Nursing School Age 49?

ggfifirn05 · May 14, 2003

All I can say is "diitto" to what Trip said. After my younger brother was killed at age 37 in a car accident in November 2000, then 9/11 happened, I really began to reassess my life. I currently work in the financial industry, but was always interested in medicine...back in 1974 I was all set to go to school to become a Medical Assistant (no financial or emotional support from my family to go to nursing school, and I don't think ADN's existed yet) but "fell in love" and ended up married and with 2 kids, then divorced after 10 years and remarried another guy with 4 kids of his own...needless to say, nursing school was the farthest thing from my mind.

But fast foward to the new millenium and a financially rewarding job, but little to no job satisfaction...so I decided to pursue my original dream of being a nurse and started on my prereqs at age 45. I've already applied to the nursing program once, was rejected (didn't make the point cut off) and so I am applying again for the fall semester. I WILL make this happen, and I know I have what it takes to reach my goal. I have a 4.00 GPA, which proves my brain cells have not all died off, and I think I am much more disciplined than my younger classmates. And I have all this life experience to draw upon, which I think is going to make me one helluva nurse! I worry a bit about the physical demands, but know as long as I keep myself fit, I can do this.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that, if this is your heart's desire, and you are willing to sacrifice and your family is up to it, then GO FOR IT! My signature line says it all...

kerryguy7 · May 16, 2003

Guess what?

I'm fifty years old...I'll be turning fifty-one in a few months...and I am starting nursing school in the fall!

I had the same questions and concerns (about my age) but I have received quite a bit of encouragement from many nurses, nursing students and other folks already in the health care field.

So...from one old geezer to another...go for it sonny!!!

Best of luck!!

live4today, RN · May 16, 2003

It's only TOO LATE when you are no longer breathing! Wish you luck, dear one! Go for it! You want to become a nurse? Then, nothing stopping you but you if you don't do it. I salute you! :kiss :nurse:

kerryguy7 · May 18, 2003

All I can say is that I will be 51 this coming July...and I am going to start a "second" degree program leading to my BSN in the fall!

No worries...age means little or nothing when one finally decides to do that which their heart is telling them to do!

(Sounds corny,,and I don't mean to preach!)

Best of luck with your dream....GO FOR IT!!!

szoozoo · May 19, 2003

I would suggest-go for BSN. You will have more opportunities.

magRN · May 21, 2003

One thing about being a nurse is that you are a life-long learner...in that spirit, one should never worry about one's age when following a dream.

I am now 45 and am still going to college to get my BSN, and then my MSN.....so my advice girl: GO!! :)

Ann42 · Jun 16, 2003

This thread is soooo encouraging! I'm almost 41 and have been concerned about backaches too. We just happened to learn about how to NOT use our back for lifting today in my NA class. Tomorrow, we are actually going to practice. You can bet I'm paying FULL attention!

I'm so excited about being back in school, I feel like I'm already an RN! I'm taking three years to complete a two year program at a community college.

fayejum · Jun 25, 2003

I am so glad I found this site. I am now 43 and I am studying to be a Medical Assistant, but now I want to go on to become a Nurse. When I was 21 I was in nursing school. I had 4 months to go and I dropped out what a fool I was. I was working 4 days a week and taking care of a 2 yr old. It just got to be too stressful for me. I wish I would have hung in there. I later went into the Information Systems field. I was laid off from that job. My heart has always been in the medical field. I told my MOm that I was going to go on to become a Nurse. My Mom is a negative person and said are you going to go to school the rest of your life. What else do I have to do. I have many years left to work. MY plans are to first finish Medical Assisting to work a year and then go to school one year to become and lpn first. Just to make sure I get thru that first year and then can go on and work as an lpn while them working on the RN. There is a program in my area that has an lpn transitioning into the rn role. YOu can go either full time or partime. They have evening classes also and you can do clinicals on the weekend. I think that is great. I thought about myself being old also. My sister gave me some good advice. To do what your heart desires because if you don't you will look down the road and wished that you had went for that goal. I think I have come full circle by going back into Nursing. I am going to follow my heart and become an RN, what I should have done from the start. I think I am a better student now that I am older anyway. I love reading everyone's encouragement for the older people wanting to go into Nursing.

suzy253, RN · Jun 25, 2003

Dear Fayjum,

What a great attitude you have! I'm sure you will succeed. I originally posted this message and actually it was the responses on this board that gave me the courage to forge ahead and do what I've always wanted in my life. I applied to a 3-year program, got accepted, and just finished a 3-day orientation with CPR for healthcare professionals instruction. Although I have heard through the grapevine of some negative comments with people I used to work with (another state, another life!) like 'at her age?????', I have had nothing but amazing encouraging comments. I start classes 8/19 and I'm not the oldest in my class either (well, 2nd oldest but who's counting?). I know it will be rough but 3 years will pass anyway and if I look back and didn't try it at all, I would never know. I hope to be a truly great nurse! Best wishes to you. Keep in touch and keep posting!

Cheers:)

passing thru · Jun 25, 2003

Suzy 253,

I think you should follow your heart. Just start ! Start taking prerequisites. Don't put it off one more semester.

How overweight are you?

Walking and weight loss definitely strengthen s the legs and back muscles.

You don't need to go in and tell them you can't lift anything because of a "bad back." That does not endear you to

employers.

You just get the job and when it is time to turn someone or get someone out of bed, you go and get help. Areas like the nursery, and post partum, I never did any lifting....

There are many Nursing Jobs where you can do desk work, admissions clerks, telephone triage, and others...

Post-op-surgery, patients, you can generally give them directions and minimal assist,....they turn themselves...

You can keep the lifting to a minimum, with getting family, and co-workers to help.

Go for it....and get the pounds OFF !

PennyNickelDime_RN · Jun 27, 2003

Hi...

I'm 48 years old and beginning my nursing education this coming Fall so I would encourage you to follow your dreams.

I've spent my entire adult life floundering around not knowing what I wanted to do. I am very excited to be on a path that finally makes sense for me. Although I wish I had done this 30 years ago...I'm thankful that I have the opportunity now.

Good luck to you! :roll

fayejum · Jun 28, 2003

Thanks and good luck to you too! I know we will make good nurses. I am just so happy about my goals. What is life without goals!