Going to Nursing School at an Older Age

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I have been planning to go to nursing school (direct entry MSN) & have been progressing in that direction. The other day I was having a conversation with a coworker (a non-practicing nurse!) and she said, now at your age (I am in my 40s) you have 10, maybe 20 years of nursing, but if a younger candidate gets your seat they can practice nursing for like 40 years, so why should you get a seat? It's more beneficial to train a younger nurse. I was rather tacken aback by the question & said something to the effect the more nurses the better and it is illegal to discriminate based on age, and she said the nursing shortage is a myth and age discrimination happens, no matter what! While I always believe education is throughout one's life and one should pursue one's aspirations, it got me thinking. (In some countries where their are no age discrimination laws this does happen). Is it really socially more desirable to prefer younger candidates? And does this factor into admissions decisions?

I think that if you want to become a nurse, then go for it! I have definitely needed to read these posts due to my doubts that I've had lately too. I have five kids at home, all under nine! I am finishing up my prereqs and have asked myself if I should be doing this at the age of 31?! I have to start volunteering at a hospital, get the kids back to school and start A&P1/lab in the fall. I feel crazy, but hey everyone has to have a hobby! Good luck and keep going.

Well, this is definately more than just a hobby, that's for sure lol,lol,lol. I'm proud of ANYONE who goes back to school after many years; especially a program like nursing as this can be very demanding and interfere with family life as you know it. However, talk to the kids, husband whoever and let them know what to expect; most kids get a kick out of seeing mom/dad sitting around the table with them and doing homework together; not to mention what a great role model for the children as well as, very motivating for them. The children as more likely to understand you when you get stressed as they become closer to you as you get more and more into the program.

Good luck to you and always remember: IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW SLOW YOU GO; AS LONG AS YOU KEEP ON GOING!!!! :up:

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Specializes in geriatrics.

A hobby? Are you kidding? That is too funny! I think most people enter nursing for various reasons, one of the main ones being that we like and want to help others in some way. But nursing is hard work. I would maybe consider it a passion, a calling, or something to that effect. Maybe that's what you mean? But a hobby...no.

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Specializes in ICU of all kinds, CVICU, Cath Lab, ER..

I am now 21 years a nurse. Was it worth interrupting lives and various other aspects of my former life to go to nursing school??? You bet!! It's been everything and more than I ever expected.

This is an answer to your outlining how difficult your trip to nursing nirvana.....I admire and respect you.

The reason for this post is to tell you that I support you (I can only assume your family does as well). In my smalll class of nursing students, there was a nursing student and you bring her to mine for me.

Graduation ceremony: raised 2 small babies; delivered another child two days after graduation; maintained an "A" average entire time in school - oh, worked part-time and kept house while husband worked to help cash flow.

In other words: she blew us away!!

You are in my prayers.....dddance2tonight

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.
Many of the "younger" candidates aren't going to stay in nursing for 40 years. Even if they stay in nursing, they will probably move on from bedside nursing. I was 42 when I got my LPN and 47 when I got my RN. I probably have at least 20 years to work.

Most of my classmates were 30's, 40's - some 50's. Schools don't care as long as you have the $$$ and the grades. I had no issue with getting a job either.

Right now there is not a nursing shortage, but we do need good people to be nurses.

If you are just starting I wouldn't worry about if there is a shortage or not... that will change it always does.

I was 45 when I went back to college after selling my insurance agency. I worked full time nights as a NAR (for the health benefits) it took me 3 years to do the LPN and RN program I graduated at age 48 and have been doing LTC the whole time... that is the right pace for me. I love what I do. I have absolutely no regrets. I am now 51 and doing MDS at a 68 bed LTC...

Good luck

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Specializes in Liver, lung and kidney transplants.

There have certainly been a lot of interesting responses to this one, but I would like to share with you what my mother in law told me several times. She went back to LPN school after the kids were grown, she was pretty young in her early 40s. She considered going back for her RN but there were some obstacles and she just decided to let it go. By the way she worked at various jobs including a wellness nurse at the hospital until she was 75 (she is 80 now). She still regrets not going back for that RN. So I say, you never know what life is going to deal you. Live for NOW and do what is right for you NOW!!:)

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Oh these posts are just wondeful. Thank you all for sharring. I am 46 I have my LVN and went on to do micro and antam/phys . I stopped I got caught up in my life and raising my son as a single mother. I have had a few jobs in doctors offices but only part time, by choice. Now Im thinking I should be back in school, like most of us. My Question is do I start again with my prerequs because my 12 units have "expired" in the nursing field OR do I just go for excelerated BSN at WCC. 3yrs at 100 grand or Maybe 6 or so at GWC? I keep going back and forth. Anyone with same delema? I figure if i have a 5 yr plan School in 3 and 2 yrs of work to pay off loan?? Ahhh Help Im so overwhelmed

Thanks for any and all input

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Specializes in ICU (all), neuro, child rehab.

