Much Older People Going Into Nursing

Nursing Students General Students

Published

iread the forums and see alot of really older people who are like 45, 50, nearly 60 talking about taking pre reqs to be a nurse. If you are that old, you only have about what 10 years left to work or less for those who are older. Why chose such a physically demanding profession when you are in your twilight years? nursing needs people who are young and still in their prime. Thats just how i feel. When I"m 50, I want to be retired, planting flowers, and relaxing looking after my grandkids. Not on the floor looking after sick people with crazy demands.

Retired at 50? Uh, good luck with that - because the only way to do it is marry rich or win the lotto. And most people don't end up in either of those "easy-street" situations. Most of us can, will, and want to be a nurse and work as one for as long as we can.

Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
Retired at 50? Uh, good luck with that - because the only way to do it is marry rich or win the lotto. And most people don't end up in either of those "easy-street" situations. Most of us can, will, and want to be a nurse and work as one for as long as we can.

Well in all fairness, my Dad retired at 50. Well technically 49. He was born in March 57 and retired in June 2006. He is neither rich or won the lottery, just has spent the last 20 years of his life living smart when it comes to finances having minimal debt and since he served for 30 years and retired as a Command Master Chief he still gets a part of his pay each month, although he did lose housing expenses and stuff the military allotted him. Anyway, my point is, it can be done, it's just not always for everyone.

Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

I have no plans on retiring at 50, 60 or even 65 for that matter. I want to work til my mind and body tell me its time to take a break. As long as I my mind is clear and sound and my body isnt failing my physically, I'll be on the floor helping my patients.

iread the forums and see alot of really older people who are like 45, 50, nearly 60 talking about taking pre reqs to be a nurse. If you are that old, you only have about what 10 years left to work or less for those who are older. Why chose such a physically demanding profession when you are in your twilight years? nursing needs people who are young and still in their prime. Thats just how i feel. When I"m 50, I want to be retired, planting flowers, and relaxing looking after my grandkids. Not on the floor looking after sick people with crazy demands.

I was just wondering do you have children now? Because you want to be retired and relaxing looking after grandchildren when you are 50. If you don't have children now or soon I don't think that will work for you unless you think that your children will bring you grandchildren when they are just out of high school. I think that is great for you if you think that you can retire and have it all by the time you are 50 although I think that it is a little unrealistic. I certainly do not want to label you as you have labeled those of us who are older. But I think you labeled yourself by this post. You are young and not quite wise yet. ( life experience brings a certain amount of understanding that does not come with being young and starting out) Bring this post up again when you are our age and I will bet you sing a different tune.

Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

lord help me if I am a grandma at 50.

Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
lord help me if I am a grandma at 50.

My mom is 46 and has 6 grandchildren, the oldest is 13 and youngest 2. Four of them were provided by me LOL Don't do the math on that. Well she is my step mom, my Bio mom is 48 and my dad is 52.

I made my parents grandparents by age 39 and 33 :stone

Specializes in School Nursing.

If someone can pass nursing school, the NCLEX and become a good nurse, who cares if they are 19 or 91??? Seriously, what business is it of anyones how old someone is when they choose nursing (or any other profession?) I think this is a serious case of MYOB (mind your own business!!!)

I'm 56 and will be finishing my ASN in July of 2010. I plan to immediately start my prereqs for a BSN program. I always wanted to be a nurse and it just happened that this was my time. I really don't care if I can only work 10 years as a nurse. I hope to get my BSN and maybe even my MSN, and use those degrees to serve in areas that won't be as physically grueling on me. I can see myself as a parsih nurse in a church, as an instructor, or maybe even working in research. I don't think of myself as being in my twilight years at all. I think age is all in your attitude.

Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.
My mom is 46 and has 6 grandchildren, the oldest is 13 and youngest 2. Four of them were provided by me LOL Don't do the math on that. Well she is my step mom, my Bio mom is 48 and my dad is 52.

I made my parents grandparents by age 39 and 33 :stone

Don't get me wrong, I don't look down or judge...that's not what I meant. But I am 26 and haven't even have my first (it probably wont be another year longer before I do)....so, I cant imagine being a grandmother at 50.

Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
Don't get me wrong, I don't look down or judge...that's not what I meant. But I am 26 and haven't even have my first (it probably wont be another year longer before I do)....so, I cant imagine being a grandmother at 50.

LOL no worries, I never thought you were. I got to thinking the other day, my oldest will be 14 in May and I thought, man had he followed in my footsteps *totally don't see that happening* I could be a Grandma in 2 years. :stone freaked me out. Especially since I have a 2 year old.

I look forward to being a grandma, just not anytime soon. LOL I need at least 10 more years.

I have had people ask me why I am going to school to be a nurse if I don't need to, how they would love not to work and be able to stay home. While it has it's perks, its not the life for me full time anyway. I could win the lottery tomorrow and I would still finish nursing school and still work at lest part time. Now if I won the lottery my nursing friends would love me more when I am paying for weekend massages and detox mud baths for us LOL. But I have more planned for mylife then spending it doing nothing. I am more then happy finding a balance.

I am the same way! I am not the stay at home mom type at all! My sister in law says "It must be so hard for you to be home with the kids and school and then go to work at night!" And I say "No way! It must be hard for YOU to be home all day!" While we do depend on my (currently paltry) income to meet the bills, I would work even if we didn't! I haven't worked full time since my oldest was born 5 years ago. I am looking forward to working full time!

nursing needs people who are young and still in their prime.

My mind ... has exploded ..

+ Add a Comment