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:

I am 51 and will graduate with my BSN in December of this year.

I really wondered if I would have the stamina to make it through 12 hour shifts. Now I think maturity actually helps with this. We know we have to go to bed early the night before, get adequate nutrition, wear good shoes, etc, and we do what we have to do to take care of ourselves.

I do recommend getting into the best physical shape you can before starting, but that really applies to young people, too.

There are plenty of "kids" in my class who have back and foot problems, also some that are always looking for a place to sit down, or a break. Sometimes I think I go too far in the other direction so that nobody will say, she's too old. But really, I never get the feeling that anyone is thinking that.

Just do it! The longer you wait, the older you'll be.

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Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

50 is the new 35! Go for it if that's what you want! I had just turned 40 when I returned to school, most of my classmates were over 35, the oldest 57 and a former vp and engineer of a famous car company. We are all working and doing well. My friend 57 is now >60-he works telemetry -he loves them-they love him and he is doing very well! Good luck no matter what you decide-just don't let a number be your deciding factor.

Maisy;)

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Specializes in Hospice, Rehab.

Fifty year old nurse?

Nah, don't do it.. I want to be the only one!!!!;)

I'm actually quite surprised at how many of us at age 50 (well one friend is in her 40s but looks 50:trout: ) are in nursing school.

I was doing an ED observation the other night and got several positive comments from patients and families that thought making this move at my age was an outstanding choice. It's nice to get a little recognition.

What's really and truly important is what's in your heart. I've been wanting to do this since I was 19 years old. Not following my heart hasn't been all that good for me; I can't say I've been outstanding in the world of computers and technology. Being a database geek doesn't satisfy the heart.

Being 50, I'm perhaps more worldly and I have more ways to connect to others. I've had more ... ahem ... medical procedures than a younger person, so I can speak with some authenticity. It's a built in conversation starter. I do have to keep explaining to the dementia patients that I'm a nurse, not a doctor, but I'm sure that's not a function of age.

My biggest negative about nursing school was that I could NOT go full time. Sorry, I couldn't find a way to sell the house and live in a refrigerator box. It dragged my grades down but I did make it.

The job is hard on the knees, and I have to use the high compression support hose to prevent edema in my legs.

On balance, I'm glad I've made this change, because I feel that I will have a comfortable rest of my life and I'll finally be doing something that satisfies my spirit daily.

Go for it

OldPhatMC sends.

"Getting pinned Tomorrow (8/4)"

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go for it. I really don't believe its ever to late to do something you really want to do. my mom always liked nursing and shes 51 and I really believe if she wanted to go back, she should.

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Your going to be 50 anyway, why not be doing something new and exciting? (I said doing SOMETHING there you guys...)

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my aunt is 56 and just graduated!!!!! :balloons::balloons: and she was not even the oldest person in her class, i believe she said another lady was 61.

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I agree, go for it. I'm 52 years old and just landed a job with the CDC. I graduated in March - on my birthday, no less. I had questions along the same line, but hey, I did it anyway, and I am not sorry. I think I might have been the oldest in my class, but others where close to where I was. We made the better students, FYI, because we were serious about it and didn't party (as much). So I say go for it. Nursing is a wonderful profession, and you'll be glad you did it. I wish you the best!:up:

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Again, GO FOR IT. I graduated from Lpn school at 42, and I am considering getting my Rn, a little nervous about paying for it but hey- I have the time. GOOD LUCK and ENJOY being 50.

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Oh, just do it. I started nursing school at 42, and have graduated now to be 44 this fall. Yes, it takes stamina -- but you learn to take care of yourself, exercise, etc. and you can do fine. Heck, I still have a good 20 years to give to the profession. We always had several over 40 members of our class . ..some even in their late 50's and 60's.

When I went to interview for a job, I literally almost tried to talk them out of hiring me at 44 into a critical care position. They repeatedly said they seek and welcome people with maturity because .. well, we usually don't leave to have babies, we know how to get to work on time, we are professional, level headed, and as smart or smarter in our older years w/ years of life experience. So, believe me ..they want us. If you can make the grades, you're in.

It has helped me relate to patients better as well. Plus, when you're busy taking care of 90 year olds, 50 doesn't seem so bad!

I say totally go for it ..you will be an inspiration to many and you will still be 50+ if you don't do it ... so, just do it!

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Specializes in rehab, dementia.

You are 50 and fabulous......do it. I am starting my "second...third" career. I am currently a therapeutic recreation specialist. I am forty8 and still moving honey. I will begin LPN 10month accel. course in 2 weeks. Don't deny yourself. Think positive. Be organized. Learn that math. I say all of this to say....you have one life to live...if you did not take the opportunity, and when you are sitting in the nursing home talking to yourself...you may have wished u took the opportunity. Don't do it for anyone else, but yourself! I've wanted to do nursing for a long time. I completed a nursing course in high school....took the NCLEX in 1976..FAILED and got discouraged. My current employer has a grant because of a nursing shortage...they paid for prep courses so that I can take the Cnet exam...I passed and now there is no stopping me now. (sorry for the long speech)....but do it. I don't even know how I am gonna do it...but i am. school everyday and then i have to work 21 hours. I have to take 2 trains and a bus going there and coming back....bus train....to my job....then three trains to go home.......I am gonna be a well trained, but tired LPN!!!!

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:

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

Too OLD! Nahhh! As you see from other posters, you'll be welcomed. If it is what you want, then go for it.

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Yes I also echo the previous posts. I say go for it. We only go through this life once. Fufill your life dream. I am a new NP and also am in the early years of the 5th decade of life.

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