I wonder if I'm too old...?

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I'm 53. I've been an RN for 13 years, but I've been out of it for a year pursuing a business idea. Well, that's come to it's end pretty much, and more than that, I really miss being a nurse and working with my colleagues. And let's face it, being an RN is important, respected, academic and professional. Or at least the public certainly thinks so.

So, I'm coming back in, but this time I want to do it right. I want to get an MSN and teach eventually. Nothing big, but I'd really love to teach CNA classes or maybe be an adjunct at a junior college.

But am I too old now. Have I missed the boat. I'm healthy. I jog and ride a road bike (like a racing 10-speed). Being out for a year makes me feel very unconfident. But my old place says they want me back after the 1st, and a temp agency I worked for wants me back. I just worry about being too old.

What do you think?

Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

As long as you can afford school you are not anywhere near too old. Especially not as you would like to go into education and that is fortunately an area of nursing that you can realistically work in for many more years than you would be physically able to as a floor nurse.

If you are particularly interested in teaching CNA classes check with the local schools what the requirements are. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised as I qualify to teach the clinical portion of the class with my lowly ADN. A friend of mine teaches and she's been trying to recruit me for years, sadly that's not where my interest is. Since that is where your interest is you might be qualified to teach some components of the course now, you could get your feet wet and decide if you really like it before pursuing full time teaching as a career.

Not too old at all, and education is a great place for those who have the knowledge, but do not want the physical rigors of floor nursing. One caveat - If getting your MSN will require extensive loans, you might want to consider your ROI from a purely financial perspective. Nursing education is vital, and the pay is much, much less than hospital based nursing. If maximizing your earning potential is not required, no worries. Best of luck in your decision, and your re-entry into nursing. Welcome Back.

Specializes in Education, Informatics, Patient Safety.

Go man go! You are never too old. I am so excited for you! As an oncology nurse, I have been with many people who died feeling unfulfilled. Life is too short and precious to waste it worrying about what might happen. Do what makes you happy - there are ALWAYS places who will hire an older person - who will value you for who you are. You don't have to work in a hospital - you can be a psych nurse (where life perspective is valued) or a home health nurse (same) or dialysis (less time on your feet). SO MANY OPTIONS. If no one will hire you, volunteer - don't let fear of the unknown stand in your way.

One thing I wish we had more of are nurses who also have a law degree or a background in IT - why not do a double major? I feel like I will be "too old" when I am dead. period.

Not sure how to delete this... Sorry.

As long as you can afford school you are not anywhere near too old. Especially not as you would like to go into education and that is fortunately an area of nursing that you can realistically work in for many more years than you would be physically able to as a floor nurse.

If you are particularly interested in teaching CNA classes check with the local schools what the requirements are. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised as I qualify to teach the clinical portion of the class with my lowly ADN. A friend of mine teaches and she's been trying to recruit me for years, sadly that's not where my interest is. Since that is where your interest is you might be qualified to teach some components of the course now, you could get your feet wet and decide if you really like it before pursuing full time teaching as a career.

Thank you, very much Kbrn, I truly appreciate that advice. :)

Not too old at all, and education is a great place for those who have the knowledge, but do not want the physical rigors of floor nursing. One caveat - If getting your MSN will require extensive loans, you might want to consider your ROI from a purely financial perspective. Nursing education is vital, and the pay is much, much less than hospital based nursing. If maximizing your earning potential is not required, no worries. Best of luck in your decision, and your re-entry into nursing. Welcome Back.

Thank you very much, my friend. I think the MSN is kind of a life goal for me, something I just feel like I need to do. I don't know if I will be able to, and I think it may be later on--not immediately. I absolutely intend to go back into psych and hopefully floor nursing for several more years (probably PRN).

Go man go! You are never too old. I am so excited for you! As an oncology nurse, I have been with many people who died feeling unfulfilled. Life is too short and precious to waste it worrying about what might happen. Do what makes you happy - there are ALWAYS places who will hire an older person - who will value you for who you are. You don't have to work in a hospital - you can be a psych nurse (where life perspective is valued) or a home health nurse (same) or dialysis (less time on your feet). SO MANY OPTIONS. If no one will hire you, volunteer - don't let fear of the unknown stand in your way.

One thing I wish we had more of are nurses who also have a law degree or a background in IT - why not do a double major? I feel like I will be "too old" when I am dead. period.

Well said! Thank you. :)

Hell no you are not too old!!! I'm 56 and I work fulltime. I'm starting my last term pursuing my DNP. In a couple years you can either have an advanced degree or not. You will be the same age

I am 55 and currently enrolled in a Master of Science in Nursing Education program. I will be 56 when I graduate, not too old. We still have plenty of years to work ahead of us. I say do it. In a couple years you will be 55 or 56 with a degree, or without.

ummm Age is but a number...We desperately need great nursing/CNA instructors...

Who is going to know you're 53?

I managed to schlepp the halls at 60. And I was fat to boot. You've got this!

Good luck, let us know how it's going.

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