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

[timjo]

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.

[medsurgnurse, RN]

I think the mature new nurse brings so much more to the table than meets the eye. An older nurse has a vast amount of life experience, people skills, other career experience. Whether or not you go to nursing school you will still be exactly the same age 4 years form now, with or without the degree. Good Luck.

[trustsupplyguy]

I'm 52 and my previous career was in accounting. I graduated from nursing school in March, passed the NCLEX in July, and recently landed a job on a telemetry floor in a market that is saturated with new grads. My fellow students were fine with me, and so are my co-workers. Nursing is one career where your age will not be held against you. You don't have to be a fitness nut, be should be in reasonably good health with minimal back problems. The stimulation that nursing provides will keep you going throughout the day. Good luck!

[MThomas15]

Live your dream. I am now 50 years old. I was a professional real estate broker for years. I sold homes to RN and LPN and always admired the their career. When the market changed for Real Estate I decided to start a new career. I am a people person and always like to help. I decided to work at night and go to school during the day for my certificaion as a Certified Nurse Assistant. I am now working at a nursing home for the county. I plan to go to collage for the associated degree for the RN program. I was going into the program LPN and then LPN to RN but that bridge program is not being offered like it used to be. I took time out to go to the information session at the collage and I think can do this within 4 years. Get it out of the way. I know it will be tough but who said it will be easy. Like I said go for it.

[Esther2007]

50 is the new 30. Go for it, so you wont have regrets when you in your 80s.

[MThomas15]

50 is the new 30. Go for it, so you wont have regrets when you in your 80s.

Your right about that I feel better because I am more serious about life. I feel 30.

[husker_rn, RN]

Asked myself those same questions when I went back to school. Then took the plunge and found that all but 2 of my fellow students were older. Graduated at 42. Had a freshman living in the dorm who was 55. If that is what you want go for it. I have a sign that says " whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right ". Good luck.