Considering Nursing School at 52

qt2168 · May 22, 2009

I think you should do it! If you feel young at heart then nothing can stop you. In my exp. older students are the best ones. GOOD LUCK. Keep us posted! :yeah:

nkara, CNA · May 22, 2009

Go go for it! I'm 40 and just starting out ... I look at it this way... I'll be 50 with or without the license so I might as well go for it. I work as a CNA now and one of the nurses I work with got her RN license when she was 50....

:cheers:

talibah · May 22, 2009

Go for it! You've life experiences to offer that a younger person does not have. I'm also 50 yrs old and I'd would like to go to nursing school. I believe that now it's a good time for me to do something for myself because my children are leaving the nest. :nuke:

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 22, 2009

IMO, it's only too late when you're dead. So if nursing is what you want to do, go for it! :)

rngolfer53 · May 23, 2009

i'm 52 years old and am considering pursuing an lvn route. i'd considered nursing
[/url] many years ago, but was talked out of it and regret i didn't pursue this course. i'm energetic and fit as a fiddle, so to say - very athletic and love life, and love helping people. i'm also a hospice volunteer, and have done lay counseling in grief and relationships. i have experience in clerical work, accounting, and human resources, and have a b/a degree in history. i'm listing these things as a means to briefly describe my background and experiences. i'm considering the lvn route because i'd like to have more hands-on, personable experience with the patients. i want to be able to assist them both physically and emotionally.

my questions are these: would my age be a factor in "not" considering pursuing a nursing career? also, i've thought about the private school route, since i heard that there isn't a waiting period, and the pre-reqs can be completed during that time. does anyone know about american career college in ontario, ca? and what is the tution there? i have saved my money over the years, so i may be able to afford and pursue this route.

any and all information would be truly appreciated! i don't mind hearing the truth, albeit pros or cons. i just want to make sure i have as much information and viewpoints as possible before pursuing this route. thanks in advance!

i started at the same age, in an accelerated program. took 2 years including prerequisites to get a bsn. age by itself isn't a reason to say no to a nursing 2nd career.

there are plenty of old 35 year olds, and young 65 folks. if you want it, go for it. :wink2:

in my case, i think age and being male enhanced my employment opportunities.

justiceforjoy · May 23, 2009

Another one chiming in to say go for it! I have a 56-year-old in my class and he's just awesome.

SoundofMusic · May 23, 2009

Totally go for it. You'll be 53 anyway if you decide not to do it -- so do it.

Word of advice, though -- keep your fitness level high. I'm 46 this year and only regret that I cannot get my extra weight off -- working on a floor is tough physical work. I mean -- you are lifting, turning, pushing beds around, changing, bathing, helping patients walk, etc. not to mention RUNNING practically 12 hours straight on a shift without sitting down. I truly wish I was just in better shape. Problem is, at 45 w/ kids and a house at home, I really dont' have much time outside of work to get in shape. Just BE and STAY in shape, and you'll do great.

One of our best nurses was a new nurse in her mid 50's. Patients also sort of like an older nurse at times, I feel. You really end up having a lot in common with them and have a lot of life experience to rely on. Nursing is about using a lot of common sense. If you've managed a life, a house, raising kids, you've developed a lot of that. If you're smart, you're smart -- no matter what age.

After about 18 months now as a nurse, patient think I'm a seasoned veteran . ..I always have to laugh about that. . .if they only knew!

chenoaspirit, ASN, RN · May 23, 2009

I say go for it too! Age is just a NUMBER! When I was in school, there were 3 people there in their 50's and it was NOT a liability to them at all. If that's what you want to do, then dont let something like age stop you.

LuvLife845 · May 24, 2009

Wow, I am SO encouraged by all of you!!! Thanks again for your input and advice, as well as sharing your professional accomplishments in the Nursing field. I'm taken with the fact that you all, regardless of age, love the learning involved in Nursing school, as well as the jobs you've landed afterwards. I also appreciate your sharing about others who have pursued Nursing at a latter date in their lives - some of which are yourselves, or others you've known in your classes. Well . . . I've decided to sign up at Chaffey College in California, and pursue the CNA route to not only get my feet wet in the profession, but to also get hands-on experience with patients. It'll also give me the chance to see all that's involved and whether I want to later pursue Vocational Nursing and subsequent higher education in Nursing. Thanks again to all of you for your kudos, as well as sharing your own personal feelings and accomplishments in this field!!

rngolfer53 · May 24, 2009

After about 18 months now as a nurse, patient think I'm a seasoned veteran . ..I always have to laugh about that. . .if they only knew!

That is a potential trap, since people assume from your age that you are experienced. They may give you tasks/responsibilities that are simply beyond your knowledge and acquired skill. I have the same thing happen to me sometimes. I've said, "whoa, I've never done that" more than once.

It's better to be humble in the beginning, when it's optional, rather than waiting till you are humiliated. :cool:

Cassaundra · May 24, 2009

Being 52 and starting a career as a nurse is admirable. The was a lady in one of my classes who retired from BellSouth at the age of 62 and then went on to be an RN.

anncg · May 25, 2009

"One of our best nurses was a new nurse in her mid 50's. Patients also sort of like an older nurse at times, I feel. You really end up having a lot in common with them and have a lot of life experience to rely on. Nursing is about using a lot of common sense. If you've managed a life, a house, raising kids, you've developed a lot of that. If you're smart, you're smart -- no matter what age."

I would like to comment on this topic.....first an :yeah:for all of them. I agree with the word "veteran" when in terms of life experience that's commendable because nursing does not only involve medical theories & practical/ scientific nursing procedures of caring a patient but involves mainly on how compassionate & empathetic you are, the way you care to your client. Im glad for all these sharing thoughts cause I am also a nurse at 42, a wife, a mother of 3 children and a house manager.....thanks. more power to all mature but young at heart nurses! :heartbeat