Much Older People Going Into Nursing

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iread the forums and see alot of really older people who are like 45, 50, nearly 60 talking about taking pre reqs to be a nurse. If you are that old, you only have about what 10 years left to work or less for those who are older. Why chose such a physically demanding profession when you are in your twilight years? nursing needs people who are young and still in their prime. Thats just how i feel. When I"m 50, I want to be retired, planting flowers, and relaxing looking after my grandkids. Not on the floor looking after sick people with crazy demands.

MissMaryMack, you must be very young if you think one is "really older" in their 40s and 50s! If you take care of your health, you will feel much differently when you get there.

I'm 47, due to graduate this year. I'm *much* better equipped for nursing now than in my 20s, mentally, emotionally, and physically. By far. I am more disciplined, more patient, in better shape, and physically stronger than many of my younger classmates.

In life, as you get older you can choose to develop and become *better* than the younger "you." You will learn this firsthand as you age.

Also, 10 to 15 years is a long time in working years and I'm going to do exactly what I want to do at this stage. It's my life and my choice, as with anyone. I don't choose to sit around planting flowers at age 50 - sounds boring to me. And I won't be a grandmother by then because my kids are all young. I had my last at the ancient age of 41. Maybe I should call them my Twilight babies. LOL

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Specializes in psy.

I remember when I was around 20 and the first supervisor I had was about 60 my first thought was how in the world was this lady able to do all that she did. This lady could work circles around us all and the more I worked with her the more I knew in all I do I wanted to be just like her. Well I am now 51 and have modeled my self after my wonderful mentor and yes you remain energic, knowledgeable and just keep on truckingI have just competed my BSN and continue as a night shift manager. The saying goes you are only as young as you feel, I'm not sure of your age but I am confident that years from now you will be saying the same thing and some one younger will wonder how in the world is that lady able to do all that she does.:yeah:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Hospice.
I remember when I was around 20 and the first supervisor I had was about 60 my first thought was how in the world was this lady able to do all that she did. This lady could work circles around us all and the more I worked with her the more I knew in all I do I wanted to be just like her. Well I am now 51 and have modeled my self after my wonderful mentor and yes you remain energic, knowledgeable and just keep on truckingI have just competed my BSN and continue as a night shift manager. The saying goes you are only as young as you feel, I'm not sure of your age but I am confident that years from now you will be saying the same thing and some one younger will wonder how in the world is that lady able to do all that she does.:yeah:

Your post reminded me of the RN who mentored and trained me in hospice. She works 60-70 hours a week, both as clinical coordinator of a hospice and DON of a LTC facility. She has more nursing knowledge than the rest of her staff combined and has been known to take on call 24/7 for months on end.

And she's 72 years old. With no plans to retire.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

So if 40 and 50 are old am I now middle ages at 30??? LOL Every time I see "Twilight years" I keep picturing some outstanding life with Edward Cullen. Only some people will get that :p

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Specializes in psy.

I know what you mean I hope that if I am able and willing that I will still be nursing at 72 how awsome, these are the nurses who should be applaued.:yeah::yeah::bowingpur

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Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.
So if 40 and 50 are old am I now middle ages at 30??? LOL Every time I see "Twilight years" I keep picturing some outstanding life with Edward Cullen. Only some people will get that :p

I am anxiously awaiting the Eclipse movie:bugeyes:

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That's what I was thinking about when I said my "Twilight babies".

But yeah, Mi Vida Loca, you better break out the rocking chair - you're just around the corner from being reeeaaaalllly old! lol

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The culture i'm from, 40 and 50 is not considered young its old age and the women are grandmothers by then. The women in my family would not even consider going back to school at 50, they say its too old. American culture is so different

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Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

and why cant you do both? be a grandmother and work at the same time?

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Where are you from? I suppose I could see your point if you live in an underdeveloped area that doesn't have access to health care or much education. Your view is more in line with America 50 to 100 years ago. Thank God for progress!

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Where are you from? I suppose I could see your point if you live in an underdeveloped area that doesn't have access to health care or much education. Your view is more in line with America 50 to 100 years ago. Thank God for progress!

You make a great point. In America we have moved well beyond this old fashioned thinking.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.
I didn't know my "twilight years" are going to start in 6 months. Wow...I have a lot of planning to do. Has anybody seen my cane?

Gosh, I would help you find your cane if I could only find my glasses, with my arthritic gnarled hands so that I can make it to my walker without falling and breaking my hip!

I've fallen and I can't get up, aggrrrrrr.....

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