Going to Nursing School at an Older Age

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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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 am glad that I haven't had that type of response. That person was just spiteful. A Nurse is a personal decision and takes a special person to be a nurse as it can be hard but extremely rewarding. Keep on trying ever day and you will succeed. BTW I am in my 50's and in nursing school and I am very excited!

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I just wanted to share an encouraging story with you, because I know that many people are debating about returning to school in this economy, wondering if nursing is the right decision. These thoughts are completely understandable, but I would say that for every negative comment you might receive, there are just as many positive, supportive people out there, including wonderful nurses.

I've just graduated (also as a mature student), and I was offered a job after my first interview. Part of this is good fortune, through a friend I made on allnurses actually (yes...here), who suggested I apply. Thank god for her. During the interview, I was prepared for their questions, but the nurses were very friendly, and made me feel at ease, so that helped enormously. So I'm relocating for this job, which is fine by me. Also at the same time, I had an offer for OR nursing (also as a new grad) because I had a placement in the OR.

My point is, there are still jobs out there. It depends on you, and your ability to market and present yourself to people. These are attributes that older nurses and older people understand well. Regardless of the economic situation, or what others say, go for your dreams. It is worth it. And yes, there ARE horror stories too. But I've always believed, at least, to some degree, that you create the life you want.

Similarly, what I have noticed with the people who are getting jobs in this economy is:

-networking

-being prepared

-being flexible

-perseverance

-timing

As the new school year approaches, I wish all of you well.

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I thank you so much for your encouragement. I will be starting school next week ( i am in my mid 40) i need to take my preq. out of the way first.

But hopefuly will be entering nursing program soon. I always log into this site to see what other mature nurses have to say about their experiences and

your story gave me the encouragment I needed to hear. I will continue to follow my dreams. and always keep your story in mind. Thank you again and GOOD Luck, and god bless.

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I am a 43 YO nursing student. I will be a GREAT nurse. At age 23, NO WAY!!!

However, I do believe a mix of the young and old can provide a really good and diverse team. We all have something to learn and something to teach!

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I think you still have many many more years to work so go for it.

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I am a 43 YO nursing student. I will be a GREAT nurse. At age 23, NO WAY!!!

However, I do believe a mix of the young and old can provide a really good and diverse team. We all have something to learn and something to teach!

Yes, we DO learn things along the way, don't we? I wasn't very mature in my 20's either. Life's lessons can't be bought, but must be learned first-hand.

I agree, too, that everyone adds something. And if we're smart, we're always on the lookout for new things to learn, no matter how old we are. (I hope I'm never so arrogant as to think that I know it all.) ;-)

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I am so glad I found this post! I am 51 years young and start school for RN on Monday! This is something that i have always wanted to do since I was a child. But, I got married divorced and ended up a single mom with three girls to raise. I did that and put them all through school and I'm the proud mother of three college graduates. Now they are making sure I become the same. My biggest worry has been being an "older student" and how to react when discriminated against because of this. Through this post I have read many reasons on why I should do this, why people feel the way they do, and basically that it'll all be ok! Thanks everyone!

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I am so excited and happy for all of you who are entering school this fall. Overall, I'm sure you will have a positive experience, and the time spent is so worth it. I feel weird, kind of, now newly graduated and not returning. However, my time is spent now reviewing for the RN exam next month.

What I would suggest is to first try to identify how you personally learn best (style, time of day) and go with that. It is different for everyone. But doing so will allow you to have a life and succeed in your studies.

Finally, don't feel discouraged by the economic situation. It IS bad, but it will improve, and people are still getting jobs. Myself included, which I am very fortunate for. That being said, I also worked hard, and made a good impression on the employer. Still, they are waiting for me until I write the exam and finish a night course I signed up for. So there are many good people and good nurses out there who will help you along the way.

Also, feeling unsure or overwhelmed is natural (we all did), but your confidence will grow with time and practice. More importantly, as a mature person, adapting to the demands of the school/work setting makes it a little easier. Life skills go a long way for sure.

Finally, as I sit here reviewing for the exam, it IS review....most of it. My point is, I have a good base already going into the RN exam, because I took the time to learn and apply knowledge throughout my 4 years. In the end, having done that makes it much easier all the way around. Just something to keep in mind as you learn.

Good luck to everyone. If nursing is something you truly want, then go get it. Don't let anyone try to disuade you from your goals. I learned early in life that

a) miserable people don't like happy people

b) there are many good people in this world, despite the miserable SOB's :)

c) true happiness and fulfillment is internal, not external

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Thank you joanna73! I know I appreciate and welcome the words of encouragement and good luck on our exam!

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Thank you so much. It's do or die now :) I wish you well too. I'm sure everything will fall into place for you. The first year seems like alot of information, but it does get easier as you go along. At least by the time all of you finish school, there will be more jobs out here.

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joanna73, from one older student to another :) it sounds like you are on-track. Just do as many questions every day as you think you need to do (I did 200 a day). And while you are taking the NCLEX and thinking it is the hardest test ever, remember all of us who felt the same way. I was sure I was failing as I was taking it. But I didn't.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Hi. Thank you. I am actually doing this. I started doing practise questions in July, and also randomly testing myself with questions to see if I know the answer without actively having studied. I am also reviewing sections each week, and then doing questions following the section. I do agree that doing questions helps, although I think you have to balance that out with reading the material (in order to get a good knowledge base going).

I have never been overly anxious about exams. That being said, I also realize that the hours of preparation are required for these exams in order to ensure you pass. I made a schedule, and I am doing nothing but studying this month. No working at all.

I think it will be ok. I can't wait until this is over though :) Keep your fingers crossed for me please...

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