I would be the last person to discourage any form of education for anyone, anytime. Education is a life-long pursuit, and as a bonus, it keeps you young!
Should you go for your RN or just stay an LPN? Is becoming an RN your dream? Are self-doubts holding you back? Avoid making decisions based on fear. What are your loved ones telling you?
We each have only one lifetime to either go for our dreams or talk ourselves out of them. There's no reason to put the I'm too old restriction on yourself.
After all, Hillary Clinton is running for President of the United States and she's 67 years old, right?
As with every choice, there are factors to be considered. Ageism in the marketplace exists. Some nursing jobs require physical stamina. It will be a matter of finding the right place for you.
The good thing is that you are known and already have connections in the nursing world. That is golden when you go to look for a job. When you do find your spot, you will bring a wealth of life experience to the role.
Deep inside, you already know the answer to your question, and it will not leave you with regret.
There are many nurses on the site here who have stories of becoming an RN later in life, and hopefully they will share their experiences.
I began RN school at 55 years. My age afforded advantages over my younger peers and opportunities to support them when needed. Considering there are more centenarians now than ever, and the numbers are growing, my advice would be to go after what you want and enjoy as you may be working for many years still. I had wanted to be an RN since 3rd grade. When I passed my licensing test, my peers from elementary school all remembered my dream and congratulated me! The only thing that matters is how bad you want it and how hard you are willing to work to obtain it. Good luck.
They used to say that men couldn't/shouldn't be nurses either...they should be doctors. It is true that age can make someone less physically strong but not always, I have seen some young people who are so tiny they can't move a flea off a dog but are still nurses.
I am 58 years old heading into my 3rd semester of an AS in Nursing program and plan on going for my BSN as soon as I pass the NCLEX. It is never too late to invest in yourself and do what feels right for you. I know an 80 year old RN/Nun who is still working and will be as it is her life's work. She has inspired me to work as long as I choose, and as long as it is safe for those I care for as patients. I spent time talking with her while at Clinicals in a Long Term Care Facility and her life story was amazing. I dare anyone to tell her she is too old!
The oldest person in my class was 62 or 63 years old!! I was 28/29 when I started nursing school..... go for it. I didn't see how old you were, but maybe you'll qualify for a senior citizen discount! Most likely your employer will pay for it, you will get a BIG payraise, and stave off Alzheimer's, and it will more fun for you, you will know most of the answers, the mother's will bombard you questions. You will learn to look at things from a different angle. And will be one of the hardest most rewarding things you will ever do. I worked with a doctor once. she was a housekeeper then laundry or kitchen, then cna, then lpn, then rn, the np, ( and I really want to say she became a pa after that but not positive)then became a medical doctor at 60...you can do it! BEST doctor you ever met!
with your experience and an RN you could probably be a case manager/utilization review ...ageism is not a factor..they need and want people with more experience... its where old nurses get put out to pasture---when mind is good, but legs and feet aren't so willing!
At age 40 I have been accepted into an Accelerated BSN program. It has always been a dream that I'm finally able to pursue. I will finish when I'm 42. You're never too old!
After working as an LVN for over 30 years, I finally got the opportunity to realize my lifelong dream. I am 53 years old and I will graduate from RN school on December 11, 2015. You are never too old to go back to school.
I'm glad I read this and have learned I'm not alone. I am 55 and just starting my bridge program. My fear has been more about the physical end, so I started a yoga class several weeks before the summer transitions program to get myself ready. I hope it helps. Thanks for all the input.
shirleygr
2 Posts
I will be two years older in two years so why not be two years older as an RN. I'm super excited.