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 just turned 50 in october and i am in my first semester of an ADN program. took all pre-reqs and co-reqs(sciences that need to be taken while in a nursing program) i am loving it!!~lots of guys and gals my age

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.

NO!! You are never too old, but just be sure this is something you really want to do. Nursing is a calling...I know, I know, it sounds like a cliche, but it really is. Welcome to our profession, wishing you much sucess in school.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

You are never too old. Just know that the job market is rough. Make as many contacts as you can.

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So here is where I am. I am 53 years old. Working on all prereqs before applying. I still have 2 semesters before I can apply for a 2 year program. I will be 57 years old when I am finished. If I do that....I am wondering who would hire a 60 year old nurse with no experience? So I am going for LPN. I am taking A&P next semester, then apply for LPN. I can alway bridge if I want to, but I think I am going this route!

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

I never regretted going back to school it was a tough 3 years but I have been employed. Each time i have applied for a job i have had an offer. My current job I was even recruited. That was exciting. So many choices... and oppertunities.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

I did the same thing. I worked in LTC, I was hired and working as an LPN and found out they would be having an opening for an RN in about 18months... so I just kept going. I did that job for a year as an RN and then was offered a position in running an Alzheimer's unit. After 3 years I was recruited to the Mental Health unit at the Hospital. I love this job. It is exciting every day.

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Specializes in Pediatric Home Care, Dr Office/Clinic.

Don't let her discourage you! I am unsure too sometimes because I am in my early 40's and I see so many early 20s & 30 year old gals entering nursing & I think what in the hell am I doing? Am I nuts???...it can be a bit intimidating for sure but we CAN do this!!! I think as long as we have the passion, drive and determination, we CAN do this...

I think it's the quality of nurse not the age that matters to most employers.

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I have not actually enrolled in a nursing program yet, but I have been thinking about it . The growing number of jobs in the health care field is a part of my thoughts for wanting to do this. After reading all of the posts I do feel better about my age to start a nursing career.

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.
I never regretted going back to school it was a tough 3 years but I have been employed. Each time i have applied for a job i have had an offer. My current job I was even recruited. That was exciting. So many choices... and oppertunities.

Please share your secret, I have yet to get hired :blink:

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You were very fortunate. A lot of people who have graduated in the last few years have had great difficulty finding their first job. Glad you were able to land one! (This is in reply to deleern)

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I also went to nursing school late and did not graduate until I was in my early 50s. For those of you planning to go on to become NPs, I can tell you this -- every doctor I interviewed with for an NP position *loved* the fact that I had a lot of "life experience" (code word for older, LOL). They felt patients would relate well to me, and they do. I think they were also relieved that I was past the age of having kids, but they couldn't say that, of course. One doc pointed out that two of his NPs were on maternity leave and he was going crazy trying to cover their hours. I had multiple NP job offers, unlike what happened when I got my BSN and no one wanted to hire a new grad, no less a new grad with a lot of "life experience". Go figure. :D

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I'm 39 married mother of two taking pre req's now for BSN program. This is a second career for me... Reading all of the inspirational stories on this site is incredibly inspirational and helps keep me motivated.. It's never too late.

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