a very good understanding of what Nurses actually do and you are physically capable.