Am I too old?

stewartam2 · Nov 28, 2019

Nursing school is demanding as all get out. Things have changed a lot in 30 years. If you can study and study for long hours, you can do it. It is not the same as it was back then.

db2xs · Dec 31, 2019

On 11/26/2019 at 3:34 PM, Cinda said:
I am an LPN. 30 plus years. My husband passes away a month ago. Its always been my dream to get my RN. Am I too old now? I figure I'll be 60-62 by the time I challenge boards

You're not too old to pursue a bachelor's. I think what it comes down to is whether you feel you have the stamina, will, and time. Depending on your finances, you may have to continue working while going to school and frankly, doing both is exhausting.

Again, you are not too old to pursue your dreams, unless it involves something physiological like having a baby at age 65 but even these days, you see that women are doing that.

stewartam2 · Dec 31, 2019

You may also consider getting your Associates in nursing instead of a Bachelor's. It's 2 years vs 4.

smarge117, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2020

15 years ago I went to school with a lady who had retired from her job at Health and Human Services in DC, she went back to school to get her 2-year RN degree because she wanted to become a hospice RN. she was 62 when she graduated!

if you want to, do it!

kfostercma · Jan 24, 2020

I was feeling self-conscious about starting my first med-surg job at the age of 38 when most of my coworkers became nurses in their early 20s. Then I happened across this inspiring post. Thank you so much for this! In short, no you are not too old.

You have an illustrious thirty years of experience behind you, and when I was in the AD RN program, the LPN students seemed to do better with the content than those of us who were not yet nurses. Don't sell yourself short! Imagine all of the skill and knowledge you have gained during your career--and how much more you know than a new grad RN.

Additionally, it is becoming more common for middle aged and older adults returning to college for various reasons. Different profession, I know but I took an abnormal psychology class with a gentleman in his mid 50s who was pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. He might be in his mid 60s before he gets to practice!

I extend my condolences for your loss, and wish you good fortune as you pursue your RN. You can do it!

Cinda · Jan 24, 2020

Thank u!

smarge117, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2020

I will say, when I was a brand new nurse (with all of the 20 year olds--with as much experience as they did) I felt that families were more comfortable with me because they 'assumed' that I had more experience than I did.