does age REALLY matter?

itybits · Aug 8, 2008

Wahdidah-

:offtopic:

I'm curious, are you ready for a change? Do you have opportunities for that or do you see yourself sticking it out for 10 more years where you're at? I'm wondering what choices do you have in nursing after having such experience?

quotetheraven · Aug 8, 2008

I'm new to this site, so don't know yet if it's ok to post twice on the same subject, but here goes. In response to the one post about this being a tough job, I concur. Work, is hard. Some people at 60 are not in the best of health, others are zooming! We have better nutrition, better medical and know more about taking care of ourselves today, than ever before. So, I think it comes down to an individual basis. The orginal post, came off sounding, in my opinon, more of a threat issue. I did have younger people in my classes, that would ask me, no kidding, to not show up for a test (in micro and A & P especially ) or to not answer a few questions, in order to lower the grade curve. I do have a big advantage when it comes to schooling. I have no home issues to deal with. No kids to bathe, no husband that needs feeding, mine can cook well and loves doing so, I don't go out and play all night, then try and take a test cold turkey (shudder) A lot of the younger folks are dealing with all this and going to school. One reason I waited. All I have to do, is go to school, plenty of quiet time to study, my support unit (spouse) takes care of whatever, so I can follow this dream. If I graduate and drop dead, or become suddenly "old", well, I can't predict the future, my crystal ball got broke years ago. But I have no intentions of just sitting here and doing nothing, because that could happen. We all plan for our futures, and we go forth with the plan, and intention of things going well. That's life. Right now, at 54, I am strong, smart, settled in life, and in excellent health. No one can predict how long any nurse will stay in the field, I know many, that got in and could'nt take it and now do something else. Individuals. And there are many areas in this field to work. School nurse, company nurse. Medical office, etc. Maybe I will teach others to be nurses some day. I think there is room for all of us in this field, the young and the older. :twocents:

angelcat1 · Aug 8, 2008

Age matters a good deal in our society. In nursing we need and value all ages, all perspectives, all types of experience. I invite you to turn your vantage point just a little, and appreciate the unique gifts each individual brings, rather that focusing on statistics and projections. All we really have is to give is what is in our hearts and minds now.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Aug 8, 2008

My opinions are my own. I thought message boards were a place to share opinions. I'm not age-prejudiced....hell I'm old myself! I'm not trying to offend anyone, although I can see that's happening. If you think I'm rough.....wait until you get out of school and start working. I know that the work is physically hard. When I was in nursing school, they portrayed the world of nursing as using your mind and making a difference......yadda yadda.........it's physically hard work. I wish someone would have been honest with me about that. I'm in my early 40's and I don't see myself doing this 10 yrs from now. Let alone starting nursing at my age. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it's damn hard.

Surely, you don't think nursing will be the first "hard" job most of us have ever had.

quotetheraven · Aug 8, 2008

I hope this is the correct way to respond? I am getting emails with questions, if I should be doing this in a different matter, please someone, let me know. I have, at this point, offers from hospitals all over the state and several Medical offices, my maturity seems to be a bonus. And the fact that I don't have small children to care for, or might end up leaving to have another baby. In ten years I will be 64, still too young to retire for goodness sakes. The way the cost of living is going up, who can retire? As for the life experience; The Army taught me self-discipline, and commitment to duty, it's something that sticks with one. I have lived and traveled from China and back, I am tolerant of others, of their cultures, religions and lifestyles. I have seen, proverty, death, and human misery, up close and personal. My work ethics are of the old fashioned kind, which is something that is not so prevalent it seems these days, the places that want me to come see them the "minute" I pass my boards, seem to appreciate this. I have given birth, buried family and friends. I have compassion for the sick, the dying, the lonely and the lost. Life experience. I see myself living, till I die and taking care of those I can and hopefully making a difference, no matter how small, in their lives, for the good. I am happy to have this oppurtunity to do something I always wanted, the time and the money to see it through. I am as excited as any of the younger students and have done the same classes, and worked as hard, towards my goal. Why should my age be a factor? My health is great, my mind is good. So I will go forward as long as my health holds up. I hope this was the right way to answer all the emails, as I said, I am new in this forum.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Aug 8, 2008

You're doing fine.

queenjean · Aug 8, 2008

So, Wadidah; you agree with the OP that age should matter in nursing admissions? That nursing schools should give preference to younger applicants, since they will be able to stay in the profession longer and therefore theoretically be more productive and have a greater positive impact upon the profession?