I personally would NOT go into nursing. Find something better to do as your new career. What about nursing draws you? helping people? a fascination with health and disease? a personal experience in a hospital? Frind that interest and pursue it OUT of the nursing arena. Nursing is grueling work, rewarding, yes, but so high stress and out of the 100 nurses that are in my unit maybe 10 actually enjoy it and would do it agian if given the choice. The hours and schedule are the most unfriendly to women and families. You will be physically exhausted and it gets worse when you are in your 50's and 60's. You wilol be seriously overworked. Reconsider it. I dissuade all from entering nursing!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Acute Rehab.
i graduate next may (2011) and when i take, and pass, the nclex in june, 2011, i'll be 67. i'm a cna now and never have a problem finding work, and don't expect to have any problem as an rn. i work per diem, don't require health insurance, never call out, show up when scheduled, and do whatever is required on my shift. employers love older nurses for all of those reasons. i work long-term care, home health care, and psychiatric care, specializing in alzheimer's and other dementias: all areas that younger nurses and aides shun. how long will i work? as long as i want, as long as it interests me, and as long as i continue to love life.

i graduated a week after turning 59, in dec, 2008.

you, are my hero! :redbeathe what a wonderful post.

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I am in Socal and would pursue laser and derm field There are jobs for that now But here in Ca you must have your RN Anyone outthere doing this? I do have a few local nurse friends that are. Just trying to figure out best LVN-RN route Anyone in or have done WCC ? And does anyone know how long the waiting list is at GWC LVN-RN Now in 1010? Thank you

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Thats aewsome !

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I remember all the hours spent studying that damn Chemistry, sometimes in tears, because I paid $1700 for a tutor in order to get the 80 percent required to even enter nursing school. Not to mention the lack of sleep, money, etc....

Then, right before mid terms in my first semester of my first year of nursing school, my mother and my aunt both died of cancer. Devastating? Absolutely. I cried my eyes out, wiped those tears, and forced myself to get the work done. All of this was a blessing in disguise. Because these trying times make you stronger, and I was forced to reflect, and resolve certain issues. Which is necessary, in order to help others.

Throughout all of this, I maintained an A average, tutored other students, worked, and excelled in clinical. I have to say, it wasn't that difficult. I kept thinking, "If these kids can do this, so can you." And I did. Now, 5 years later, at 37, I am graduating with a BSCN (honours) and beginning the job search.

Also, don't let anyone sell you the "no jobs" nonsense. Certainly, there ARE fewer jobs. But things are slowly improving. This situation has happened before. Nothing new. Just be persistent and be flexible. I could care less where I start right now, because any experiences are valuable as a new nurse. I'll make the most of it, wherever I end up.

For those of you feeling scared, unsure, apprehensive....that is to be expected. But if you truly want nursing, find a way to make it happen. It will pay off. Yes, nursing is demanding. But it is also rewarding and interesting and stimulating on many levels. Am I sorry, or regretful in any way? Even now, $29,000 in debt....no way!

Good luck to everyone! Just go for it :)

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I remember all the hours spent studying that damn Chemistry, sometimes in tears, because I paid $1700 for a tutor in order to get the 80 percent required to even enter nursing school. Not to mention the lack of sleep, money, etc....

Then, right before mid terms in my first semester of my first year of nursing school, my mother and my aunt both died of cancer. Devastating? Absolutely. I cried my eyes out, wiped those tears, and forced myself to get the work done. All of this was a blessing in disguise. Because these trying times make you stronger, and I was forced to reflect, and resolve certain issues. Which is necessary, in order to help others.

Throughout all of this, I maintained an A average, tutored other students, worked, and excelled in clinical. I have to say, it wasn't that difficult. I kept thinking, "If these kids can do this, so can you." And I did. Now, 5 years later, at 37, I am graduating with a BSCN (honours) and beginning the job search.

Also, don't let anyone sell you the "no jobs" nonsense. Certainly, there ARE fewer jobs. But things are slowly improving. This situation has happened before. Nothing new. Just be persistent and be flexible. I could care less where I start right now, because any experiences are valuable as a new nurse. I'll make the most of it, wherever I end up.

For those of you feeling scared, unsure, apprehensive....that is to be expected. But if you truly want nursing, find a way to make it happen. It will pay off. Yes, nursing is demanding. But it is also rewarding and interesting and stimulating on many levels. Am I sorry, or regretful in any way? Even now, $29,000 in debt....no way!

Good luck to everyone! Just go for it :)

Awwh thank you ! Just starting from scratch at 46 Well not scratch i have an LVN and 12 units that I can not use is hard But not impossible ;) I do not regret being a stay at home mom I have a very well rounded teen age boy and he is an awesome kid. I think it may tke 3-6 yrs in a CC and a private seems o be anywhere from 100k to ?? Cant seem to get a straight answer on that and 100k is crazy. But its a BSN in 3 yrs start to finish. all prereqs included

Im 99% sure Im headed back to school. And yes tutor is a great idea! I can find some LVN jobs but the money doesnt seem worth it.

Oh I forgot to ask How long did it take you start-finish?

Thank you for your possitive words

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