Going back to school in my 50's

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I have been an LPN for 38 years and finally able to return to school for my RN. I am in my late 50's and very excited to complete my dream. Is it harder to return to school at an older age? Thank you and have a blessed day.

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Well, I had no healthcare experience, started my BSN at 53 and graduated with my MSN at 56! So yes, it is doable.

Since you already have a lot of LPN experience, nursing school shouldn't be too bad. You've got a real advantage.

If you like reading and learning, then school won't be bad.

You also have the advantage of maturity and wisdom. Studies have shown older students know how to "study smart."

Good luck!

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Thank you so much

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

I received my RN license 7 years ago after 24 years of LPN service. I was 44 when I started and fearful that I no longer had what it took to excel in school. I had to read things repeatedly just to remember the stuff.:down: I thought it would take me at least a year to get close to graduation. Surprisingly, I had my RN license 10 months after I seriously began my pursuit.

Impressed with myself, I casually/occasionally took a few steps towards the BSN. I finished that 2 or 3 months shy of my 50th birthday. I sucked in math and science, (always have) throughout grade school. But somehow, I pulled a B in college algebra, a B in anatomy/physiology, and a C in microbiology...age and ???wisdom??? replaced a lifetime of F's in these particular courses.:blink: I didn't even attempt statistics © until a year and a half into my RN career.:roflmao:

You better believe we older gals and guys can hang with these young folks:bookworm::up:...sometimes.:yes:

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Thank you so much. Congrats on your accomplishments.

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It is absolutely doable. I will be 54 next week and will graduate from my program in May. And I continue to work full-time (In class/clinical Mon-Thur and work Fri-Sun). You've got this.

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Thank you. I will continue working my sat/Sun as well. Congrats on your continuation of RN studies.

Is there anything I should work on before RN class/Clinic in May. Still working on too old of pre-reqs now. Havea blessed day.

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You will do great! I have zero medical experience and will start Block 2 in August. I'm 55 and I'm doing the combo nursing and BSN program. If all goes well I'll complete the program next December a week before my 57th birthday.

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I am 42 years old and just starting the RN program this month! I started as a medical assistant but a semester before graduating, I decided to start on pre-reqs for the program. I graduated with my MA certification and have been working full time for a rheumatology office. Kept doing 1-2 classes at a time to get through all of the pre-reqs and then applied for the program and was accepted. I know that most people in my group are younger, but I feel that I have an advantage because I have learned how to study smart (something I never did in my younger years!) Going in, I have a 3.75 GPA so I am sure as long as I continue to put in a lot of hard work and study time, I can do this! Best of luck to you!!

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Specializes in Psychiatric nursing.

Oh, as a later-life career changer, I love these stories! And I have to agree: an older student has skills a younger one doesn't. We have patience, determination, a sense for what's important and what's not, and the self-knowledge we need to do our best. I haven't taken a math class since high school in the MID 80s and I somehow got an A in my pre-req Statistics course. And it was a *hard* course and every week I had to tackle weird, unfamiliar material. I honestly think I couldn't have done it as a younger person. My only hope is that this "wisdom" and maturity translates into success in nursing school and beyond...

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Specializes in ICU, ER, NURSING EDUCATION.

YOU GO, GIRL!

You're bringing years of experience to the table that will help you in so many ways.

Returning to school is going to give you a whole new perspective on the profession.

Very excited for you, it's going to be a life changing experience!

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I am starting cna/gna classes next month. I am also starting to work towards my aa in nursing at the local community college. I am excited, but nervous. I am 43 and haven't been in school for 20+ years! To my surprise I found out the majority of my old college classes are transferable, so that saves me some time.

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