Nursing-A second carrer at 50!

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

1. Its never too late. Only you can answer this. How you approach your career will determine the answer to this question.

2. I've never run into it until I was a member here to be honest. Thats not saying I dont believe it goes on, but I have never personally witnessed it. My first job was on a med/surge unit that had as the majority of their staff.....very experienced nurses.......all late 50's. Maybe my unit/hospital was the exception, IDK.

3. I know in PA, new grads are somewhat favored. So, I'd say no, you wont have a problem with that.

4. Here. LOL. Talk to others, see where people have had bad experiences and be wise about picking your first job.

5. Not only cost effective but, I would say you'd want to. You can move into administrative positions with higher degrees. Some of the nurses I mentioned from my first job.........their one mistake was.......they got their assoc. RN and never bothered with school again. So, they were stuck being a clinical nurse like it or not. Higher degrees mean more options. It wont increase your clinical nurse pay though.

I had to respond only because, for me the career choices came down to picking between accounting and nursing too. For some reason, I went nursing. I dont regret it, but I understand there is shortly going to be an accounting shortage also. Not as bad as nursing shortage, but bad enough that you wont have to jump through hoops of fire to get a job in accounting. I sometimes have considered going back to school for accounting.

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

The employment picture in nursing seems to be changing along with the economic problems elsewhere. I've known some nurses who graduated after 50 and successfully began second careers.

I would imagine that employers would prefer new nurses to be younger, since younger people tend to catch on quicker. So, you might encounter some age discrimination as a new grad.

So much is dependent on your personal situation.

dettwiller5 · Jan 11, 2009

The employment picture in nursing seems to be changing along with the economic problems elsewhere. I've known some nurses who graduated after 50 and successfully began second careers.
I would imagine that employers would prefer new nurses to be younger, since younger people tend to catch on quicker. So, you might encounter some age discrimination as a new grad.
So much is dependent on your personal situation.

I disagree with this comment- in fact my experience has been that many employers prefer older nurses to twenty something nurses. We are more mature, know what we want, we are in it for the long haul, and we do not take more time to "catch on". That was pretty insulting. Everything is based on the individual. I was just hired as a new grad in a mother/baby unit and it was apparent that they had no problem with my age (I'm 40) All of kids are in school so there arent as many childcare issues and I am not having any more children. THis is a second career for me as I have a BS in HEalth Eduaction and was a middle school teacher. Several students in my class were at least 10 years older than me an have not had a problem finding jobs- GO FOR IT!

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

Sorry if I insulted you. I have 11 years on you, so you are just a youngster to me I'm getting regular junk mail from AARP... :rolleyes:

nursdianne · Jan 11, 2009

50 is not too old! you're maturity and 'life knowledge' already have you ahead of alot of younger people who don't know what they want. if you're mind is made up - go for it!

my sister started her nursing career @ 49 & my mother, her teaching career @ 53.

congratratulations and the best of luck! :yeah:

after being an lvn for 21 years - i have decided to go for my bsn...so if anyone knows a really good on-line school, please let me know!

:flwrhrts:

kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear

- mark twain

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

As to the OP, if she is in a hurry to graduate, she should get her ADN. If she has the financial luxury to pursue her advanced degrees, and loves school, then by all means get your PhD.

You haven't shared anything about your personal situation that would be a vital piece of the puzzle for us to give advise.

BroadwayRN, ASN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

I would imagine that employers would prefer new nurses to be younger, since younger people tend to catch on quicker. So, you might encounter some age discrimination as a new grad.

I am young and I have found that employers prefer older settled persons as a new grad. They don't have pregnancy issues, small children, baby sitter issues, don't take off to party, etc...

As far as younger persons catching on faster, I think that's ridiculous. We have older nurses in the ED (male & female) who can run circles around me.

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

Well, that's reassuring that oldsters like me are still valued! I thought because people over 50 have more health problems, that employers prefered youngsters.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

I agree never too late. Most nurses are in their 50s you will fit right in,

BroadwayRN, ASN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

1. Is it too late for me to have a meaningful career in nursing?
2. Is age discrimination widespread?
3. Is employement for new, older graduate more difficult?
4. Is there a site with information as to best employers for older/new nurses?
5. Is it wothwhile/cost effective to pursue studying from:ADN,BSC to Masters or PHD, level in nursing at my age-
newly 50?
6. Is there statistic out there, about successes in nursing as a second career at age 50 plus?

1. Universities are becoming full of older students looking for a second career. Nursing being at the top.

2. I don't think there is age discrimination in nursing.

3. I don't think you would have any problem finding a job unless you live in a small rural area.

4. Same as above

5. I would see no advantage in persuing anything further than your ADN unless you looking to working past

retirement and working in management which even with a degree you'd have to work your way up the

ladder.

6. This (allnurses.com) is the perfect place to find statistics about nursing as a second career. Second career

nurses are here and very willing to be helpful. Just start a new thread in General Nursing "Calling all second

career nurses) etc... You in the right place and welcome to nursing!

gradRN2007, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

Go for it and I speak from experience, graduated at 51. Did ADN and do some classes online towards my BSN which i have been told i don't have to rush to get or get at all. I started working on a IMCU step down unit with open heart pts that come to us right out of the unit. I love it and was told in my interview and at school that employers definetely like mature new RN's that have life experience behind them. I don't get flustered or silly like some of my fellow RN's on the floor. I work with a wide range of ages and enjoy every minute of it. You can go as far as you want with your education, i know a ex buddist monk who went back at 62 to nursing school..amazing. he is working in dialysis..

best of luck and just go with the flow in school...