I'm a 65 yr old CNA, can I be a nurse?

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

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Willing to be a nurse to be able to work as a state surveyor in nursing home, now I am a CNA and student in the same time. I am 65 years old if I'm capable please tell me.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

 

It's a tight timeline. You need to consider how long it will take you to complete nursing school, your projected career longevity, your financial situation, and how badly you want this.

How close you are to starting nursing school is an important consideration. If you have completed the prerequisites and been accepted to a nursing program, then by all means, continue.

Without knowing the specifics, let's consider a scenario and break down the numbers.

Imagine graduating from nursing school at 69. To become a state surveyor, you must work for a few years. State jobs can tend to be competitive, with lengthy application procedures and waiting times, plus age discrimination remains a real issue.

Only you can decide if you are a lively 65-year-old in good health and able to work for another decade or more. For most people, this scenario is improbable. Statistically, you fall on the older side, so you would need to exhibit exceptional youthfulness to meet this characterization.

Next is your passion, which fuels your determination. I wonder about your interest in nursing, as you've only mentioned wanting to be a state surveyor. Would you find the effort, money, and time valuable if you became an RN but not a state surveyor?

Financial considerations are essential. You need to fund nursing school and then work sufficiently to recoup your expenses.

If you decide to proceed, here are some steps you might take:

  • Obtain a nursing license. Most states require surveyors to be licensed nurses.
  • Get familiar with regulations. Surveyors need to be well-versed in the laws and regulations governing nursing homes. You can learn more about these through your nursing studies or by looking into state-specific surveyor requirements.
  • Consider experience. Many states require surveyors to have clinical experience, and while your time as a CNA could help, it may not count towards the required RN experience. 
  • Check state requirements. The requirements for surveyor roles can vary by state. It's a good idea to look into what your state requires regarding education, licensure, and experience. It's possible you could find a non-RN role in your state.

Best wishes in your decision,

Nurse Beth

 

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