Am I too old to go into nursing?

Published

My entire family works in health care ie; doctors, nurses, hospital adminstrators. I have always been attracted to nursing and have successfully raised 4 children, three of them boys so I feel like there isn't anything I haven't seen. Also spent a day at a morgue and feel that I have what it takes to deal with trauma of all sorts.

I'm 48 years old and have no college degree. Am I crazy to take on the challenges of nursing at my age? My mother has been a nurse for over 35 years now. She recommended that I start as an LVN/LPN but some of the posts I've read here on allnurses.com indicate that there are many who cannot find employment.

I have worked in sales all my life and the stresses of living on commission only have worn me thin. I always envisioned spending the second half of my life helping others.

Where do I start? I need to support myself and two sons that are still at home so I thought about becoming a CNA first while I'm putting myself through school.

Please don't pull any punches with me. I want the unvarnished truth from you, a group of professionals that I have profound respect for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nope.

I went back to school for nursing at 52. I take the NCLEX-RN in a few weeks, and have been an LPN for two years.

CNA work is the hardest job I can imagine. Frankly, I think you would be too exhausted to do school at the same time.

I wouldn't bother with the LPN route. Look around at your local community colleges and see if there are any affordable nursing programs. Get the catalog and start from there.

And good luck! You're only too old when you're dead.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you Suesquatch. You are an inspiration. I don't feel 48, don't feel any different than when I was 20 and know that I could make a positive contribution. The best part of my hospital stays when I gave birth to my children was always the nurses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thank you Suesquatch. You are an inspiration. I don't feel 48, don't feel any different than when I was 20 and know that I could make a positive contribution. The best part of my hospital stays when I gave birth to my children was always the nurses.

Go for it.

:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

Absolutely go for it. It is something I've always wanted to do as well and made some bad choices in my life. I graduated from NS in 2006 at age 53.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am in nursing school right now and I am 54 in my first semistar. If you have a dream go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am in nursing school right now and I am 54 in my first semistar. If you have a dream go for it!

Hi, maptl!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, thanks for the hey I have been a nursing assistant for 33+ years, kids are grown and through college now it is my time. I am loving it although it makes me supper anxious at times.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi, thanks for the hey I have been a nursing assistant for 33+ years, kids are grown and through college now it is my time. I am loving it although it makes me supper anxious at times.

Well, check in here and we'll try to talk you down from the ledge.

Congratulations on taking the plunge. It takes guts to return to school as an older adult.

:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, by the time I graduate I will be 55 but I figure I have to work another 20 years the way the economy is going so might as well do it, with the thing I love the most.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks, by the time I graduate I will be 55 but I figure I have to work another 20 years the way the economy is going so might as well do it, with the thing I love the most.

Hey, I should be an RN in a few weeks - same schedule as you.

I don't what I'd do if I retired, anyway. Probably sleep all day.

;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion