Am I too old to become a nurse?

[TbistheMc]

Hello there!

I'm a 43 (almost 44) year old pre-nursing student. I would LOVE to become a nurse but worry I'm too old. I've done really well in prereqs so far (4.0) and will be able to apply to programs in a year. For what it's worth, I'm in good shape physically and (usually lol) mentally. ANY input would be much appreciated! Happy Holidays to everyone out there!

[MLM007]

Ah, this is my question as well. I have lower back issues and often walk with a cane. I've been in pharmaceutical consulting for many years and that is a specialty I'd like to explore also. I completed my BS in Chem in 1986 so lots of associated experience.

I have to physically endure th 1 year practicum. I can schedule around issues once I graduate but.... I've been accepted to a 1 year LPN program. I'm stoked but also concerned! I think I'll talk to the counsellor about this?

thanks

[Sour Lemon]

58 minutes ago, MLM007 said:

Ah, this is my question as well. I have lower back issues and often walk with a cane. I've been in pharmaceutical consulting for many years and that is a specialty I'd like to explore also. I completed my BS in Chem in 1986 so lots of associated experience.

I have to physically endure th 1 year practicum. I can schedule around issues once I graduate but.... I've been accepted to a 1 year LPN program. I'm stoked but also concerned! I think I'll talk to the counsellor about this?

thanks

If you're already walking with a cane, nursing may not be a good fit. Even if you manage to pass the typically required, pre-program physical and make it through school clinicals, the types of jobs available to new graduates are typically grueling.

There are always exceptions, but I would think long and hard before investing time and money. Even as an experienced RN, I had to undergo a physical that involved walking up and down a staircase, carrying a heavy box around, pushing and pulling a heavy pallet of some sort, griping and squeezing some metal thing, reading signs from across a room, etc. the last time I was hired.
And many employers will throw you out on your head the moment you can't keep up ...even after 20-30 years of loyal service.

Side note: I am "sour" for a reason. ??

[Myruby, MSN, NP]

Depends on your health and the job that you want.  I am 70 and a locum's NP. I would never go back to floor nursing as an RN.  I do work 2 12hour shifts and one 6 hour and the 12s back-to-back do take a bit out of me, but I think they always would have. I became an NP at 37.  The way I looked at it was...I'm going to be 37 anyway, might as well be doing something that I want. There are jobs that are much easier than others. I always take summers off to play or donate time or take an easier job at a Summer camp for a few weeks for fun