Anyone start as a CNA in their forties?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

I'm now 44 and I've been an office worker in all different capacities for twenty years and the thought of being an RN keeps nagging at me and I thought I'd start my path at CNA; do I know what I'm getting myself into?

I know this would be a big change, :eek: because I was in a CNA class I had to drop six years ago due to my husband's health issues. I worked in a retirement home when I was 16 and did some volunteering in an E.R. six years ago and that's as much of the medical field I've seen. I found it scary but rewarding.

There are classes coming up and don't want to sign up until I know I can see it through, or how to get through it the best way possible. Sure would like to hear from others like me or those who can share their knowledge. Thank you!

Hey ChristiM,

I was going to to the Sat 8-5 thing starting on Sept 10 till Dec11, but my SummerII Math class cancelled(not enough registrants) So I found this class Mon-Fri to take the place of my Math. This is the only way I can knock it out.

Once you finish the CNA are you going to push on for additional training?? Yes keep working till you finish .. then I would say you are ready for Phleb training or direct to LVN/LPN school:yeah::yeah: You can do it!!!

I opted for the once a week class so I could keep my current job (which pays well) a few months longer. I've already applied to pre-nursing and nursing school at the same place I'm taking the CNA course so I'm hoping I can make a smooth transition from CNA to RN.:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I opted for the once a week class so I could keep my current job (which pays well) a few months longer. I've already applied to pre-nursing and nursing school at the same place I'm taking the CNA course so I'm hoping I can make a smooth transition from CNA to RN.:nurse:

Way to go Girl!!!!!:yeah::yeah:

You going to start your prereqs??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in STNA.

I worked as a CNA back in my twenties before having a family. Now I'm 35, well almost 36, and will be retaking the CNA class late this summer/fall. I will be almost 37 when I start my LPN program.

We can do it! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
There are classes coming up and don't want to sign up until I know I can see it through, or how to get through it the best way possible. Sure would like to hear from others like me or those who can share their knowledge. Thank you!

The classes are the easy part! I started as a CNA at 41 in LTC. That job kicked my butt up and down the hall every shift. But I did it.

You can too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Way to go Girl!!!!!:yeah::yeah:

You going to start your prereqs??

I have most of the non-nursing classes done (ENG, PSY, etc) so I mainly just need the NUR classes. I can't take A&P I and II or Med Terminology yet since, if I get accepted into their pre-nursing program, I need to take those there for their "guaranteed admission to the nursing program" route. If I earn a 3.25 for those classes (plus a Math class---which is a lower level than the math I already have), I'll have guaranteed admission for the next semester's nursing class. I like "guaranteed!"

How many of you are going beyond the CNA certificate?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, dementia, hospice.

I know a 68-year-old lady who's been a CNA for decades. She currently works part-time, but worked full-time until she was 65.

My mother, who is 71 years young, is currently considering becoming a CNA to add to her retirement income.

Furthermore, I read somewhere on these forums about a 95-year-old RN (95 is NOT a typo) who was still working full-time in a hospital. The word was that she ran circles around most of the new grads.

It's only too late if you believe it is.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

  • I'm so glad to know that I am not the only 40 something starting a second career. I'm hoping that I can find an LTC to sponsor me through the four week CNA training otherwise I have to pay $1000.00 for my out of pocket (out of state) expenses. If anyone has any pointers how to go about getting a sponsor, I am all ears! Last year I overheard some instructors talking about the age ratio in the classes. They said that they preferred the "vintage" students as ones just out of H.S. We are more focused and make sacrifices as opposed to being young and wanting to party. When I was young...boy was I dumb!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

  • I'm so glad to know that I am not the only 40 something starting a second career. I'm hoping that I can find an LTC to sponsor me through the four week CNA training otherwise I have to pay $1000.00 for my out of pocket (out of state) expenses. If anyone has any pointers how to go about getting a sponsor, I am all ears! Last year I overheard some instructors talking about the age ratio in the classes. They said that they preferred the "vintage" students as ones just out of H.S. We are more focused and make sacrifices as opposed to being young and wanting to party. When I was young...boy was I dumb!

$1000....YIKES! My CNAI course was $466 which covers everything except the textbook and uniform. There is no 'out of state' fee. I don't know of any schools around here that are more than $500. Good luck finding a sponsor!

I agree with the thoughts about 'vintage' students. Someone told me, "Because you're not some young 20-something, patients will have more confidence in you." Life experiences from being a mother of 2 boys (one of whom plays rugby) and a preschool teacher for 20+ years (I've seen my share of broken bones, cuts, stitches, puke, blood, diarhhea!) surely count for something.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm 36 and just got my CNA license last month. I had two classmates in their 40s and the others were taking the course as a pre req for nursing school. I've worked in corporate america for 17 years and the thought of doing that for another 20-25 scares me to death. I'm scared at the thought of changing careers; but I am more scared to not live my dream of being a nurse. I applied for a CNA job (at a LTC facility) and for a HHA job today. My first applications! Already got a call back on the HHA job. This job board is a great source of inspiration and support- thank you. Never give up on your dreams- go for it!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm 36 and just got my CNA license last month. I had two classmates in their 40s and the others were taking the course as a pre req for nursing school. I've worked in corporate america for 17 years and the thought of doing that for another 20-25 scares me to death. I'm scared at the thought of changing careers; but I am more scared to not live my dream of being a nurse. I applied for a CNA job (at a LTC facility) and for a HHA job today. My first applications! Already got a call back on the HHA job. This job board is a great source of inspiration and support- thank you. Never give up on your dreams- go for it!!!!

Way to Go Tyme2Shine:yeah::yeah::yeah:.I can not stand the thought of going back to Corp America either.. we are scared of changing careers since we all have responsibilities we have acquired the last 10-20years .. are you taking your pre reqs now??

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks Tex42cares, I've looked into nursing schools/programs 'some'...but got a little overwhelmed/discouraged. I have a BS in Marketing from 2000; and many of the schools won't accept certain credits that are older than 5 or 10 years old. Such as physcology, statistics, medical terminolgy (which I took 10 years ago). (Looking at what I just typed; I wish I'd gone for Nursing when I was in school the first time - I took Medical Terminology as an elective for crying out loud!) Also the local comm college pre-req courses are all FULL for Fall semester, yikes. My immediate plan is to get a job as a cna/hha, then narrow my search for colleges down to 2-3; send over my current college transcript and see what I need for my RN. I know some schools have programs specifically for those with a current Bachelors degree in another major. I also know the programs are really competitive to get in to. Ah well, one step at a time right?!?!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks Tex42cares, I've looked into nursing schools/programs 'some'...but got a little overwhelmed/discouraged. I have a BS in Marketing from 2000; and many of the schools won't accept certain credits that are older than 5 or 10 years old. Such as physcology, statistics, medical terminolgy (which I took 10 years ago). (Looking at what I just typed; I wish I'd gone for Nursing when I was in school the first time - I took Medical Terminology as an elective for crying out loud!) Also the local comm college pre-req courses are all FULL for Fall semester, yikes. My immediate plan is to get a job as a cna/hha, then narrow my search for colleges down to 2-3; send over my current college transcript and see what I need for my RN. I know some schools have programs specifically for those with a current Bachelors degree in another major. I also know the programs are really competitive to get in to. Ah well, one step at a time right?!?!

Always one step at a time!!! also check with your CC Cont Ed dept.... see if you can get a BCLS CPR , get that PHLEB cert as well if you can not get into any prereqs for fall.. Your Eng1301 and Algeb should transfer still??? see if you can do Into to psych & Med Term online for fall next semester in Spring get your AP1& LAB and Microbiology or Chemistry, human growth and Development done You need to find out which Nursing Entrance exam your college or colleges use ..most will be TEASV or HESI A2 ..get the review guides for those and start studying now!!!

Have you also thought about LVN the LPN to RN bridge???

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment