Is 63 to old to start nursing school?

getoutnride, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2019

From personal experience, I think it will be tough and you should really think about if the bang is worth the buck. My story is I started nursing school prerequisites when I was 58. Because I had another degree I was able to move directly into an accelerated BSN program. I got my BSN degree 6 weeks before my 61st birthday and passed the NCLEX 2 weeks prior to turning 61. I did't find nursing school that hard, I managed to earn my BSN with a 3.6 GPA. While in school I worked as a PCT then nurse extern on a med tele floor at a level 1 critical care hospital 1-2 shifts per week. I was offered a position as a staff nurse there and have been doing it for 9 months now.

Like another person I have been physically fit all my life. Running sub 3 hour marathons until I had a hip replacement at 50 YOA then switching to bicycling where I still ride 7,000 - 9,000 miles per year.

The floor where I work is busy, I have 5-6 patients, I can keep up with the younger nurses, but am still struggling to get my charting done on time which frequently extends my work day by another hour. I am so tired at the end of the end of my 12 hour shift that the days I work all I do is work eat and sleep. I can feel my fitness declining.

I sometimes wonder why I left a career that pays more than my current salary, spent 3 years paying money to get a BSN while not earning very much. If it is fulfilling a life long dream then go for it. If it is to make money until you reach full retirement age, then do the math on opportunity cost. I think you will find that you can do volunteer work at the hospital and work at Home Depot and come out ahead financially. And BTW ageism is alive and well in nursing. More than once I have heard younger nurses say something to the effect of "I can't believe that crazy old man thinks he can make it as a nurse." It does not bother me, with my personality it just makes me want to succeed more!

AnaRho · Nov 18, 2019

I’ll be 52 when I’m done with nursing school. I have a friend that got her MD in her mid 50. I think if you are interested then work towards it. I am enjoying classes and learning. I think It’s good to keep our brains engaged.

Good luck!

Canaan · Nov 19, 2019

16 hours ago, getoutnride said:
From personal experience, I think it will be tough and you should really think about if the bang is worth the buck. My story is I started nursing school prerequisites when I was 58. Because I had another degree I was able to move directly into an accelerated BSN program. I got my BSN degree 6 weeks before my 61st birthday and passed the NCLEX 2 weeks prior to turning 61. I did't find nursing school that hard, I managed to earn my BSN with a 3.6 GPA. While in school I worked as a PCT then nurse extern on a med tele floor at a level 1 critical care hospital 1-2 shifts per week. I was offered a position as a staff nurse there and have been doing it for 9 months now.
Like another person I have been physically fit all my life. Running sub 3 hour marathons until I had a hip replacement at 50 YOA then switching to bicycling where I still ride 7,000 - 9,000 miles per year.
The floor where I work is busy, I have 5-6 patients, I can keep up with the younger nurses, but am still struggling to get my charting done on time which frequently extends my work day by another hour. I am so tired at the end of the end of my 12 hour shift that the days I work all I do is work eat and sleep. I can feel my fitness declining.
I sometimes wonder why I left a career that pays more than my current salary, spent 3 years paying money to get a BSN while not earning very much. If it is fulfilling a life long dream then go for it. If it is to make money until you reach full retirement age, then do the math on opportunity cost. I think you will find that you can do volunteer work at the hospital and work at Home Depot and come out ahead financially. And BTW ageism is alive and well in nursing. More than once I have heard younger nurses say something to the effect of "I can't believe that crazy old man thinks he can make it as a nurse." It does not bother me, with my personality it just makes me want to succeed more!

I am surprised there nurses are not hitting on you! LOL You sound fit, and smart. Love your post!