Anyone pushing 50 and a recent grad??

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I'm almost 44 and halfway through my prereqs with long way to go. My question is: are employers willing to hire an older grad? I'm enjoying my classes and love the challenge, but want to be realistic about employability.

And then once you're in, what's it like???? I know all about the 'maturity' and 'wisdom' us older nurses bring to the table (:roll haha), but how is it, really?

Thanks for any replies!!

Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

Another thing I have encountered as a middle-aged new grad is the assumption by some that I have been a nurse for 20 years or so! You will have to explain your new nurse status to doctors and residents who assume you have years under your belt and to agency or float nurses (who don't know you like the regular staff) who get a scared expression when you ask basic questions or for clarification during report that they assume is just "old-hat" to you.

I was 50 when I graduated in Dec 05! I really laughed when I read the above post because I have this problem all the time! I work ICU in a teaching facility so I get new interns and residents every month. They assume I have been a nurse forever and they actually scare me by the questions THEY ask me! Talk about the blind leading the blind :nurse:

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i've been reading for quite awhile but just recently registered to post - will be just about a year since graduation and am 47. There doesn't seem to be any sort of nursing shortage for day jobs around here, that's for sure! Evenings and nights are a dime a dozen, but el primo day jobs just can't be had. Even when something opens up for days, there's always tons of more qualified applicants with experience. I started in the ER and love it, but don't like my hours at all. great to read these new grad posts!

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Specializes in CVICU.
I work ICU in a teaching facility so I get new interns and residents every month. They assume I have been a nurse forever and they actually scare me by the questions THEY ask me! Talk about the blind leading the blind :nurse:

Same here!

To the OP, I think now-days employers look for a youthful and energetic person of whatever age. At 45 I can really hustle, and for lots of us fifty is the new thirty. (I was out-run by many 60 and even 70 year-olds at the Disney marathon a few years ago.), and I was hired on the spot after my first interview. I think it's that way for most of us, as long as we exude a certain amount of ambition and energy.

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Thank God for these posts. I am so worried about going back to school. Actually have anxiety attacks. I am so worried about age. Maybe I am just having a mid life crises! I have a first degree and all A's and 1 B in my science prereqs. I am going for the Accelerated BSN. Lord help me!!!

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Specializes in LTC.

This thread has given me such heart and confidence! I'm 42 and plan to return to finish my RN in a few years. I've worried that my age will be a problem, but I'm much less worried after reading this!

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:nurse: I graduated in May 06 at the ripe old age of 48, yes it is worth it, yes you will be more tired and cranky than your peers some days for lack of enough sleep, I agree that the other nurses & docs sometimes forget that I am the new kid (haha) and need to be reminded and my preceptor is young enough to be my daughter and we get along great, she even tells me that I have to leave the nest now and fly on my own since I have started telling her to get lost I have it under control most days. Nursing is a wonderful career and I also had three offers before graduating and chose an employer that AARP recommended for the over 50 best employers (no wise cracks please). So get ready for a lot of hard work, lost sleep, dirty house, and a grand time once you are out there in the work force helping us out. Good Luck to you.
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I just got my RN at the ripe old age of 49. Had 4 prior careers. The advantages: automatic assumption that I must know so much more. Disadvantage: the automatic assumption that I must know so much more! LOL

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Rebecca, How true you are, being older has helped me make probably better decisions, but like you said most people I work with think I have been a nurse for a long time and I have to remind them that at 46 I am a new grad. I think being older is an advantage as we have more life experience with not only our own health but aging parents. I know I have more patience and wisdom (hah) supposedly. I have no regrets going to nursing school at this age, Had 2 other careers and want to finish off with this.

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

I just graduated in May 06 at the age of 49. I had job offers at every place we did clinicals. My graduation was May 14...went to work May 23rd! It won't be a problem.

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

It's great to be part of such a great group here--the pushing 50 and over crowd. :wink2:

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I am only 25 yrs old and graduated this past May. Don't worry, you will find a job. There is a nursing shortage. I had a classmate who was 60 yrs old that graduate with me and he got a job. If you have the passion to be a nurse, then go for it. Wishing you all the best.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Graduated with a 61-year-old.

This year's top student was 57 at graduation.

Head of the class last year was over 60.

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