I am 51 y/o, is it too late? (need honesty)

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Mar 31, 2005

I know it's not too late to go to LPN school but I am very concerned about my age and it being a factor in getting a job when thru with school. I've given most of my life to kids, home, marriage and now that my responsibilities are minimal, I think it's time for me. Please be honest with your opinions. We will not qualify for any financial aid and I don't want to start something that will not produce a job when thru. Not counting a year of studying.
Yes, hindsight is most definitely 20/20. If I had the last 20 years to relive I would have thought of myself some, but can't go back and undo mistakes.
Opinions please, even brutal ones are welcome. :)

:icon_hug:wandaeh

No it's NOT too late... in fact, it's NVR2LATE !!! :)

Take it from one who went back to school for her RN at the age of fifty and graduated at fiftythree.

If this is your heart's desire, and you are still in relatively good shape, can still "get up and go!", I say then GO FOR IT ! Absolutely. This is YOUR dream.. age has nothing to do with it. Age is but a number.

pricklypear · Mar 31, 2005

i agree!! the most diligent students i went to school with were "older." your wisdom and life experience will make you a great nurse! ps: get your rn, it's just another year, and it'll be worth it in the end! go for it!!!

bravegirlamy · Mar 31, 2005

Nurses are in short supply, so if you know this is what you want to do...please do it!

shopgal, RN · Mar 31, 2005

There was a lady in my class that had been a country school teacher for 25 yrs. and her school closed and she didn't want to be a public school teacher, so she went to LPN school. She graduated at 62 and found a job right away and is still working. I don't think that places for nurses really care about your age if you are a willing body. When I was a CNA I worked a lot of agency and one of my favorite places to work was a nsg home 2nd shift and the charge nurse was 82, the one CNA was 78 and the other one was 67 and they were all a ball of fire and so much fun the 78 y/o could work circles around me at 25! Lucky for us nursing is a career where age has not become an object. Good luck to you.

danu3 · Mar 31, 2005

I know it's not too late to go to LPN school but I am very concerned about my age and it being a factor in getting a job when thru with school. I've given most of my life to kids, home, marriage and now that my responsibilities are minimal, I think it's time for me. Please be honest with your opinions. We will not qualify for any financial aid and I don't want to start something that will not produce a job when thru. Not counting a year of studying.
Yes, hindsight is most definitely 20/20. If I had the last 20 years to relive I would have thought of myself some, but can't go back and undo mistakes.
Opinions please, even brutal ones are welcome. :)

First of all, I don't think you made any mistake by giving yourself to kids, home, and marriage most of your life. That is your choice and no one should look down on your choice.

Second, like the other posters implied, your life experience so far can actually be an advantage in nursing school. And when you become a nurse, it will continue to be an advantage.

Let's say you will be 55 years old when you get out of nursing school, heck, you have at least 10 good years (assume you retire at 65) to be a blessing to people around you. After you retire, with your life experience you have now, plus the nursing experience, you will continue to be a blessing to others.

If your heart is in it, go for it.

-Dan

CHATSDALE · Mar 31, 2005

it is never too late..it will not be easy . studying after being out of school is difficult but you just have to make up your mind to what you want to do

i do agree that you should at least attempt to get into a rn school but if it is easier to get admitted to an lpn school then you need to go ahead and do this..anything to get started

it may be you can get some scholarship if you cannot get loans...good luck and keep us informed of your progress

jennanlpn · Mar 31, 2005

I agree with what everyone has said so far. My opinion is...go for it!

Love, Jenn

Sailingshoes · Mar 31, 2005

There was a U.S. News cover article a few weeks ago, "Who Needs Doctors". They stated that 2/3 of current nursing students are over 50. Sounds high to me but even if it's off by another 1/3, thats still a lot. I went back to school in my late thirties but started out part-time with the easiest pre-req's just so that I had time & patience to learn to study again. Easiest in my opinion; medical terminology, nutrition, psych 101. Good luck.

wandaeh · Mar 31, 2005

There was a lady in my class that had been a country school teacher for 25 yrs. and her school closed and she didn't want to be a public school teacher, so she went to LPN school. She graduated at 62 and found a job right away and is still working. I don't think that places for nurses really care about your age if you are a willing body. When I was a CNA I worked a lot of agency and one of my favorite places to work was a nsg home 2nd shift and the charge nurse was 82, the one CNA was 78 and the other one was 67 and they were all a ball of fire and so much fun the 78 y/o could work circles around me at 25! Lucky for us nursing is a career where age has not become an object. Good luck to you.

The ages of these ladies is amazing. Maybe I'm worried about nothing.:chuckle

wandaeh · Mar 31, 2005

I am studying for the NET test now. School already has 300+ apps. and will only accept 49 students but I intend to give it my best shot. Thank you to everyone who responded.

ninagrandma · Apr 1, 2005

I was an LVN in psych :uhoh21: for almost 5 years and during that time I was working for my AAS for RN. I started this whole process when I was 30 years old. I had a lady in my class that was older than you, she was a grandma, the cuddly kind and she was 62 did very well and afterward found the profession to be very fulfilling for her in her life. She works when she wants to, takes time off to take care of the grandkids and really enjoys life now because she is helping so many people. Guess where she works???? In a newborn nursery in a local hospital :rolleyes:

I am now 58 years old and still in my original specialty of oncology nursing. I found that my psych background is really helpful to my patients when they can't sleep at night (you got it I've been working midnights all this time) and raising 3 children who are now all grown with children of their own. :coollook: Do not ever let anyone thwart your inner desire to become a nurse. :devil: I found when I finally did get to go after my deepest vocation I have never, I mean never regretted going into such a noble :loveya: profession such as nursing.

Nursing is not only a noble profession but is a way of life, a way to cherish each day more then the day previously. So you go girl, :balloons: enjoy helping people and make new friends along the way. Nurses are really angels in disguise :nurse: :thankya: :saint: God Bless.