How old is too old to become a new RN?

nutella, MSN, RN · Jul 12, 2016

I do not want to be a debbie downer but it sounds that you would be close to 60 by the time you are done. It is not easy to find a job for new grads and your age will be a disadvantage. Also, think about the money - will you have to take out a loan? What is your expectation for working as a nurse?

I know somebody who went to get a masters in nursing when she was in her 50s but she was already a nurse for decades. You would be a brand new nurse.

What is it that draws you back to school?

My honest feedback is that I have a hard time to imagine you being successful but perhaps I am wrong.

VioletKaliLPN, LPN · Jul 12, 2016

I personally think there is no age that is too high to become a Nurse. That is just MHO at age 34. I do believe that situations can be less than advantageous to become a Nurse, such as serious age related diseases that cause severe pain. (An extreme situation) Or if you are currently in massive debt and intend to borrow more in order to make this dream come true.

You could choose a community college for education and graduate debt free. You are never too old to follow your path to happiness. Age is just a number, your health is not. :)

CathyH · Jul 12, 2016

It is something that I have been wanting to do since my kids were little. My husband was career military so we moved a lot and I spent many months working full time raising my kids alone while he was away fulfilling his military obligations. I have been working the past 12 years to get bills paid off so I would not have to take out loans and could quit working to focus on nursing school. So, no, I would not take out loans. I have been a dental assistant for the past 21 years. I am now managing the office which means I don't get to work chairside any more. I do mostly paperwork and administrative duties. I miss patient care and there is really no opportunity to go back to assisting once you have managed an office. I feel stale in my current occupation and I have always enjoyed learning. Thank you for your honest opinion.

CathyH · Jul 12, 2016

Thank you for responding. I appreciate your opinion.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2016

What do you see yourself doing as a nurse?

Patient care in a dental office, is different than patient care in a hospital. Expect a LOT of physical labor in nursing school clinicals and who knows how long after licensure.

I was still schlepping the halls at 60, but it wasn't easy.. I did it because I HAD to.. not because I wanted to.

CathyH · Jul 12, 2016

I was thinking of oral surgery. I worked as a CNA part time for awhile while still working in the dental office, so I am fully aware that nursing is hard work. I would have kept at it but I could not keep working 7 days a week so I gave up the CNA job. Med/Surg or ICU interest me too.

VioletKaliLPN, LPN · Jul 12, 2016

As a bedside Nurse you will have mountains of paperwork, but you will also have the bedside care. I think you should go for it if you truly want to :)

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2016

Nursing is hard physical labor ....especially the types of potions that are commonly available to new grads. I occasionally see floor nurses in their 60's, but they do not look happy. I used to work with one who would hold the hallway rails put in place for patients.

A reality check is in order, although there are always exceptions to the rule.

Personally, I've noticed a huge difference from age 36 (when I started nursing) to age 42. I feel like I've been aging at an accelerated rate, lately. Almost every day, I wonder how long (until what age) I'll realistically be able to keep working in this field.

CathyH · Jul 12, 2016

Thank you for your insight. I appreciate hearing from people who know what they are talking about.

AutumnApple · Jul 12, 2016

No age is too old.

My opinion: Perhaps your employment opportunities would be limited but if you are willing to go with the flow........

I do know of someone who went from school straight to a call center. People with nursing degrees work for insurance companies (although, I understand this requires some clinical experience, I am not sure of the details). There is case management. I knew of an IV team nurse who was in her fifties.

I'm sure I've not even scratched the surface.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2016

It truly depends on the job market where you live. Honestly it does. I just did a nurse residency with a couple of women your age. I don't want to discourage you. We are an area that needs nurses. You need to do what makes you happy, but you are not that far from retirement, why the change now? You think floor nursing is going to fulfill you that much in the next few years??

I hope you find what you are looking for. But don't look down upon what you have done until this point. Don't think, oh, I didn't matter, because I'm sure you have and will. You still got some years left!! Just realize, unless you are in an area that needs nurses, don't expect instant success. Which could amount to wasted money at this age.

Good Luck!!