I'm 55 - Is it too late to become a nurse?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Dear Nurse Beth,

Boy am I glad I ran across this blog! I am 55 yrs old and have been a Medical Assistant for 28yrs. I just got off a zoom meeting with an admissions advisor for Nursing School. I feel it's time to up my game. I have been very successful in my years as a M.A and have a lot of experience. Now I have the desire to get my RN. My concern is what are my job opportunities going to be because I'm older? Will it be worth my time and money? I really could use some advice before committing. What would you do if you were me? I'm really excited to further my education but at what cost? Thank you for being willing to take a minute and let me know what you think! ( :

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7 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Excited,

What would I do? I would go for it. You are really pumped, you want this, and if not now, then when? To me, the choice is either take a risk or live with regret.

At the same time, I would be realistic about finances and time. Know what it will cost and how long you must work to recoup your costs. Do a time projection. How long do you plan to work and how long will it take you to graduate?

Depending on the pre-reqs you need to complete and the program length, you could be ready to practice at age 60. If you work until 67, would that be worth it to you? Are you a young 55 yr old, or an older 55 yr old? Some people go strong through their 60's and into their 70's, but everyone is individual. 

As far as opportunity, absolutely, but- be strategic. Once you're in your senior year, you must network and even showcase yourself to potential hiring managers to successfully compete for a spot. If you plan for it, you have a much better chance.

Barriers have a way of working themselves out once you take action and step out. 

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I say go for it too, follow your dreams! I graduated from Nursing School with a woman in her early 60's. She was amazing, and ran circles around some of the younger, lazier students. 

Specializes in Patient Services Representative.

I am 55 and I've been working in the healthcare field since 2008. I've been a nurse tech for a few years, but mainly working in assisted living homes. I think it's time for a change and thought since I love to help people that a nursing career would be great. Can someone tell me where to even start? I would love to take classes online if possible.

Specializes in School Nursing.
1 hour ago, Gloria55 said:

I am 55 and I've been working in the healthcare field since 2008. I've been a nurse tech for a few years, but mainly working in assisted living homes. I think it's time for a change and thought since I love to help people that a nursing career would be great. Can someone tell me where to even start? I would love to take classes online if possible.

Start looking at local nursing schools and see what their requirements for admission  are. See if you can take any of the prerequisite classes at a community college to save money. When you take Anatomy & Physiology, take it alone if you can, or with 1 very easy class. There are many more pearls of wisdom that can be shared too!!

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I agree with NurseBeth - are you a young 55 or old 55? Healthy? In decent shape?

I'm uh almost 64 and as an APRN, the physical stress on my body is minimal but the mental/emotional toll is much greater due to the degree of responsility. 

I'm also on my rural fire dept and manage okay. I'm healthy and want to keep active. 

Best wishes with your decision

I also think that maybe the OP should go to a community college program which is cheaper in case there are barriers, but she/he could choose whatever program they wish so the long term cost won't be $50,000 vs maybe $10,000. 10k is a less pill to swallow that 50k. 

Specializes in school nurse.
17 hours ago, faithjohn said:

I also think that maybe the OP should go to a community college program which is cheaper in case there are barriers, but she/he could choose whatever program they wish so the long term cost won't be $50,000 vs maybe $10,000. 10k is a less pill to swallow that 50k. 

Definitely a good idea to minimize debt/outlay of cash. That being said, ADN programs (at least around here) have quite the wait lists.

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