Is 63 to old to start nursing school?

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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!

23 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 for answering my question. At least I'm not overweight :). Take care!

19 hours 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. I appreciate your thoughts. Take care!

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7 hours ago, FolksBtrippin said:

....they are not as glamorous as hospital nursing

I have to admit this made me laugh. I had no idea that ANY kind of nursing (outside of movies and TV) is glamorous.

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You are never too old for success! If becoming a nurse is what you want to do DO IT! Here you're going to get all sorts of responses but the important thing to consider is what you want for you. If determination, dedication, and support (even if it's self support) are there put them all together and let them be the fuel for your fire. None of us probably have never gotten too far doing things the way that others may have thought we should've done/ did them. Each day we encounter is a day for personal growth and opportunity I wish you the best!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice, Wound Care.

I had a classmate who started at 63, and graduated on time! She had some experience earlier in life as a Rad Tech, so she knew what she was getting into. After graduating, she had a tough time finding a job, eventually settling for something not too strenuous, working for about a year or a little more, then retiring. Overall, probably not a great financial investment, but it was an itch she needed to scratch. There's a lot of good advice already given, so I won't repeat it. Best of luck, and if it's your dream, go for it!

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I'm really sorry, I really don't want to sound negative, but I don't recommend going into nursing school at your age because nursing profession is very physically and emotionally demanding. I am 30 this year, but before this I worked briefly in an acute rehab hospital. Patients were getting heavier and heavier, and we had so much expectation from management to do everything for them (lift them up, walk them to rest room, and so on). Whenever I got home, I had my backache. On my day offs, I was just resting at home to alleviate my back pain. I talked to all my co-workers if they experienced back pain and they all agreed with me. So I am sorry, but I would not recommend this profession for your own good. Unless you're blessed to secure non-bedside jobs upon graduation such as research, public health, clinic, or school nurse, then it's completely a different story. Unfortunately, nobody can tell the future.

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On 8/12/2019 at 5:50 PM, Neo Soldier said:

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.

Thank you.

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22 hours ago, CupcakeRN18 said:

You are never too old for success! If becoming a nurse is what you want to do DO IT! Here you're going to get all sorts of responses but the important thing to consider is what you want for you. If determination, dedication, and support (even if it's self support) are there put them all together and let them be the fuel for your fire. None of us probably have never gotten too far doing things the way that others may have thought we should've done/ did them. Each day we encounter is a day for personal growth and opportunity I wish you the best!

Thank you. I appreciate your response and the others I have received. I currently work as a CNA in a local hospital. (Not the same as an RN. But it is a full time 12 hour shift). I mentioned wanting to go to school to get me LVN. But several of the RNs suggested going directly to get my ADN. I guess by biggest concern is age discrimination in applying to a program. But you have given me something to think about. Take care.

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1 hour ago, juviasama said:

I'm really sorry, I really don't want to sound negative, but I don't recommend going into nursing school at your age because nursing profession is very physically and emotionally demanding. I am 30 this year, but before this I worked briefly in an acute rehab hospital. Patients were getting heavier and heavier, and we had so much expectation from management to do everything for them (lift them up, walk them to rest room, and so on). Whenever I got home, I had my backache. On my day offs, I was just resting at home to alleviate my back pain. I talked to all my co-workers if they experienced back pain and they all agreed with me. So I am sorry, but I would not recommend this profession for your own good. Unless you're blessed to secure non-bedside jobs upon graduation such as research, public health, clinic, or school nurse, then it's completely a different story. Unfortunately, nobody can tell the future.

Thank you so much for your response. Take care.

22 hours ago, Evening_Primrose said:

I have to admit this made me laugh. I had no idea that ANY kind of nursing (outside of movies and TV) is glamorous.

I'm currently working full time (12 hour shifts) as a CNA. I've never seen a TV show or movie make that look glamorous. ?

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22 hours ago, CupcakeRN18 said:

You are never too old for success! If becoming a nurse is what you want to do DO IT! Here you're going to get all sorts of responses but the important thing to consider is what you want for you. If determination, dedication, and support (even if it's self support) are there put them all together and let them be the fuel for your fire. None of us probably have never gotten too far doing things the way that others may have thought we should've done/ did them. Each day we encounter is a day for personal growth and opportunity I wish you the best!

Thank you so much!

4 hours ago, calliope26 said:

I had a classmate who started at 63, and graduated on time! She had some experience earlier in life as a Rad Tech, so she knew what she was getting into. After graduating, she had a tough time finding a job, eventually settling for something not too strenuous, working for about a year or a little more, then retiring. Overall, probably not a great financial investment, but it was an itch she needed to scratch. There's a lot of good advice already given, so I won't repeat it. Best of luck, and if it's your dream, go for it!

Thank you.

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

I have a friend who was I think 60 when we went through nursing school together. She does pediatric private duty now. She is very physically active for her age. I think there is a lot to think about but think it is feasible.

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2 minutes ago, HelloWish said:

I have a friend who was I think 60 when we went through nursing school together. She does pediatric private duty now. She is very physically active for her age. I think there is a lot to think about but think it is feasible.

Thanks you for sharing!

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
3 hours ago, Mallory Sunset said:

I guess by biggest concern is age discrimination in applying to a program. But you have given me something to think about. Take care.

Don't worry about getting into nursing school. Many schools are looking for diversity and your age is an advantage in this regard. In addition, you have life experience and maturity - an asset in nursing. Good luck.

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