Starting Nursing Career Later

Nurses General Nursing

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SoundofMusic

1,016 Posts

I also think you should go for it. I was 42 when I STARTED in nursing school and am now 45 and 6 months off my orientation. I'm a little worn out at times, but successful so far.

I will say, in reality, as a mom, nursing on a typical floor 3 days per week can wear you out. If you have wee little ones, I'd say take it slow, do school, then maybe start out part time. You still have TONS of time to advance your career once your kids are in school. I have found that on a floor, they all of a sudden want you to join this or that committee and it translates to more days off coming in to do extra stuff. All part of being a staff member -- just time consuming. My youngest is in school all day, so I can swing it, but it's still time away from housework, errands, etc.

Anyway, you're YOUNG still and we need nurses so much that age discrimination is very minimal, if non-existant, especially if you are smart and hardworking and can adapt to the whole nursing culture ok.

Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

Well I hardly consider 36 to be a "later age"....lol

I'm 35 and graduated from a BSN program last year (2008) and I was certainly not the oldest in my class at all....I think you will find in nursing school people from 20's to 60's. We had a great mix if ages in my class :) IMO the older you are the more life experience you have, the better off you are.

Whispera, MSN, RN

3,458 Posts

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

One year I was an instructor, I had a man in my class who was 66 and had retired from his first career. He did very well!

quotetheraven

30 Posts

lol. no, I'm the later age; 54. I have been the oldest thru all my classes. Most of my co students were just out of high school. In micro there was one lady in her 30's. Later as in not just out of high school.

DaisyGrlRN

7 Posts

Specializes in Hospice.

I was 35 when I went back to nursing school. I had 3 kids, 2 dogs, a husband and worked full time. It can be done.

You can do it... :up::up::up: You can do it... :up::up::up:

The youngest in my class was 21, the oldest was 55. It was a great experience.

quotetheraven

30 Posts

You should get a medal for courage. That has to be tough. I have a husband who cooks, cleans and takes care of everything while I am in school. When my kids were little, I took classes but nothing like the work and stress involved with nursing. So proud of women like you. Thank God, women can multi task! Best of luck to you in all you do.

tumnus

8 Posts

i am 39 and just about to start my prerequisites in March. i have a little one so i may have to go part time. by the time i get done i'll probably be in my early 40's. never to late to start.

good for you!!!

Specializes in ICU, nutrition.

I graduated from nursing school just short of my 28th birthday. There were people in my class ranging in age from 22 to 54. I have a friend who is just starting nursing classes...it took her over 5 years to complete her gen ed requirements, and she's in her mid 40s.

You get older whether you do what you want or not...I say go for it! Just make sure your kids are in good hands. It helps if your husband is on board and you have a good support system...someone who can step in and take care of sick kids so you don't miss clinicals. Good luck to you!!

lifecycle1898

32 Posts

55 and just got my RN

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