Nursing school at age 50

newtress, LPN · Jul 25, 2012

Well hey there Maddy50, I entered nursing school at age 48 and grad at 50. I don't think age will be an issue for you. Although I had to get used to being in a classroom 8hrs/day 40hrs/week with folks in their 20's. I personally did have an issue with one instructor who was pushing 70 and she just continued to nail me. I figured in my mind that she went easy on the younger students and must have expected so much more from me and liked ridiculing me on the floor. Had absolutely zero problems with all my other instructors and had excellent grades. Remember, there's always going to be ONE that puts the downer on everything, but I commend you for going forward into nursing. You will be awesome!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 25, 2012

I started at 45. I have not had a problem getting work. School was actually easier for me than some of the younger students because they are so distracted by everything else going on in their life. I just focused on my current job and school. Now I am able to earn more and doing what I like

Oz2 · Jul 26, 2012

I started school at 45 and regret it completely. Go work as a nurses aide to get a good idea of what the job entails before you make a decision. Just because you can do something doesn't always mean you should. I want the last 6 years back! I want a do-over!

laski · Jul 26, 2012

@Oz2, why do you say that? I am about to begin a nursing program in a matter of weeks. I have no illusions as to what the career path will be like, but I'm also not a nurse YET. Can you share your experiences?

Debilpn23 · Jul 26, 2012

Hi, after many years in the health care field I am considering going back to school to become an RN. I am 50 and in very good health, how ever I worry that because of my age insturctors, and nurses training me will automatically have doubts on my ability to do the job. I also worry about getting hired as a new nurse because of my age. I would really appreciate honest opinions and concerns. It is something I would really like to do and hope that my age will not be an issue.
thank you maddy50

Hi I went to nursing school at 48 and graduated at 49 and have no regrets my class had many different ages from 18 to 60.?

momtojosh · Jul 26, 2012

i became a LPN at 45, 2 yrs into working i wanted to be able to do more,so i signed up and starting taking pre-reqs,plus did all the science co-reqs that go along with the ADN program....sent in my app for RN program,was accepted on first round of picks and start next month and i will be 50 in october!!!.......i just love going to classes and feeling frantic about an upcoming test....yes,i wonder why i do this to myself but i wouldnt have it any other way.....i make time for my family and go to ALL my sons highschool sports games....i have a 3 yr old grandson who i see almost daily...and another grandbaby due 8-18 and i start school the 2oth!!......

i am NOT going to give up and i will never look back and ask why?...i am looking ahead.

i am not doing it for money as i was a stay at home mom and still could if i really wanted but i like my 20 hr a week job as a LPN for now..PLUS my union pays for most of my schooling so i would be crazy not to take advantage of that!

so,no! 50 is not too old

Crazed · Jul 26, 2012

I had a lady in my clinical group who is 55, and another lady in our class who is 60. They both passed the first semester and are very much appreciated for their knowledge.

Look at it this way - you can be 50 and not a nurse, or 50 and a nurse. Either way you're going to be 50.

itsmejuli · Jul 26, 2012

On Allnurses there are many of us who went to nursing school over the age of 45.

Just be aware that there is no nursing shortage and you may have a difficult time finding a job.

Good luck to you!

annew0319 · Jul 26, 2012

Hi,

50 is the new thirty. I entered a nursing program at 48 and have no regrets. I lasted through 3 rounds of weeding out processes to graduate. My instructors were close to my age and I worked with one of the instructors in the ED. Age should not be a factor when it comes to nursing school. I know of one person who was 65 and going through the same program as me. Her rationale was that she wanted to be able to do more with the patients and families served by the hospice she volunteered for. The hospice company helped with the cost and now she doing what she loves, providing end of life care.

A

pc2801 · Jul 26, 2012

I'm 36 and started in January. Our class had 73 students when we started. I know of 4 or 5 that were very young 19-22 years old, the majority were upper 20's, a handful of us in our upper 30's, a few in their 40's, a couple of students in their 50's and the oldest student was 66 years young! So many people are going back to school/changing careers you really shouldn't worry about your age if nursing is something you want to do.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2012

my oldest student was 63. she had been married for forty years to a man who told her she was stupid and worthless and never let her do anything she wanted to do, least of all nursing school. and when the old b****** died she took the insurance money and went to nursing school, bless her.

she was a typical student in some ways, except although she was new to nursing she was not new to life. in that she was years and years ahead of the 18-year-old chickies fresh out of high school who were her classmates. she had experienced the vicissitudes of life over decades, had raised kids, and so much else, so she could identify stressors and situations in patients, and they trusted her to listen to them more than someone whose hair wasn't already well along on its way to white.

another friend went to med school at 32. when people said, "you'll be forty by the time you finish!" she said, "i'll be forty anyway." good attitude.

good luck!