Will my age keep me from a good nursing career?

U.S.A. Virginia

Published

I am in my early 50's. I am in classes now and worried that being in my 50's as a nurse will keep me from getting a good nursing job. I guess that "officially" hospitals and employers can't discriminate based on age. But what will REALLY happen? 2nd question - where are all of the nursing employees that are in their 50's and 60's? Are they in a different medical line of work? I don't see them in the hospitals when I visit there occasionally. Thanks in advance.

I went to a Community College and found that the avg age was much higher than say a 4 yr program!! We had many students in heir 40's and 50's and im near my late 30's! Never had a problem! Best of luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am really sorry to hear the experiences of older graduates here who were discriminated against or who are discouraging to older students about their opportunities. I just graduated from an accelerated BSN program in my early 50's and do not believe that it hindered my ability to get a job. If anything, it helped. There may be some individuals with hiring decisions who do not want to hire a new grad in their 50's, but there are just as many that will hire you over a 22-year-old. One place I interviewed said that they had experienced such high turnover from women in their 20's who were leaving to have children or get married or relocate, that they were thrilled they didn't have to worry about that with me.

I agree with all the posters that said that age actually makes you a better nurse in so many ways.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it may depend on the supply of nurses in your area. Where I am, there is a glut of new nurses, and I am seeing age discrimination. I am in my early 50s and just finished school. PM me if you want more info.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello, I will be turning 51 next month and reading your post has given me inspiration to pursue my dream of becoming a registered nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in onc, critical care.

I graduated at 49, got my BSN at 55 and start my MSN at 57 (this fall) prob for an ANP degree, by then I will have 5 degrees. I love school, obviously, and I love being a nurse. What I do see is that my age-peers are burnt out, and I am not, since I've only be a nurse for 8 yrs. Another plus is that pts trusted me right off the bat, bc they presume I've been a nurse "forever" :)

Good luck with school. I found my memory was worse and my study skills and drive were much better!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in onc, critical care.

PS - I also totally believe that life experiences make us better nurses: being a mom, having worked in the food industry and gaming industry, having worked in a doctor's office as an assistant and surgery scheduler and first assist for many years, etc.

Working for docs whom I admired and respected prevented my from having that "Us vs. the Docs" mentality that a lot of nurses seem to have, as well...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Having lots of "life experience" was a HUGE plus when I went looking for an APN job. But a minus when I looked for an RN job. Glad I left bedside nursing and became an NP. My patients are always telling me they are glad I "get it" because I have been there, done that. Potential employers were happy to have someone who had plenty of life experience interview, and several of them told me that that's what they were looking for in an employee. Plus, I looked too old to have babies, I suspect! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in General.

I'm thinking about going back for LPN. At 51 I still need prereks for classes/schools. I also work ft days and really want to go to evening school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment