Becoming a Nurse at 49?

Chaya, ASN, RN · Sep 15, 2016

I became a nurse at 50. For me, it was easier to study than it would have been in my 20's because I was steadier; more focused and less distractable in general than when I was younger. I found I was better able to handle it emotionally after a lifetime of working in a variety of positions with coworkers having a wide range in temperment and personalities. I had also seen and weathered many life events and crisises in my life and those of family members and close friends and I came to believe that nursing was a good fit for me in terms of skills and outlook at this point in my life. Physically, it was more endurance than brute strength; although I did work with many obese patients that required extensive assistance with personal care we were well trained in body mechanics, had mechanical lifts and followed a strict policy of having 2 or more caregivers assisting with transferring, boosts, etc. I also had to become used to 12 hour shifts (but found working fewer days less stressful); had to invest in really good orthotic arch supports and shoes, and keep healthy.

Good luck if you do make the decision to go ahead; it can be crazy at times but I've found it very satisfying-and never boring!

More to Learn · Sep 15, 2016

I started school at 48; part-time at first, while I waited to get the pre-req classes I needed to apply to nursing school. Many people told me that it would take many years to get into the classes I needed, and to expect a 3-5 year wait just to get into a nursing program. Thankfully, I did not listen and was determined to plow through to obtain my goal. I applied at only one community college and was accepted upon my first application. Along the way, I met some aspiring nurses including a retired engineer who became a nurse at 72!! It wasn't easy being the oldest student in our cohort but I was able to bond with many of the younger students and the experience is one I will never forget. I attended study groups and even led my own dosage calculation group to help other students. I became the Vice President of the Class and upon graduation, received the Leadership Award & the Esprit de Corps Award.

I have to say that it wasn't easy; there was plenty of blood, sweat, & tears...but I have no regrets! Just the education & fellow students alone enriched my life more than I could dream of! And then there is the respect I gained from others but even more important is the respect I gained for myself. Plus, I am convinced that the experience made me 15 -20 years younger! LOL. So after 6 years of experience working in a hospital, I am ready to challenge myself some more; I will be starting school again before the end of the year at 58 years old!

I have discovered I have a passion not only to help others, but to teach, and I am excited about the next chapter in my life!

Atomiccafe · Sep 16, 2016

You're not crazy. I'm 49 who enrolled at a Community College in Jersey last year. I'll be done with my prerequisites on Spring of 2017, then I'll do the Nursing courses. I had the same question before but I met someone who started nursing school when he was sixty yrs. old and now he works in a hospital. Keep going.

Atomiccafe · Sep 16, 2016

Thank you for this reply. You just motivated me to keep going.