Is age 45 too old to start nursing???

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Hi - I know 45 isn't that old but for those of you who have started nursing around this age or worked with someone who is new and this age, is it difficult?

Specializes in Tele.
Hi - I know 45 isn't that old but for those of you who have started nursing around this age or worked with someone who is new and this age, is it difficult?

YES!

(J/K!!)

It depends on your personality & the amount of time you want to work.

In the beginning most of us have to be up on our feet for 12 hours or sometimes more. You have to move big patients to clean them, put in a suppository,.... strain on your back. Is that what you want? then sure, nursing is for you.

:devil:

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Specializes in ICU.

I'll be 53 when I graduate in may, I'm a male honor roll senior. I believe that your as old as you feel. As for me, the biggest problem I have is the professors flirting with me......................(no that had nothing to do with the honor roll thing....:D). A far as moving patients though, I'm 6'2" and 235 and in excellent shape (or so I have told :imbar )........so except for the morbidly obese I do fine.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I was 45 when I started. Never had algebra before either. Yes, it was difficult but everything worthwhile is hard. I plan to work till I am at least 67 so 20 years as a nurse is still a long career.

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Specializes in Dialysis, Home Care, Hospice.

45 is definitely not too old. My own belief is that you are NEVER too old to do what you want. I'm 42 and considering going back to school but probably not for nursing. Go for it!

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Hi there. I'm 42 and just started school in August. I'll be 44 when I graduate. Although I am one of the older students in my class, there are quite a few folks in their 50's and one is 60!

Good luck!

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Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

45 is not too old! I think the question is how do you feel? Can you handle the physical side of nursing?

The oldest in my graduating class was 57, he is doing very well in telemetry. I work ER, am in my 40's. I think it is up to the student. Most of my schoolmates were 30's-40's-only a couple of older 20's. Many like me downsized from their first careers in technology, computers, or middle management.

I say if you want to do it, you should! If it takes 4 years, so what. You'll still be 4 years older if you do nothing. Might as well make a positive change to your life.

Good luck,

Maisy;)

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I heard 48 is the average age of a nurse today.

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Hi, I will be 45 this month, and am planning on starting my prereqs. in the spring, so of couse I don't think 45 is too old to start a nursing career.;)

Robin

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Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.

I started nursing school at 45, graduated summa cum laude, worked full time and have a family.

It's hard, but it's nursing school. It's all worthwhile if it's what you want.

You are never too old!

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:biere:i'm a bsn junior and i'm 42 years old. most of my classmates are half my age. its really not that hard as i thought it would be. the person who is at the top of my batch is a 40 year old single mother (she's juggling her bsn studies with her business and two kids!). i agree with happydays252, if you wan something very hard, go for it!! you can do it!!!

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We had a lady that was 56 when she graduated. She was at the top of the class.

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Specializes in Derm/Wound Care/OP Surgery/LTC.

Hey There! Went to nursing school 8 years ago. Ugly divorce. 8 Years went by. Took my boards at age 40 and became a nurse...finally. It's never too late! Never! Go for it!

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