A Nursing Career Over 50

Bill E. Rubin · Jun 17, 2008

There was a woman in my class at Curry College's accelerated program who started at age 55. Check out this article from a recent Curry ACCEL grad who was in a similar situation to you:

http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/diseases/articles/2007/07/09/nurse_midlife/

Oh, and I just graduated at 46, so I'm not too far behind you!

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Jun 17, 2008

There are many threads here, and in the male nursing student forum full of stories of men your age and older who are doing it.....Best of luck!!

K98 · Jun 23, 2008

I retired from my career of 25 years and graduated nursing school in 2006 at age 47. It has worked out to be a good decision. If that's what you want, do it. I would bet you don't regret it. Good luck to you.

MXorSurfRN · Jun 25, 2008

I've finished raising my children and have retired from my "career". Now at 49 I'm starting my pre-reqs and getting ready for a 2 year RN program. I have 15+ years corporate management experience and would think, when the time comes. My 15 years will get me into management before the extra 2 years for a bachelors degree will.

I should finish at 52 years young:yeah:

Go for it.

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Jun 25, 2008

I graduate in May; I'll be 51.

Just do it.

felixfelix · Jun 25, 2008

Yea, you prob will get into mgmt. fast...but first you have to find a job... my experience so far is that I graduated last december w/15 yrs mgmt exp, too. Can't find an entry level RN job to save my life...I'm 51. Nursing shortage?

I've finished raising my children and have retired from my "career". Now at 49 I'm starting my pre-reqs and getting ready for a 2 year RN program. I have 15+ years corporate management experience and would think, when the time comes. My 15 years will get me into management before the extra 2 years for a bachelors degree will.
I should finish at 52 years young:yeah:
Go for it.

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Jun 25, 2008

It's like that here in NJ. 6 hospitals closed within 18 months, flooding the marked with thousands of experienced RNs. Many new grads are having a hard time getting a job. It seems to be a geographical thing.

I also think that the sucky economy is bringing some of the 50% of all RNs who are inactive back into the field to make ends meet.

glenmar3 · Jun 25, 2008

I'm 55 and just re-entered nursing after a five year lay off. I'm doing home care right now per diem and I enjoy it. There is a huge need in home care and out patient clinics even more so than in hospitals. Patients are getting discharged much quicker and much sicker because of managed care. Those of you having a hard time in the job search might look in those directions.

At my agency we have a woman who is 72 years old who still goes out to see patients two to three days a week. She does just as good a job as anyone else so I don't think age should be an issue. Besides, I think being a more "mature" person gives one a whole different perspective when dealing with patients and that's an asset.

Sean 91 · Jun 28, 2008

With the right nursing school (and I presume you want to go for a BSN) you should just have to do the sciences. I had a BSBA and MSA, so I had to do ethics (which curiously they didn't require in business school) and repeated one pscyh class which I didnt have, as well as biology, chemistry, A&P, microbiology--then I applied and was accepted as the only male in my class (another guy dropped out the day before our first day of orientation). I started prereqs one Jan, applied the next March, was accepted for that Aug, and graudated two Mays thereafter--all in 3 years. They should take any calculus/stats/English/sociology/psych/etc you've taken in your first undergrad degree.

And you are certainly not too old if you are taking care of yourself. They say that you gain 15 pounds when you go back to school, but I LOST 15 pounds by getting to campus a little earlier, walking from the furthest parking lot, carrying a satchel with more books than I needed for the toning--and it was also a good stress reliever walking back to the car after class.

Then you can go on to an MSN...but enough for me with a BSN.

And, yes, I'm older but I was a long distance runner for over 30 years (getting back to it next month), so (God willing) I am in better condition than some of the 30-somethings.

colladoa · Jul 7, 2008

nothing should stop you! if a 90+ year old lady made it (check out Nola Ochs from Fort Hays State University, KS), why can't you?

there's no age limit for learning! best of luck!

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jul 14, 2008

Totally agree...age should be no barrier.

Best wishes to you and in your career.