I don't think that anyone is arguing that age does not matter. I see the vast majority of these posts pointing out that age brings its own positives. Life experience, work ethic, prior career experience, etc. Youth has, well, youth with its young strong body and mind, enthusiasm, and potential. I think most posters are pointing out that all ages and life situations bring something positive to the field, and that youth does not necessarily equate a better nurse or a longer, more productive nursing career. That it is not a waste to educate a 40+ year old person to be a nurse (which is what was implied in the OP).

pinkynbd_99 · Aug 8, 2008

After reading the lastest posts, I wanted to say, I'm already raising a family, I have 3 kids, my first one I was 17 years old. And b/c of that wonderful "old" nurse is why I decided I wanted to be a Nurse. Been married for 9 years now and have been in school full-time for the past 2 years and still holding a full-time job. I just quit b/c I'm starting nursing school. I was in a ADN nursing program before when I was 19, but didn't pass b/c I wasn't prepared for the demand of nursing school. I was pregnant with my 2nd child, working, school, etc.

I don't think I'll stop working in nursing after 10 years, b/c I've been working too damn hard for the past 5 years to get into it now, it's not just a career for me it's a way of living and may explain why I'm so passionate about it and ask questions like this.

And I do appreciate all your comments about how I think, and you all may be right it is my age that limits me to think that 50 is not a dead-end, but only time will give me that gift of understanding.

It's just sad to see how some of you have to be degrading when expressing yourself, when I haven't b/c no matter what my mother always taught me to be polite!

pinkynbd_99 · Aug 8, 2008

So....pinkynbd 99.
With 128 posts from dozens of people who have kindly taken the time to answer the question that has 'been bugging' you...what impact, if any, have the responses you solicited had upon your thoughts?

Well, it's been very enlightening! I've never been afraid of being old, or think that being old is useless. I have a grandmother who is hitting 85 and I love her death! I think people got this idea that I do think this way, and after reading my own message I don't blame them. But when you're asking a question like that there's no way to beat around the bush and you just have to say it. I guess this is one of those moment when I can say "I put my foot in my mouth!" LOL!

But I was just trying to go more on the fact of physical conditions of the older nursing population and I'm glad that some did admit it to that. overall most of the answers have given me the notion that everything's relative! Even in nursing! And I don't know about all of yall but I'm done with this subject! Thanks for the comments! :rolleyes:

nursemicke · Aug 8, 2008

My youngest daughter and I were freshmen together. I made straight A's so they couldn't discriminate because of my age. I graduated at 52. I found great joy in helping others. I treasure the thank you notes from my patients and their families.

NewCdnNurse · Aug 8, 2008

I am 41 years old and starting my 2nd year of a BScN. I was never concerned about my age - just whether or not the college would admit me. They had enough confidence in my ability to grant me the seat, so I will give it everything I've got to make sure they made a wise investment. :up:

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2008

I hope this is the correct way to respond? I am getting emails with questions, if I should be doing this in a different matter, please someone, let me know. I have, at this point, offers from hospitals all over the state and several Medical offices, my maturity seems to be a bonus. And the fact that I don't have small children to care for, or might end up leaving to have another baby. In ten years I will be 64, still too young to retire for goodness sakes. The way the cost of living is going up, who can retire? As for the life experience; The Army taught me self-discipline, and commitment to duty, it's something that sticks with one. I have lived and traveled from China and back, I am tolerant of others, of their cultures, religions and lifestyles. I have seen, proverty, death, and human misery, up close and personal. My work ethics are of the old fashioned kind, which is something that is not so prevalent it seems these days, the places that want me to come see them the "minute" I pass my boards, seem to appreciate this. I have given birth, buried family and friends. I have compassion for the sick, the dying, the lonely and the lost. Life experience. I see myself living, till I die and taking care of those I can and hopefully making a difference, no matter how small, in their lives, for the good. I am happy to have this oppurtunity to do something I always wanted, the time and the money to see it through. I am as excited as any of the younger students and have done the same classes, and worked as hard, towards my goal. Why should my age be a factor? My health is great, my mind is good. So I will go forward as long as my health holds up. I hope this was the right way to answer all the emails, as I said, I am new in this forum.

Nice to have you participating with us at Allnurses. You're getting emails might have to do with your settings. If you don't wnat those emails check you settings.

I think you're going to be an excellent nurse not matter your age. Good luck to you!

I want to address the statement " My work ethics are of the old fashioned kind, which is something that is not so prevalent it seems these days....." It always seems the older folks have the license on work ethics. I work with many 20 somethings fresh out of school and they amaze me. They work hard, they are beginning families, and they are buying homes, working overtime.

There are old battleaxes of nurses sitting on their butts thumbing through magazines. There are "kids" playing with their cell phones texting.

Don't generalize generations and don't presume yours to be superior. Because remember the 60s? Weren't your parents generation saying the same thing about the "youth culture" and their lack of work ethics, how we were spoiled and wanted everything handed to them? Kids these days don't want to hear that today anymore than you wanted to hear it back then. :chuckle