How old is too old to become a new RN?

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2016

My great-aunt retired for the 2nd time from rural community health at age 76, and remained cognitively sharp up until her death at 96. I was once evaluated by a neurologist who I'd guess was pushing 80. Also look at how many college professors are over 60. Age is not equivocal with poor cognitive performance.

That said, it costs tens of thousands of dollars to train a new grad. While age discrimination is illegal, you may be seen as a poor ROI being so close to "retirement age." Perhaps more importantly, many hospitals don't hire ADNs...right or wrong, it's how it is.

Some specialties, e.g. geriatrics tend to have shorter orientation periods than OR, ICU, or even med-surg does and might be more willing to hire you.

Wishing you the best on your journey!

Guest957596 · Jul 13, 2016

Listen don't let these people discourage you. When I was in School 3 years ago we had 50 and 60 years olds giving the young ones a run for their money. The physical demands are there but you can do it. Honey I'm 43 and I have spring in my step that can't be beat. Maybe some of these people are physically exhausted that doesn't have to be your story. Go for it. Don't let people rain on your dream, follow your heart and your ambition. The sky's the limit in nursing! I know plenty of people who never wanted to wipe a behind let alone do bedside nursing. Guess what you don't have to. There is such variety in terms of career paths you can take in nursing. The reality is that most of us will work well into our 70s and beyond. Enjoy your life do what you feel you are called for!

Thank you! Everyone has keyed in on the age but no one asked about what physical shape the OP is in. I am 58 but in a lot better shape than a lot of nurses I see (read obese) that are decades younger than me. Another post mentioned a 500lb pt. Seriously? I'm 6'1 and 240lbs. I ain't moving that pt by myself.

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Guest957596 · Jul 13, 2016

I know that I lot of people on here are encouraging you to go for it, but you have to be realistic. Floor nursing in very hard on your body physically, and the older you get the harder it gets to be on your feet 12+ hours a day. I would stick to where you are, or if you want to advance your career go for hygienist.

You are not critically thinking - you are only looking at age!

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Guest957596 · Jul 13, 2016

If you feel that nursing is what you really want to do, it would then make sense to go back in to hospital and start again as CNA, so that hospital would help cover nursing school tuition when you enroll. This way you would emerge as an RN and practically debt free.
Having piles of educational loan debt at mid-age is not something I would want to bear. There's a surplus of nurses nationwide and finding employment is far from easy.

Believe the OP is not concerned about money. Going CNA now would slow them down. Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!

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Guest957596 · Jul 13, 2016

I went to nursing school with someone who was 70. So, to me, 58 isn't old. You have 10 years to retirement. And if you are in good shape, you should be ok. I say it's never too late...sort of.
Once you get to a certain age, you have to ask yourself not "can I?" but "should I?" Honestly, my 70 year old classmate was really nice, and it didn't bother me; they knew a lot of the meds, because they were taking them too. But a few folks were pissed because they felt this was wasting a slot in a competitive program on someone who will never actually practice.

How do you know they will not actually practice ? You don't.

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explorereb96, ADN, BSN · Jul 13, 2016

I am going on 51. I've been an LPN for 28 good years and have all my prereqs for the bridge completed. I am going for the bridge program. I feel as spry as I did 15 years ago. I have always worked 2 jobs. 12 hours 4 days a week and 8-16 hours on weekends. I don't feel like slowing down. I worked in a sub acute pediatric trach vent unit for the last 18 years (before that I was in ICU/CCU). Us "old" nurses will slow down eventually, but as long as you are feeling good, go for it. I worked alongside a 68 year old respiratory therapist that ran rings around some of the newer nurses that were tired because it was night shift. (BTW vent alarms go off anytime of the day especially at night)... Think I was spry....this tiny little respiratory therapist worked in the sub acute unit 3 days a week and also in a busy city hospital.....mostly in the ER. That girl could run. She is now retired down here in Florida, soaking up the sun from all the $$$ she made and saved for her retirement (she's not even collecting her Social Security yet). She's been complaining that she's bored and wants to go back to work at least part time. lol (note her father is 98 and he doesn't look a day over 70...he's a retired engineer that still works as a handyman). I also know some 30 year olds that I know that would never be able to do the job.

