OK, so I need some advice. I'm very seriously considering my second career as nursing. I'm 45, and am very successful in a marketing position. I'm burned out and have always wanted to be a nurse. My background is business. I have some college level science, but I pulled my transcripts and need to take about 8 courses to get my prelims in. I'm enrolled in classes this spring, will still be working full time and am nervous about balancing work and school. My husband is very supportive, and wants me to do what makes me happy. My goal is to enroll in a masters for non-nursing in Summer of 2012. I'll graduate with a masters and can take the RN test. Am I too old to do this? I would graduate in late 2013 ( six semester program) at age 48.
Would really appreciate any advice and if I can realistically have a second career at nursing at this age.
You are not too old! I started nursing school at 52 and finished in 18 months with my RN. I was the oldest student in my class which didn't bother me in the least. I worked 24 hours a week (weekends) and studied hard. I have now been nursing for 5 years and love it. I recently moved to Seattle and had no problems getting a job. My change of career was the most worthwhile thing I have done. Good luck and go for it.
You are only as old as you feel. The bones might tell you differently sometimes, but go for it. The rewards afterwards will make up for the discomforts. Nusres are usually guaranteed job security with great income levels, great for that last 10 years of work in preparation for retirement. BTW. Once retired from full time work, you can still do some part time hours to keep yourself in pocket ( travel or hobby costs)money/mental stimulation and socialization
I am 51 and graduate next month. I currently work as an Executive Director for a non-profit. I am still working at my job and doing my preceptorship. It has been hard but I am glad I did it!
Go for it sister! I started nursing school when I was 34, and was surprised to find I was amongst the youngest in my classes! With age comes experience, and you can't put a value on the confidence that age brings. There are many things that wisdom brings to the table. All of those things that you can only learn by doing, making mistakes and living life. In my classes, I had a banker, a CPA and several grandmothers. I was transitioning from paramedic to nurse, but I wasn't a 20 year old co-ed. Sure, 12 hour shifts may make your knees a bit more sore and take a bit longer to get used to, but that is a silly reason to not go. If this is truly your passion (and it sounds like it is) you would be cheating yourself (and your future patients) if you don't take the plunge.
Sure. Lots of nurses are working in their 60s and 70s. And, there is soooooo much diversity in nursing positions, I know you would be able to find something if you developed health issues.
I am 43 and after working at an insurance agency for 21 years, getting laid off (a blessing in disguise) and being able to go to school full time I am waiting to hear if I have been accepted to a nursing program. If it goes as planned, I will be 45 when I graduate but I will be an RN!!
You're definitely not too old!!!! My nursing classmate who I met when taking one of our prerequisites at a community college is 53 and we just graduated our accelerated nursing program August 2010. Just like your husband said do what makes you happy!
Hi, am 36 years old and I started my pre-reqs when I was 34. I started going back to school only part-time because, I have two sons, and was also working part-time. Soon, after I started my pre-reqs, I found out that my husband and I were expecting our third child! I still kept up my studies even with awful morning sickness (My doctor prescribed me medication just to keep my food in my stomach). Soon after, my husband found out that he would be deploying for a year! So not only was I studying, working part-time, taking care of our two boys, pregnant, but now also my husband would be overseas for the rest of my pregnancy and birth of our third son. I remember feeling so lonely and so tired, BUT school has been such a joy for me! I remember going into the hospital to deliver my third son and I had my books with me!(crazy I know, but you will do what you have to do!) I am pursuing my dream, even though it is so hard to keep going, I just keep going because at the end of the day, I want to be able to help people. Nursing, I think is a ministry and a special calling! No matter what your circumstances,you will fight for your dreams if you want to see the fulfillment of them! I just finished my prereqs in December, and now I am in the process of applying to nursing schools. I have had major challenges thus far, and I know that there are major challenges ahead, but I am going to press on!
socks341968
24 Posts
You are never too old. When I was in school, I had several classmates over the age of 50 and one that was in his 60's :)