Apr 26, 20215 yr Nope. I've had coworkers who were new to nursing that were in their late 40's/early 50's.
Apr 26, 20215 yr Absolutely not. I think that's a great age to come into nursing for so many reasons. Do it! We need you. Good luck!
Apr 27, 20215 yr Expert My Mil entered nursing program at 52, worked for >10 years on a med surg floor.
Apr 27, 20215 yr I was 32 when I obtained my degree. I managed to keep up until I was 60. The fact is, floor nursing is hard physical labor.
Apr 27, 20215 yr I was 36. That's not very old, but also not a very inexperienced 20-something. Perfect age to do it!
Apr 27, 20215 yr I'm 46, worked med-surg for 9 years and swapped to more office 6 months ago. Going to start graduate school in a few months. Figure FNP by Fitty? There's a lot of variety in nursing so if you get worn out by one thing, you can find something else you enjoy. Even telehealth if you can handle the phone (I hate the phone).
Apr 27, 20215 yr Guides I was 38 when I graduated from nursing school and began my career. Still young enough to run the halls, but with life experience that gave me “people skills” and the ability to read the room in complex situations.
Apr 27, 20215 yr If you are healthy and are up for the challenge, then why not? Just realize that you start at the beginning just like everyone else. New nurses often start out working in the less desirable places on the less-popular shifts. Not all, of course, but many do. Are you okay working nights, holidays and weekends? If you prefer days, that shift might be available, but you might have to wait for a position to open up. Do you have the energy level to work long hours?
Apr 27, 20215 yr Why do you feel too old at 37? I’m still working ICU nursing in my forties. There are lots of people older than me.
Is 36-37 too old to begin my nursing career on the floor?