starting a nursing career at 55??

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone---

Just wondering how many of you have come to nursing in your fifties?

I'm fascinated by the idea of nursing--but would be 55 by the time I got out of nursing school--with a BSN, if I start the pre-reqs this fall. I'm most interested in working in peds, oncology, or L&D. Do most of you find this to be physically do-able into your sixties?

I'm also thinking of trying to get a masters after a few years experience--which would make me an NP by about 60 how crazy is that?

Because I feel like I'm going to live a long time(with any luck) and I'm not the retiring kind I'd love to be able to work until about 70.....

Thanks so much for listening!

Deborah

Specializes in Nurses who are mentally sicked.

Nothing is impossible... The only person that will stop you from doing it is.....YOURSELF.

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

You'll be 55 no matter what, so you might as well be doing what you want with your life.

Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.
You'll be 55 no matter what, so you might as well be doing what you want with your life.

:yeahthat:

Exactly! If it's what you want to do, then go for it!

Good luck!

You'll be 55 no matter what, so you might as well be doing what you want with your life.

Thank you so very much for making my day a little sunnier! I, too, am an "older nursing student". I will be 46 when I finish school next Spring. I am hoping to go on to CRNA school after that.

You have really put a spring in my step, realizing that I am not alone. Thanks.:loveya:

Specializes in Med-Surg.

Ditto. Everyone will assume that you have been nursing for years. The only thing worse than not going for it would be wishing you had. I say go for it!

Carpe Diem!

Hi,

I am new to this country where nursing is very different from my own country. I feel as if I am just starting out! I am 55 this year and as already mentioned you will be 55 whatever you do so do what you want most! Life is such an adventure and you and I know that however old/young you are you feel the same inside. Good luck and best wishes in your new career.

Specializes in OB, NP, Nurse Educator.

Many years ago when I was attending my ADN program there was a 67 year old retired lady in our class - she did great! As long as you are mentally sharp and physically able you should be fine! Good luck to you.

Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

I say go for it!!Good luck to you.Did you see the lady who was 95!!! that just graduated from college?

Thanks to everyone for all the encouragement--and I'm glad I made my 45 yr. old buddy feel young. (I often say--wow--I wish I was 40 again--and my daughter says "40?--that's so old...!" Not to me!)

I may start boning up on my math--so I can get into the bio classes :o)

Thanks to all!

Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

I hope it's do-able since I'll be 56 when I graduate and 56 or 57 by the time I pass the NCLEX.

Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

The traditional retirement: "65 & out" is no more. You may want to continue to work at least PT till 75 or so. Might as well pursue your dreams.

I'lll be 55 by the time I complete my Mastersd in Management, BTW

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