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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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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. ?
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.
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.
Mallory Sunset
21 Posts
Thank you for answering my question. At least I'm not overweight :). Take care!
Thank you. I appreciate your thoughts. Take care!