New RN Age

[Kooper48]

Is 36-37 too old to begin my nursing career on the floor? 

[SilverBells, BSN]

Nope.  I've had coworkers who were new to nursing that were in their late 40's/early 50's. 

[CABGpatch_RN, BSN]

Absolutely not.  I think that's a great age to come into nursing for so many reasons.  Do it!  We need you.  Good luck!

[SmilingBluEyes]

no.

[familychick, BSN]

Not even close to too old.  This is a great age.

 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

My Mil entered nursing program at 52, worked for >10 years on a med surg floor.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

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. 

[Emergent, RN]

I was 36. That's not very old, but also not a very inexperienced 20-something. Perfect age to do it!

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

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).

[gere7404, BSN, RN]

I was 35 when I started on the floor

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

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. 

[RNperdiem, RN]

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?