Is 63 to old to start nursing school?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hi! I'm 60 years old and I have always wanted to be a nurse. At my current pace, I will be able to apply for the ADN program in 3 years. Is 63 too old? Does anyone know someone that age that has been accepted into a program?

Thank you!

Specializes in Emergency / Disaster.
6 hours ago, BeenThereGoingThere said:

Off subject I know, but at 62, and stronger than most my age; I wear SAS for white shoes. If my feet cramp, as if there was plantar fasciitis, I switch to Dansko. The firm support and the “roller” soles stop the cramp. But they are hard, so SAS becomes my go to. This message is for bitter_betsy in above post. ?

Thank you - Danskos hurt my feet something awful - well truthfully the 2.0 did. I bought them and gave them away. They only have the white in Professional. I love my ABEOs but they don't make them in white. After my final today I stopped at the store to pick up leather paint... Gonna try painting/dying an old pair of my favorites. I have plantar fasciitis so my feet are kind of particular. I don't think I've tried SAS though. I'll have to look into those. Thank you Kindly!!

1 Votes

just enjoy your life! why go back to school and get all that headaches only to stress yourself out. Unless you are open to any kind of challenges in life, then go for it!

1 Votes
5 hours ago, FullGlass said:

I honestly think you are reaching the upper limit, age-wise. I started my ABSN at age 53. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. We did have a student in her 60s and she dropped out. You can certainly do, it but think carefully and be honest with yourself.

1. Can you handle an intense academic experience? Nursing school is HARD. The hardest thing for me was going back to school full-time after being an expert in my previous field. School is harder than a lot of people think, and emotionally it is jarring suddenly knowing nothing.

2. Physically, nursing school is demanding at time, during the clinical rotations. Are you in good physical health?

Once you get through nursing school, there are nursing jobs that are less physically demanding than bedside nursing, such as school nurse, research study RN, primary care, public health, and case management. You could also consider teaching once you get some experience.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and information. Take care!

1 hour ago, Tseringurung said:

just enjoy your life! why go back to school and get all that headaches only to stress yourself out. Unless you are open to any kind of challenges in life, then go for it!

Thank you. Take care!

Specializes in Psychiatry.
On 8/11/2019 at 3:42 PM, Wuzzie said:

My job exhausts me even though I love it. And it gets harder every year. If you are an average person you’ll likely feel the same.

On 8/11/2019 at 3:42 PM, Wuzzie said:

There are many outlets for helping others that don’t require a great deal of time and money

Nursing school is stressful to begin with and so is nursing as a career. I agree with @Wuzzie. Consider volunteering. That way, you can help others without having to go back to school.

5 Votes

I started out in my late forties. I find nursing to be exhausting, both mentally and physically. I, too, feel you are already hitting the upper age limit. Once you get through nursing school, unfortunately, it will be difficult to find a job.

If your heart is truly set on doing it and you can afford the investment of time, energy, and money, then go for it.

Specializes in LTC Management, Community Nursing, HHC.

A woman in my LPN program many years ago was in her 60s when she started the program with us. If I remember correctly, she was at least 65. She was very diligent with all her coursework and clinicals, always on time, always did well in all our tests, and graduated at the top of our class.

I left the state soon after the program, and I heard that she worked as an LPN at a local doctor's office for about a year and decided to retire for good. I don't know if there was more to that story, but at any rate, she was probably atl east 68 by then. Maybe all she wanted to do was achieve her dream of becoming a nurse, maybe the job was too much for her. Either way, I have no idea, but she did go through the program and do really well, so it's not too late for you, but only you know if you'll be able to actually work as a nurse.

Does that matter right now though? As long as you won't have to take out student loans, or borrow the money some other way for school, I think you should give it a try. You never know how you'll do until you actually do it! All the best to you.

3 Votes
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

We had a student in our cohort who was in her 60s. I think the bigger problem for her was that she had trouble with her knees and was obese.

She failed one class about halfway through and then had to take a leave of absence but she retook the class and graduated one year behind me.

I don't know what she's doing now.

There are many little pockets of nursing that are not as physically and emotionally demanding but they are not as glamorous as hospital nursing. Pediatric home health, developmental disabilities, clinic. These are specialties a new grad can try and are a little more low key, if you're looking to fulfill a desire to care for people without being pushed to exhaustion.

Best wishes!

1 Votes
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Its a very personal choice. Nursing is a second career for me - I became an RN in my mid-30's with a young family. I went back to grad school in my late 40's and have never regretted it. I'm in my 60's now and in my current job, I have absolutely no issues keeping up. However, I realized that the life of a level 1 ED that saw >100,000 visits/year was not going to be my place in my 60's.

I wouldn't discourage you, but I would encourage you to be realistic. Are you up to being on your feet for 13 hours/day? Can you sleep during the day? Night shift is typically where newer nurses land.

For me, nursing school wasn't that bad - I really compartmentalized my life then: studied when I had time, took care of my kids and worked a full time job. I am not a 4.0 student but I passed everything and in the end thats the goal.

Best wishes on your decision. Please let us know what you decide

1 Votes
Specializes in Medsurg.

Do YOU think it's too old? Never ask or care about advice regarding life from strangers.

6 Votes

Why is the question?, and to answer you, no you aren't too old.

1 Votes
22 minutes ago, Workitinurfava said:

Why is the question?, and to answer you, no you aren't too old.

This is an absolutely reasonable question to ask. When you get to the 50+ stage you'll understand why.

5 Votes

Hello!

Girl go ahead and do you? I am 60ish and in the ADN transition program with kids that are young enough to be my grandchildren. They appreciate my age and knowledge it's tough! But we are tough and wise also. Eat right take your vitamins and get sleep. We both can do on yeah study hard and study Smart!! We got this!!!

6 Votes
+ Add a Comment