I wonder if I'm too old...?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm 53. I've been an RN for 13 years, but I've been out of it for a year pursuing a business idea. Well, that's come to it's end pretty much, and more than that, I really miss being a nurse and working with my colleagues. And let's face it, being an RN is important, respected, academic and professional. Or at least the public certainly thinks so.

So, I'm coming back in, but this time I want to do it right. I want to get an MSN and teach eventually. Nothing big, but I'd really love to teach CNA classes or maybe be an adjunct at a junior college.

But am I too old now. Have I missed the boat. I'm healthy. I jog and ride a road bike (like a racing 10-speed). Being out for a year makes me feel very unconfident. But my old place says they want me back after the 1st, and a temp agency I worked for wants me back. I just worry about being too old.

What do you think?

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Specializes in ICU / Urgent Care.

Well, your previous employers want you back, what more proof do you need? 53 is at least over a decade off from even being considered young-old (65). I say go for it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Flight Nursing.

Definitely not. I'm finishing up the MSN now at the age of 51. I'd recommend their program. It's self paced, and you pay for six month terms. If you can finish in 6 months, then you only pay for one term. I think most can finish in a year spending 12 hours a week working on it. I've taken my time, because... life happens.

Good luck!!

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Thanks, Malenurse. :)

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Thanks for the tip, Robert. :)

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Specializes in Case manager, float pool, and more.

You're only too old if you feel and think you're too old. I have several awesome co-workers who are over 55 yrs and still work the floors. One of them just went back to school to finish her BSN. Never too old, never too late. Go for it.

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It is never too late to start something different in nursing or to go to school. we are always learning. My suggestion about teaching and your concern, look into teaching as an adjunct for one semester or one year to see if it is something for you. Most nursing schools are looking for adjunct faculty for clinical.

You are definitely not too old.

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You're only too old if you feel and think you're too old. I have several awesome co-workers who are over 55 yrs and still work the floors. One of them just went back to school to finish her BSN. Never too old, never too late. Go for it.

That's encouraging. Thank you. :)

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It is never too late to start something different in nursing or to go to school. we are always learning. My suggestion about teaching and your concern, look into teaching as an adjunct for one semester or one year to see if it is something for you. Most nursing schools are looking for adjunct faculty for clinical.

You are definitely not too old.

Yes, and I actually think teaching is something I'd like to do later. I want to just get back into practice for now. I'd like to get an MSN that focuses on education and then go from there. I'm sure it will take me some time. I have an ADN now, and a B.Sc. in Liberal Arts, so I'd be looking for some kind of RN-MSN program. I'd like to work in psychiatry some more, but also PRN in any kind of floor nursing I can do. I was ICU for 5 years and a year in cardiology before that, but I've also done rotations in PACU. I was in psychiatry for the last 7 years.

To be quite honest I would like to teach CNA classes, but I would also like to do the adjunct work.

Sorry to blather on about myself. Thanks for your response.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

You are nowhere near too old. You haven't been out of the game that long, and you have a lot of years left to work. Find a position you like and get back into floor nursing, and then start thinking about where to go from there.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

Nah, you're not too old.

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You are nowhere near too old. You haven't been out of the game that long, and you have a lot of years left to work. Find a position you like and get back into floor nursing, and then start thinking about where to go from there.

That sounds like good advice. Thank you. :)

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