Is nursing a possiblity for me?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi, kind of a re-tread here, I had originally joined this site about five years ago when I was set to embark on a nursing career. I had it all figured out, a five year plan and then I hit a drunk driver (he cut me off) sustained a second tbi and was out of work for over a year. I wasn't hurt except for my brain, I didn't lose a lot but just enough to make things like algebra calculations impossible - my short term memory was diminished. I have regained much of what I lost and now am considering nursing school, but and it is a BIG BUT - I'm now 53 and of course am experiencing the physical and mental changes that come with age. I'm not as quick in either respect as I used to be, and I am experiencing signs and symptoms of menopause.

So, for all of you who have gone through the wringer known as nursing school do you think it would be feasible for me given what I've just explained? I am currently employed full time as a mental health tech and several nurses and colleagues have said, 'Why don't you go to nursing school?' I'm scared fecesless to tell the truth but since more than one person has suggested it I thought I'd at least entertain the idea. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.

i have no advice for you, just wishing you the best in whatever you decide :heartbeat

praiser :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/ER.

Start slow~~two classes at a time and see how you do. Nursing school is a big step for everyone and only you know what your capable of. If you regret not giving it a shot at 53, you will really regret not trying at 54 or 55!!!

Best of luck!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with the start slow 2 classes at a time plan. Your awareness of your math issues is good and I don't think that it is a showstopper. (You get to use a calculator for NCLEX. Depending on your skills instructor you may need to do it "naked" but you will show your work and can get tutoring from the school.) Arguably a calculator is a reasonable accomodation for a disability. I would set up an appointment with the disabilities coordinator for the college to discuss your concerns and develop a plan to help you succeed in school.

One of the advantages of being older is that you have alternate experiences and pathways that you can use for problem solving.

I think you should post this question to the nurses with disabilities forum for some feedback.

Wishing you the best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

I don't think at age 53 I would embark on something as long and difficult as nursing school, but then again that is my opinion. My father is 52 and looking forward to retirement....I can't imagine him starting something as stressful as nsg school!! :twocents:

Please don't take offense to what I have said here, I'm just offering my view on the situation.......I wish you all the luck in whatever you decide! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LDRP.

There were a few people over 50 in my nursing class--all were great students w/ their own set of challenges (ageism in school and then in the workplace as they had a hard time getting jobs which was just deplorable!!!). But they added so much to our class in terms of wisdom from life experience and now are doing very well in their jobs (one is in med/surg, one in ICU and the other in home health).

I believe people of all ages have lots to bring to the table of nursing. Why wouldnt you give it a go? Sounds like you have been thinking about it for a long time. That shows true interest!

Best wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

read the book "nursing against the odds" by suzanne gordon.

weigh your past medical history and energy level against the challenges in the book and make your decision.

the book is about nurses that are exhausted by heavy work, mandatory overtime, sicker patients, high tech equipment, and a failing health care system.

if you believe you will have the knowledge, energy, and skill level to care for 10 - 16 very ill patients a day, then multiply that by 4 or 5 doctors writing orders for different specialties on each patient, then you may just make it.

good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in neuro/ortho med surge 4.
Hi, kind of a re-tread here, I had originally joined this site about five years ago when I was set to embark on a nursing career. I had it all figured out, a five year plan and then I hit a drunk driver (he cut me off) sustained a second tbi and was out of work for over a year. I wasn't hurt except for my brain, I didn't lose a lot but just enough to make things like algebra calculations impossible - my short term memory was diminished. I have regained much of what I lost and now am considering nursing school, but and it is a BIG BUT - I'm now 53 and of course am experiencing the physical and mental changes that come with age. I'm not as quick in either respect as I used to be, and I am experiencing signs and symptoms of menopause.

So, for all of you who have gone through the wringer known as nursing school do you think it would be feasible for me given what I've just explained? I am currently employed full time as a mental health tech and several nurses and colleagues have said, 'Why don't you go to nursing school?' I'm scared fecesless to tell the truth but since more than one person has suggested it I thought I'd at least entertain the idea. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I just graduated this May and we had 3 students in their 50's. Wonderful women and I know two of them got a job before they graduated here in the Northeast. With your background in Psych I bet you would make a compassionate and caring nurse. I say go for it. It is tough but doable. You only live once. If you have a good support system in place while in school it would be wonderful.

Good luck to you

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi everyone,

Well, that sure got away from me!! I lost the link and couldn't remember the name of the site..then found it today in Favorites. I've been a bit overwhelmed with life stuff, mostly work so haven't been spending much time on line but read all your responses today and appreciate them all.

The person who's dad is 50 made me smile, when you're in your twenties, and yes I am assuming here, 50 sounds ancient. A very well educated friend who knows me very well is suggesting I give nursing school a try - he pointed out what do I have to lose? Hmm, time? That's never wasted trying something new, the worst you'll do is realize you don't care for it or aren't cut out for it but you've learned something nonetheless. So, I'm looking at prereqs. I hadn't thought that a calculator could be used, thanks for that - I can do math but everything is less efficient under stress, who here doesn't know that first hand?!

Thanks again for your thoughts, I'm going to the bookstore today to see if I can find the book someone suggested. If not I'll try Amazon. Thanks so very much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment