Becomng a nurse in my late 50's?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2020

It's not legal to ask your age while job searching. Depending on the employer, it could still be a major factor as age is apparent in work and education histories.

As a CNA, are you involved in direct patient care for several patients? If so, you know how physically demanding patient care is, it is not easier in the R.N. role. Can you see yourself performing into your 60's?

CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2020

I would add to the above being realistic about the cost of nursing school and given your wage increase how long will it take to pay it off. In other words, does this make sense financially. For example I am getting closer to 60 years old, thought about going and getting an MSN but realistically the raise in pay won't amortize the loan before I retire so it doesn't make a lot of sense.

EDNURSE20, BSN · Jul 25, 2020

I’ve known People that have done nursing in there 50s and seem to enjoy it. But if I’m being honest it’s hard work! I couldn’t imagine working bedside at that age.

maybe look into other options like CNA, MA or something within healthcare that aren’t going to take as long to get a qualification/cost as much.

Sour Lemon · Jul 25, 2020

1 hour ago, LiSA2020 said:
I am considering making a career change into nursing - hopefully an RN. I already have my CNA and am currently applying to nursing schools. I live in Southern California and nursing schools are impacted so I will be in my late 50's when I complete my RN,
What do you think my job prospects? Is my age going to keep me from getting a job?
Any advice and opinions are appreciated. Thanks

It's not something I would pursue in my 50's, especially not in Southern California. Are you working as a CNA now? Have you been accepted to a nursing school?

LiSA2020 · Jul 26, 2020

I do have patient care experience as a CNA so I know that's hard work: I am curious about the above poster saying , not in southern Califptnis . Is there something about the job market in southern California I should know ?

JKL33 · Jul 26, 2020

There are a lot of ifs, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless basically all of the ifs are met:

-If it is a must-do dream of yours and you will not feel satisfied in life unless you try it

-You have enough personal financial resources that you don't need this to work out (and can afford to lose whatever you invested)

-If you understand that it is going to be difficult

-If you can see your dream being fulfilled in a variety of different settings

-If you have a very good understanding of the myriad ways that taking care of people as a nurse is quite a bit different than, say, caring for a loved one (where every need is attended with care and every pillow fluffed and every problem devoted full attention) and that many nurses work in settings where the manner in which we are to work is inherently at odds with our own profession's Code of Ethics on a daily basis

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Jul 26, 2020

33 minutes ago, LiSA2020 said:
I do have patient care experience as a CNA so I know that's hard work: I am curious about the above poster saying , not in southern Califptnis . Is there something about the job market in southern California I should know ?

SoCal is a very hard market to get into as a new grad. Many have to move, get experience, then try to come back

Lynker, LPN · Jul 26, 2020

3 hours ago, Been there,done that said:
As a CNA, are you involved in direct patient care for several patients? If so, you know how physically demanding patient care is, it is not easier in the R.N. role.

I actually disagree with this. While being a nurse is tiring and super stressful at times, physically it's much easier on your body. As a CNA you're constantly lifting, pulling, transferring, etc. As a nurse you may do that at times, especially in LTC, but not NEARLY as much as a CNA would.

I only say this because I was a CNA before I was a nurse, and being a CNA was SO much more taxing on my body than being a nurse is.

caliotter3 · Jul 26, 2020

Do not jeopardize your ability to support yourself in your retirement at this point if you don’t have plenty of funds to tide you over. Prepare for a hard row to hoe trying to get hired for that first RN job. The SoCal job market for nurses sucks, to put it bluntly. It sucks worse for new grads and old new grads are asking for a lot of disappointment.