A New 50 year old nurse!?????

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Should I begin a NEW CAREER in nursing at the age of 50? I ask myself this question frequently. However, I have many concerns about whether or not I could keep up; would I have the stamina to cope, given the hectic enviroment of healtcare these days? Would I find support from peers or would they just see me a being too old to be a new nurse?

To some of you these questions may sound ridiculous, but to me they are legitimate concerns. I've tried to let go of this idea, but I still yearn for a career in nursing. I would like to hear from anyone who may be experiencing similar issues, or has actually begun a new nursing career this late in life.:uhoh3:

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Specializes in Hospice, Geriatric, Psych, Rehab.
Should I begin a NEW CAREER in nursing at the age of 50? I ask myself this question frequently. However, I have many concerns about whether or not I could keep up; would I have the stamina to cope, given the hectic enviroment of healtcare these days? Would I find support from peers or would they just see me a being too old to be a new nurse?

To some of you these questions may sound ridiculous, but to me they are legitimate concerns. I've tried to let go of this idea, but I still yearn for a career in nursing. I would like to hear from anyone who may be experiencing similar issues, or have actually begun a new nursing career this late in life.:uhoh3:

I went back to school to get my RN at age 45. Don't regret any of it. My husband is about to start school and then go into nursing..he is 50.Your support will be family and your nursing peers. We do support each other as that is just what we do. If you want this then you can do it. I say never too old. I work with a nurse that went back and got her degree at age 60!

Good luck!;)

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Specializes in Emergency.

I have folks over 50 in my class. Actually, I'm not all that far from the big 50 myself. You'll find that life experience pays great dividends as you start a career in nursing. You most likely already know how to manage interpersonal relationships, delegate, prioritize, study and manage your time. You know, those "transferable skills".

I say go for it.

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Specializes in ER, Occupational Health, Cardiology.

If Nursing is what you want, go for it! That way, you won't have any regrets about 'the road not taken...,' plus you are likely to find a rewarding career.

I would suggest getting your LPN first. The commitment to school isn't as long, and you would have an idea much earlier on (due to the clinicals) if you are going to like nursing. Also, you will find out earlier, rather than a couple of years later, how scheduling and all of those things will fit into your life. You can always bridge into an RN program. MANY of us on this site have done that.

BTW, in my LPN class we had two students who were over 50. One was actually sixty, but was a 'social butterfly' who didn't allow herself time to study. Consequently, she flunked out. The other was 52 and did very well. After graduation she went to work in a GP's office. I saw her about 3 yrs later, and she was still in the office, and loved it.

If this is what you want to do, go and GET it!

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I graduated Nursing School with my BSN at the age of 52. I now work on a very busy Med Surg/Onc floor. I am loving my new career and find that I am able to keep up with the best of them. It has been a very rewarding path I have walked. Although there were some very very trying and heartbreaking times, I endured getting through Nursing School. I have to say today, It was well worth it. If it is in you heart do it anyway.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I don't think your question is at all silly or ridiculous.

I'll be 51 at graduation from my RN program. And as you can see from the other responses, there are lots of us.

I say... Join the club!

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Specializes in LTC/ rehab/ dialysis.

ABSOLUTELY go for it!!! I graduated from LPN school at age 46. I've been an LPN for two and a half years now. I was not the oldest in my class by any means. I started out in LTC and have been at my present job as a dialysis nurse for a year. I still work LTC per diem occasionally. Best of luck to you in your endeavors!!!!!!

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The greatest limitations that we face are the limitations that we place on ourselves. If you feel that you don't want to keep up with the pace of the hospital then you have many, many, options as a nurse for a more low key setting. The choice is yours. I went to LPN school at the age of 46. I am currently in RN school and I will be 52 on Thursday. I have mixed grey hair and I don't try to hide it although I would look much younger if I did. I don't care what others think so I am free to be whatever I want to be. Stop considering how your decision will look to other people and be who you are. If you don't make your dreams come true then who will? Go for it!!!:idea:;):idea:

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I don't think that is to old at all. If you want to be a nurse you should do what makes you happy. I do agree with the person that said that going for LPN first....then if you enjoy the work you can take RN classes while working as a LPN.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

If you're confident, professional and have common sense your peers will accept you.

The physical stamina questions are a concern. How is your overall health? Your weight? Your back? Your feet? Some 50 year olds can run circles around a 30 year old, others can't. It's not worth your health.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Hospice, Med/Surg, ICU, ER.

The "grandmother" of my NS class was..... 62!!!!! No kidding!:uhoh3:

Of course, she looks and acts like she is 45 or so, and she is now working full time on a VERY busy med/surg floor.

Don't let a little thing like chronological age slow you down!

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I also asked the same thing so many times but then I realized this is what I want and no one can make it happen but me. I turned 45 this year and I'm approaching my junior year this coming fall. I will be 47 when I graduate (hopefully ). There are several people in my class in the age range of 40 to 50 so that gives me encouragement.

Good luck to you and keep goin'.

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