Does age matter?

JohnBearPA · Jul 7, 2006

Hi everyone!
While still considering a new career as LPN/LVN, is age 41 too old to begin a nursing career? I have no nursing experience. I've been in the legal field for almost 20 years and due to my worker's comp injury, I do not want to go back to the desk. Am I too old?

I'm 40 now, and graduated exactly a year ago from school. We had students both older (more than 10 years older) and younger (right out of high school) than I, and I think I valued my schooling more than some younger students, because I worked so hard to get there. Of course, I had to study harder, couldn't even begin to party as much as some of the youngsters, and really had to apply myself to stay up with the topics covered. Every "A" was HARD earned for me, but damn, was it ever worth it!

I say if you want to be a nurse, GO FOR IT! You're NEVER too old to be a good nurse!

nursingconsidered · Jul 7, 2006

Thanks JohnBearPA for your input, it is encouraging.

I can honestly say that medical is kind of intimidating to me. I don't intimidate easily, but in this case, I am. Probably because this is all very new to me and I'm treading waters I've never even put my feet in before, :uhoh3: it's kind of scary. On the other hand, I can watch Discovery Health Surgeries all day and don't even flinch. I think it is so exciting to see watch a surgery and actually see the organs and bones;of course it is probably more overwhelming and intense in person.

81ke83 · Jul 7, 2006

I turned 50 this year and will start nursing school in August. Took 4 years to finish my pre reqs. I run circles around the kids that I go to school with. You are never to old. I think one of the differences is that I don't need to go party on the weekends. I work, study, and go to school, that is my life. I wouldn't change it for a second.

Kay:bugeyes:

nursingconsidered · Jul 7, 2006

Thanks kay!

I have taken my family into consideration, as well. My husband, daughter (16), grandaughter(5) and her brother(9) and all of my family is very supportive or my new career and encouraging as well. My mom who is a RCNA/CHHA is overjoyed and says I should have been in nursing 20 years ago! It all boils down to me having CONFIDENCE in myself that I can handle it!

ternerzero · Jul 7, 2006

I hope not. I am not getting any younger, just wiser. :lol2:

Seriously, time and experience has allowed me to become a better, wiser and more efficient mother; therefore, I assume it will also help me in the medical field. Do you want a career in the medical field?

My advise: If you want it... Go for it!

rnozaut · Jul 7, 2006

Funny Question. I asked myself that several years ago....I just graduated with a BSN degree this year 2006....I'm a 43 years old Chemist.

Just Do IT!!!!! you'll be surprise to see students older than you.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Jul 7, 2006

I was 50 in December and after a 3 semester wait, will start an ASN program on August 21st. I would say you are FAR from being too old!!

My husband (a chiropractor) told me he had a patient in the other that he was discussing my return to school with, and she said her dad was a civil engineer all his life and went back to school to get his RN and was 63 when he graduated. He's now retired in Phoenix and spends winters in Sedona (or is it Flagstaff?) where he's PRN (or vice-versa) and LOVES being a nurse.

I love all the encouragement here when I start getting freaked out as I get closer to starting school AND quitting my current "career".

Look around these threads and you will see plenty on this topic.

Best wishes!! :welcome:

RedcarRN · Jul 7, 2006

I think the average age of nurses today is in the 40's so you're about right.

You will bring everything you have learned, to the job.

If you have a passion for it, then you have no choice but to do it.

Good luck!

rntoben2008 · Jul 7, 2006

Funny Question. I asked myself that several years ago....I just graduated with a BSN degree this year 2006....I'm a 43 years old Chemist.
Just Do IT!!!!! you'll be surprise to see students older than you.

I am almost 41, and waiting on the happy letter. I have wondered though, does age have an effect on the hiring process?? Did anyone out there have a hard time getting hired on because they were over 40?? My mother says I am too old, and asked me who would hire me? I tend to think my age brings a lot of wisdom and work experience with it. I don't know though.

spb1 · Jul 7, 2006

I turned 60 last month and am about to finish pre-reqs. I am having a ball, challenging myself and enjoying the young ones in my classes. If it please God, I will be a nurse in 2008. I'm doing CNA class this summer to bump up the points for nursing school admittance, taking A & P II and just finished Algebra (with an A). My take on it is that if you want it, go for it!! Only you can say you are too old. I feel I have a lot to contribute to nursing and I bet you do too.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 7, 2006

I am almost 41, and waiting on the happy letter. I have wondered though, does age have an effect on the hiring process?? Did anyone out there have a hard time getting hired on because they were over 40?? My mother says I am too old, and asked me who would hire me? I tend to think my age brings a lot of wisdom and work experience with it. I don't know though.

Not at all. I remember reading somewhere that the average age of a nursing student was 36; I don't know if that's entry or graduation or something in between, but at any rate, I'm 39 (soon to be 40) and the hospitals are VERY eager to have me and my fellow "older" classmates as employees!

Actually, I had a nurse manager tell me she preferred the "older" grad nurses, because they had alot more life experience, more work hx to show, and they demonstrated by juggling families and school (and, oftentimes, work) that they could handle pressure. So she KNEW they could handle her unit!

From what I can see, it's an advantage :)