Hi all, my name is Maggie and I am new to this forum with today being my first day.
I will be 54 years old in July, and I am seriously considering entering a Pre Nursing Degree Education Program in the Fall of 2014 here in San Diego, CA.
My most recent experience in Health Care is that of a Certified Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor, AKA CADC II. (Though, our licensure/certification is changing soon to reflect Licensed Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors - LAADAC/LADC) I have worked in the field from 1992 - 2005.
In my early/mid 20's I was a Certified Nurses Aid, working in the County Nursing Homes (Yellowstone County-Billings, MT), and as a Home Health Care Aid to young adults with spinal cord injuries, primarily Quadriplegics, and in Respit Care with older teens with MS and their parents here in San Diego.
I am now interested in returning to work, though my "work" dream now is to work with Hospice, Cancer Patients, and in Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Treatment as a Nurse!!
My age could be a drawback in a hospital setting, or even a Doctor's Office, though I feel it would fit right in in Hospice, Cancer Treatment, etc..
I graduated from LVN school in Southern Cali at the age of 39. There were a few older than I was but mostly younger. I can honestly say that I have not had any issues getting a job or dealing with any of the physical aspect of being a nurse but I am only 42 years old now. I waited a long time to go back to school and I am pursuing my RN BSN now. So, I say go for it!!!!! Only you know your strength & weaknesses. Truthfully, you are the only one who can hold you back. Your success will all depend on how much you want this & if I am interpreting your post correctly then DO IT!!!
I went to my nursing school orientation today and it was AWESOME!! I was so nervous before but am so excited now. I can't wait to order my scrubs : ) I won't let nerves or my age get in the way. I know I can do this!!
I'm 38 going into the LVN program waited for 3 years, but getting in now days is pretty hard. Age shouldn't matter unless you have serious health problems.
I became an LPN at 48 years old. I work in an inpatient Hospice unit. I love it. My class consisted of people younger than (much younger) and people older than me. I feel that my maturity and work experience (ethic) helped me a lot. Go for it!
I became an LPN at 48 years old. I work in an inpatient Hospice unit. I love it. My class consisted of people younger than (much younger) and people older than me. I feel that my maturity and work experience (ethic) helped me a lot. Go for it!
LVN2RNMom, ASN, BSN, LVN
387 Posts
I graduated from LVN school in Southern Cali at the age of 39. There were a few older than I was but mostly younger. I can honestly say that I have not had any issues getting a job or dealing with any of the physical aspect of being a nurse but I am only 42 years old now. I waited a long time to go back to school and I am pursuing my RN BSN now. So, I say go for it!!!!! Only you know your strength & weaknesses. Truthfully, you are the only one who can hold you back. Your success will all depend on how much you want this & if I am interpreting your post correctly then DO IT!!!