How old is too old to become a new RN?

mlj8955 · Jul 15, 2016

Only you can decide if you're too old. "Ageism" is indeed alive and well and it is kept alive by some of the types of people that have posted comments on this thread. I graduated 11 May, 2016, took the NCLEX, passed in 75, became an RN 17 June, 2016. I applied to lots of places (with no joy) but the place I preceptored at gave me a job in the ER. My point is this...I start work on 8 August, 2016, I'll be 61 the next day. For those that are closet age discriminators I won't waste my time on you, just suffice to say if you're lucky you may live long enough to see what it feels like to be subtly discriminated against due to your age alone. So Ma'am if you're in good health, willing to withstand the rigors of going to Nursing school (second hardest thing I've ever done, the first was being a U.S. Marine) then go for it and ignore the naysayers. Even if you only touch or save one life isn't that worth it? Good luck to you!!!

Brian57 · Jul 15, 2016

I graduated in May with a BSN at 58 years of age. I'm sitting for the NCLEX in August, and hope to have a job in hand by the end of the month. Will I be successful? Who knows, but I got through school, I'm (reasonably) confident about the NCLEX, and I'm looking forward to a new life adventure.

They say age is a state of mind, which I think is true (well, OK, I wonder sometimes), but I cannot agree with anyone who thinks it's time to pack up and die just because I'm not a kid. Sure it's tough, but if it were easy, it wouldn't be worth doing.

We bring a lot to the table for an employer; experience, patience, understanding, empathy, and (dare I say it?) wisdom. Sell who you are: heck, just getting through school at our age says a good deal about our value! Don't underrate, or undersell, yourself!

Wuzzie · Jul 15, 2016

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.

I truly mean no disrespect but how do you plan on doing all of this in 4 years?

undefeatedrn · Jul 15, 2016

Do it! How old will you be if you don't???

ConnielCanada · Jul 15, 2016

I have been working on the degree portion for quite some time while waiting on the actual program. I am currently a licensed midwife, (not a cnm) so clinical hours for the Masters program have already been worked out as to where. I have been working on making contacts for quite sometime and have worked out with the Department of Health where my license is from to work in a county facility. 2018 is my RN date and then clinicals for 2 years. Again the degree portion has been in the works for a couple years.

Wuzzie · Jul 15, 2016

I have been working on the degree portion for quite some time while waiting on the actual program. I am currently a licensed midwife, (not a cnm) so clinical hours for the Masters program have already been worked out as to where. I have been working on making contacts for quite sometime and have worked out with the Department of Health where my license is from to work in a county facility. 2018 is my RN date and then clinicals for 2 years. Again the degree portion has been in the works for a couple years.

Your situation is unusual. I don't want people, especially the OP, to think that this is the normal track.

thetalker · Jul 15, 2016

Oh my, you got a ton of pro & con. Was a patient recently for a few days. The RN I had was a dialysis gal operating that unit. We had four hours to talk. She was 53 when she became an RN. She was happy in having accomplished it. I did paste a Gold Star on her forehead as a complement. Do what you feel will please you.

ConnielCanada · Jul 15, 2016

I understand, my point was with hard work and a true passion, it can be done at any age. I have been working long and hard to follow my new dream. I get very put out by nay-sayers. Again I am a realist and I do not think things should be sugar coated and have someone believe this is an easy path (it clearly is not), but that does not mean it cannot or should not be done.

Helenegusa · Jul 15, 2016

Hello Cathy! I just graduated from Nursing school at 53! I have been a MA for 12 years and I needed a change so I just went for it. It is extremely difficult, you think it'll be easy since you know a thing or two about medicine but let me tell you, you will cry, you will doubt, you will loose sleep BUT it's all worth it! You don't want to wake up at 70 years old thinking " I should have ..." GO FOR IT! 50 is the new 30 haven't you heard?.... I'm with you girl 100%!

determined25 · Jul 15, 2016

I don't think it has anything to do with age. It's how your body feels. I'm in my 20's and after clinicals I am exhausted. So it really takes a toll on the body. If your mind is telling you yes and your body is telling you no...maybe it's something you should reconsider. Just listen to your body.

swimmerRN · Jul 15, 2016

My two cents: when I was feeling stuck in my nursing career I got back into high gear through teaching. There were lots of opportunities to learn as I had to get right back up to date on practice in a number of areas I had not worked in for a long while and the college at which I taught was very supportive in professional development around instructional methodologies. Also, the students were generally excited and interested and this was contagious which reinvigorated my passion for nursing. Also, my college allowed some "out of program" work so for me in pediatrics I could teach child development for the general health program or meds math for the pre-health program. That really diversified who I was working with at the college.

In your situation I wonder if there are any colleges that would offer you a teaching position/contracts not just for dental hygiene but also for office management and health care management. If only part time contracts are available would your office be willing to open your current job up as a job share? Especially if you sell it as a mentoring opportunity for your possible successor and as a way for you to bring fresh ideas, education, and current knowledge back to the dental hygiene practice in your office.

DS1234RN · Jul 15, 2016

Hi, I'm 57. Passed boards just before I turned 50. Been working as an ED RN ever since, much of the last 4 years (as a travel nurse) doing 12-hour shifts where I'm on my feet most of that time. I'm supportive - if you want to do this and you feel able, go for it! Some years ago, I met a couple of ladies who were in their early 60's and had recently passed boards - they didn't appear to be physically fit but both were doing community mental health nursing. Even if you are not running marathons these days for fitness, there are SO many niches in nursing that you can probably find something that will suit you and be compatible with your level of fitness. Blessings on your future endeavors!