RNrhythm, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2016

I got my RN a shade over 50 years of age and I found a job after 6 months in a very tough job market, but it was kind of a fluke, the job is a compromise from my goals, with a long commute, and was my only job offer. I am making less $ than I expected. My facility has ongoing turnover and is a little rough. The first 6 months, with minimal training, were harrowing but I am OK now. Plus I was able to handle the physicality.

I was a very strong interview, looked younger, had letters of rec from clinicals, the works, but ageism is a very real thing when you are looking for your first RN job. I don't know anyone over 40 who landed one of those precious new grad/Versant/transition to practice jobs.

At this point, as I aim to advance my career, I take comfort in the fact that I will always have a job, if I need one, at a facility like my current job.

If you are not going to take on major debt and are passionate about becoming an RN, then go for it, just know the score. Start networking now, especially since you are seeking a very specific type of job. Try to arrange a clinical in your desired field. Be ready to sing your own praises whenever possible.

cagjlg · Jul 15, 2016

This sounds like me! I was an Army wife who went back to school at age 50, graduated with my ADN three years later. I've been working as a floor nurse for 6 years, love it! Yes it's hard on my back, but it's what I wanted to do. I'm in school now for my BSN. You shouldn't ever stop if you want something. Your maturity will be an advantage to a future employer; at least, that's what my first employer told me. And it's moved me up the ladder. I have no regrets!!

mkonrad · Jul 15, 2016

I graduated from nursing school at age 50 years young. You will be surprised when you realize how much life experience applies to all that you do during nursing school and when you are working in the field. Entering the workforce as an older nurse definitely has advantages. Do not be discouraged by anyone that says you are "too old". It is the best decision I ever made!

singinrach · Jul 15, 2016

Go for it!!!! I am 42 years old and just graduated from an associates program. I plan to keep going to become an NP. If it is your dream you are never too old. I work with a nurse that is in her mid 60's and she is still going strong. Age is just a number.

ebonbard · Jul 15, 2016

I am currently a "new LPN" just got my license in October 2015 and got my first job in November. I am 56 years old and I am 2 classes away from starting my ADN program. I paid out of pocket for all my classes (thanks to my husband) so I am not in debt. I had no problem obtaining job opportunities! In fact, I interviewed for 5 job offers in one week just recently so I had many choices. I chose to work in a LTAC Skilled Nursing facility. I absolutely love NURSING and I absolutely love my patients! My employer is in full support of my attending school and I know I will be more of an asset to the team when I complete my ADN. I am going as far as what is in my heart to do. I am in excellent health. I make sure I eat the best foods available at all times, I exercise, have fun and I balance my family life with my work life. I see no reason for me NOT to become a RN nor do I see any reason that you shouldn't either. DO YOU! Good luck

ConnielCanada · Jul 15, 2016

It is never too late and your are never too old to do what is right for you. Will there be challenges absolutely, there are for all of us. I am 56 and pursuing nursing, and honestly I will be 60 by the time I have that doctorate in my hand, but that is for me, not anyone else.

Life takes us on many paths and many times we postpone following the path that is ultimately our passion and calling in life. I have no regrets for any of the paths I have chosen in life and I am not finished. It matters not if I am going to have to struggle with some young thing thinking I am too old to get a job.

My life experience is worth more in this career than a 20 year old fresh out of school. I personally am going to be a DNP and open my own clinic so I am not so worried about what others think, but a life seasoned new grad is worth hiring, and if you are 56 you have survived a lot of sexism, you can overcome ageism too.

I am a realist and I know it will be hard, and I have seen the looks of some other students faces when they first see me in class, and then I win them over with my passion and knowledge. I graduated in May with my AA degree, with distinction and have been accepted into my BSN program.

Life is tough, life as a Nurse is even harder, life without following your calling is not worth living. If this is truly your passion then get in there and do it. If it is just a passing fancy or a thought of I can make money and not a true passion, then do not waste your time and money.

At 56 do what is truly your passion and do not care what others think.