New Nurse at 63 - Too Old?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I have been a CNA for more than 12 years. Before that I was an Executive Assistant. Before that I was a military wife and mother for 20+ years. I've always loved the healthcare field, so when I was 52 I enrolled in an RN program. My GPA was 3.75. Thirteen months later I had to drop out of the program for financial reasons. Well, to make a long story short, I just graduated from an LPN program with honors, and anticipate taking the NCLEX next month. I am healthy, and I run circles around most of the students in our class - most in their late 30's and early 40's. I worked 20-30 hours per week while in the program, and most nights was up until 3:00 or 4:00 AM studying, plus don't forget clinicals. I am now 62, but one month after taking the NCLEX (and hopefully passing), I will be 63. I am ready to be a nurse, even if it's just an LPN. But I have to admit, I don't know for how long. I would like to get others opinion on this subject. Do you know of another nurse that started their career very late in life? Were they successful? If so, for how long? Is it more difficult to get hired as a new nurse at my age? My husband of 40 years has been very, very supportive, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just being silly trying to begin a new career, especially nursing, at 62. Thanks for reading and I welcome and value your honest (no, you won't hurt my feelings) opinion. Amy

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As a CNA for the past 12 years, you probably understand the physical labor that can be involved in nursing. I'd say you jumped in with your eyes wide open. Hopefully, you'll be graduating from your LVN program debt free (or very close to it) ...student loans at age 60 something would be very scary to me. I've heard that age discrimination is a thing, but I'm still working my way up there in the years and have no personal experience at this point. I do know that there are nurses who have started later in life and been successful, though.

And you will be an LVN, not "just" an LVN :)

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Do you think the scope and/or the job market for an LVN will be too limiting for you?

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Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.

Age discrimination is very real. Although I admire you for following your heart, I would be nervous starting out as a nurse in my 60s. Honestly I do think your job prospects will be more limited than those of your younger cohorts.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Welcome to AN.com, aimee!

Who knows? You may just become known as "The Grandma Moses of Nursing"!

She didn't start painting in earnest until she was 78 years old and lived to be 101!

The best to you!

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

I'll be 68 in March and RN since 1972, I still got game

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
I'll be 68 in March and RN since 1972, I still got game

Hey! That reminds me! There's a 70 year old RN who graduated in, I believe, 1967 and works MNs on the child psych unit!

She's spunky and sharp as a tack!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I can't think of a reason why you should not go for it. I like that..."Grandma Moses of Nursing." You should use that!

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I'm not a nurse but as someone who is starting late in life as well (46) and as someone who has had a long and successful career in business I'll offer you this: never ask others what they think the possibilities are for YOUR life. Most people can't can't see beyond their own reality. So what your older.....make whomever is hiring you see the person ( full of energy and potential) and not the age. I'm sure the advice comes with good intention but at this point, after 12 years as a CNA and additional schooling to become a LPN......who cares what people think. Go get what you worked for and don't take no for an answer, period!!!!! I wish you the best and I hope I meet you when I actually become a nurse myself.

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Aimee, I congratulate you in your decision on becoming a nurse! IMO, we need more great nurses. You have been a CNA for 12 years and you DO know exactly what you're getting into. You say you can run circles around classmates in their 30's and 40's. Your age should not be a factor. You seem to be a good fit in this field. Follow what your heart is telling you and don't worry about what others may think. Keep your eye on the target and shoot! The best of luck to you!:yes:

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A huge congratulations to you for what you have accomplished so far. 62 may be older compared to others in the work force, but there are many nursels who are older and running cirlce around their peers. I've personally worked with nurses in their 70's. Age discrimination exists, but so does "I want a new grad because they're cheaper. Take inventory of your positive attributes: academically successful, maturity, wisdom. These qualities are attractive to employers. Apositive attitude about future employment is always attractive. Good luck to see. I don't know you but I couldn't be prouder.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
I have been a CNA for more than 12 years. Before that I was an Executive Assistant. Before that I was a military wife and mother for 20+ years. I've always loved the healthcare field, so when I was 52 I enrolled in an RN program. My GPA was 3.75. Thirteen months later I had to drop out of the program for financial reasons. Well, to make a long story short, I just graduated from an LPN program with honors, and anticipate taking the NCLEX next month. I am healthy, and I run circles around most of the students in our class - most in their late 30's and early 40's. I worked 20-30 hours per week while in the program, and most nights was up until 3:00 or 4:00 AM studying, plus don't forget clinicals. I am now 62, but one month after taking the NCLEX (and hopefully passing), I will be 63. I am ready to be a nurse, even if it's just an LPN. But I have to admit, I don't know for how long. I would like to get others opinion on this subject. Do you know of another nurse that started their career very late in life? Were they successful? If so, for how long? Is it more difficult to get hired as a new nurse at my age? My husband of 40 years has been very, very supportive, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just being silly trying to begin a new career, especially nursing, at 62. Thanks for reading and I welcome and value your honest (no, you won't hurt my feelings) opinion. Amy

I believe your best accolade is the work ethic that you'll be bringing with you to the table...the nursing license will be a bonus. Not too many yunguns have the kind of devotion that you described. Hell, I don't even have that....I work one day a week and pray for a cancellation on that one shift. You got this one.:up:

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