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.
It's never too late to do what your heart desires. I'm a wife, mom of three & a brand new nurse. I just graduated this past May with my BSN at the age of 47. It's been my dream to be an Emergency Department Nurse. Monday's my 1st day in the unit and I couldn't be happier!
Set your mind to it, take the first step and move forward! All it takes is that 1st step & determination. Best wishes to all those pursuing their dreams!
Very nice article. I am in my 4th and final term as an LVN, work full time, and 47 yrs old. Most everyone is encouraging me to continue to RN. Although one point was brought to my attention was how much longer I would consider working rather than spending more time with my husband traveling. He works 3/4 days a week , and would prefer a more part time schedule in order to travel.
In addition, it is a challenge for me to think about continuing in school when I am so close to being completed. Of course I need to pass the NCLEX too. Should I find employment as an LVN first, establish a solid work experience before returning to school for RN.
Look at your health and how you feel. After 35 years as a RN I retired last year due to my health. I have RA and simply do not feel well enough to,practice any longer. I miss work. If my health was better I would still be working.
I am 54 and just got my acceptance into the ADN program I will start in a couple of months. I'm a little nervous about the whole thing, but it's what I've always wanted. I've raised my 5 children and now it's time to fulfill my dream. I know it won't be easy, but I can't wait to get started!
I was an LPN for many years, then went to full time foster parenting and let my license lapse. I needed to go back for a refresher course to get LPN back so when I was 50 I decided to just go for my RN. Graduated 5 1/2 years ago and I can tell you it was best thing I could have done. Never too late.
Look at your health and how you feel. After 35 years as a RN I retired last year due to my health. I have RA and simply do not feel well enough to,practice any longer. I miss work. If my health was better I would still be working.
With so much experience, can you do administrative nursing? I know RA affects everyone differently, so not sure how severe you are, but it is a shame that with 35 years you had to stop doing a profession that you love.
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.
Best wishes!
Nurse Beth
You are not too old. I received my BSN in 2010 and MSN, FNP in 2014 from an excellent state university. It was a great experience. I will be 63 years old in August.
Specializes in ED, Med-Surg, Psych, Oncology, Hospice.
There is nothing wrong with going after your dream. But, (and there is always one) older nurses are not a marketable commodity. Employers would rather hire new and young, to save money, than to hire a seasoned nurse. I am not just being a naysayer. I am living this reality. Recruiters and educators may disagree and tell you what you want to hear but when it's you, sitting in the chair across from the interviewer believe me your age will have a bearing and it there is a younger nurse who has applied, the job goes to that one. Is it fair? Is it LEGAL? NO! It is what it is.
Too old? Heh - perhaps my story will give you some inspiration. Lost my job in IT in '09, got cross trained as a CNA in '12 (49 years old, 5'7" tall and 290 lbs.) did that for a year and a half, ended up having to sell my late mom's house, figured out how to force type II diabetes into remission, lost a little over 100 lbs. and am remediating back into the LVN program I failed out of 2 years ago.
If you want it bad enough, you'll do what it takes to make it happen - regardless of your perceived limitations.
----- Dave
"I'm not half the man I used to be...but I'm working on it."
pthelper777, BSN, RN
55 Posts
It's never too late to do what your heart desires. I'm a wife, mom of three & a brand new nurse. I just graduated this past May with my BSN at the age of 47. It's been my dream to be an Emergency Department Nurse. Monday's my 1st day in the unit and I couldn't be happier!
Set your mind to it, take the first step and move forward! All it takes is that 1st step & determination. Best wishes to all those pursuing their dreams!