Does age really matter???

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone - For those of you who didn't pursue nursing as your first career choice and waited to go back to school, how old were you when you went back to school and then started your nursing career? Were there any of you in your 40's? Was it more difficult because you were older or did you find that to be to your advantage? Will an older student feel out of place? - even though early 40's isn't that old? And lastly, do any nurses work into their 60's or even 70's?

Thanks in advance for all your feedback! :)

i went to nsg school when i was in my 30's.

there was a healthy combination of all ages in my class.

when i think back to my college days after graduating high school, i appreciate myself much, much more the 2nd time around.

older students have alot to bring to the table, mainly life experience.

i also found that the back-stabbing and pettiness didn't bother me.

i could easily handle it which allowed me to go forward.

physically i don't have any limitations and feel as agile as i did 20 yrs ago.

go for it.

'your' best has yet to come.

leslie

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I was 45 when I started ADN school. Now have my master's in nursing and love my work. What really matters, in my opinion, is doing what you enjoy.

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Specializes in med surg, telemetry, stroke.
I was 45 when I started ADN school. Now have my master's in nursing and love my work. What really matters, in my opinion, is doing what you enjoy.

I don't think age matters. I think you should follow your heart. I am 49, spent 25 years in the legal field and went back to school at 46, became an LVN and now am finishising my prereqs to get into the LVN-RN bridge program. Sure I struggle with the math and sciences having been out of school for so long, but boy does it feel good to make that grade and prove you can do it. Got an A in micro, finishing Anatomy now and will take my last prereq Phys in the fall. I have a 22 year old daughter who just graduated from the RN program. I always felt I was wasting my time each day sitting at a desk pushing paper. My heart told me I needed to be a nurse and that was always my dream/goal. It took losing my mom to MS three years ago to get me to make a change and make my life count. I don't think there is anything more important in this life than touching others and caring for others. Nothing is more rewarding that that. I won't lie, it's a struggle and I am exhausted most of the time, but I just keep keeping on knowing that the goal can be reached. Sometimes I am afraid to fail, what if I can't pass, what if I'm not smart enough, but you must do what you fear most. Follow your heart in whatever you do and you will find happiness. God brought me to this point and I know he will bring me through it. I live by that scripture: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and without him I can do nothing". God bless.

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Nothing has persuaded me yet that I should not be going for this goal of becoming a nurse. However, I am so motivated by what I have read in this thread that I am ready to start tomorrow. I do start on Aug 20, (almost tomorrow)and I really feel this is the right thing for me at this time. Did I mention that I am 57.....I was a 50 plus EMT and worked with much younger EMTs and treated just like anyone else. Age is just a mind set. It comes down to commitment, discipline and the idea that this is what you REALLY want to do. All the best and don't let anyone hit you with any negative vibs....just get ready for school....

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Specializes in corrections, LTC, pre-op.
Hi everyone - For those of you who didn't pursue nursing as your first career choice and waited to go back to school, how old were you when you went back to school and then started your nursing career? Were there any of you in your 40's? Was it more difficult because you were older or did you find that to be to your advantage? Will an older student feel out of place? - even though early 40's isn't that old? And lastly, do any nurses work into their 60's or even 70's?

Thanks in advance for all your feedback! :)

I just received my RN in May 2007 and I'm 61. I work as a charge nurse in a correctional facility. So go for it.

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I know going into a profession at later stage of ones life may make the person feel somehow but to me,what really matters is your choice not what A or B will say or think of you.Follow your passion,its you that matters not what others will think of you.again,i dont think 40years is too old of age to enter into nursing cos even during my school days there's this woman tho i dont really know his age but i'll say,she may be up to 50's and she was there not minding what pple will think of her.Goodluck to you as you follow your heart.

Azor

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I'll be 51 at graduation, and I'm hoping to work for at least 20 years. I echo all of the others who have said "Go for it!"

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I went into nursing at 32 (LPN) and 34 (RN). Not hard at all because I was highly motivated! Had two sons at the time ages 5 and 10, hubby about to be deployed to first Gulf War, hmmm, no stress at all. Oh and did I say I worked full-time too?

Still doable though and glad I did it.

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Specializes in ICU/PCU/Infusion.

IMO, age doesn't matter. It's a matter of maturity and competence, no matter the age.

I graduated at 39, and am so proud that I finally accomplished what I have wanted to do for a career! I started as a candy-striper, back in the day when we wore the red and white pinafore. :)

You know, whether you go to nursing school or not, the time will pass and you either will have or won't have done what you wanted to do with the time!

So no reason to delay. Good luck! :)

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I'll be 51 at graduation, and I'm hoping to work for at least 20 years. I echo all of the others who have said "Go for it!"

Go for it Dear.ou will be fine.goodluck.

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Specializes in Trauma/Burn ICU, Neuro ICU.

I'm one of the older ones here! I am 57 and just finishing my pre-req's for accelerated second degree. But inside I'm still 20.

SusanKathleen

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Specializes in Hospice.
I just received my RN in May 2007 and I'm 61. I work as a charge nurse in a correctional facility. So go for it.

As for motivation, this should dispel any doubts.

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