Nursing school at age 50

Sartorius1 · Jul 26, 2012

I say go for it. Follow your heart. My mom is 50 and expresses similar concerns, but she is still taking pre-reqs.

You are capable of giving just as good of care as a 22 year old, and you have greater life experience which I think would be a great asset when you go to interview for jobs.

It is your life and you should do whatever you need to do to make yourself happy :)

metal_m0nk, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 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

People find all kinds of reasons to doubt and criticize. Never make that possibility a demotivator - because it's inevitable at some point or another. If you think you can do it and you want to, then do it.

lavalamprn · Jul 27, 2012

Floor/staff nursing is hard work, long shifts, holidays/weekend. Nursing school does not prepare you for the reality, it is in your best interest to understand fully what you are getting into. Working as a CNA is a great idea, make sure this is what you REALLY want before spending the time and money on school Also, consider what setting is best for you to work in Best of luck!

Nolli · Jul 27, 2012

I'm 26 and it took me awhile to realize that me worrying about being 28 by the time I graduate isn't going to change anything. I eventually stopped worrying about fitting in. It was hard for a bit since I felt really out of place both because of age and because a lot of the people had been together for over a year. A lot of them think that anyone over 22 is OLD. I realize that there are older people than me and younger people than me and I just accept people at face value and see if they'll do the same for me. As it was said before you'll age at the same rate regardless; I'll be 28 in two years anyway I can't change my age and I might as well have the nursing degree I so want as a belated birthday present.

DichloroacetateAl · Jul 27, 2012

Age isn't an issue. Many of my classmates are about your age. And from what I've observed in a workplace and through various stories my mother told me, as long as you are competent, people will hire. I would definitely recommend that you go back to school and become a nurse. It's a rewarding career.

QuarterLife88, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 27, 2012

I wouldn't worry if I were you. About a quarter of my nursing class are second career, mature students. I have never seen them discriminated against for age either. If anything, they seem to get more respect in clinical for being a little older, more experienced and worldly (I know I really looked up to a mature classmate that was in my OB rotation and was so grateful that she was there), and since a lot of the instructors are close to the same age, they get treated as more of a peer (sometimes; sometimes they treat us all like children whether we are 18 or 65).

If it's really want you want to do, go for it! You only have one life to live, and you're 50 years young! My mom is still attending school for her Masters degree and she's pushing 65!

maddy50 · Jul 28, 2012

Thank you everyone for all your great comments encouragement, and honesty. I hope I run in to the same type of thinking in my journey, if not I can always come here for some needed enouragement!! You guys are GREAT!

rebeccav61 · Jul 30, 2012

Maddy, I will paddle this boat with you. I will begin my ADN program in one year. I KNOW that I will graduate, and when I do, . . . I will be 54. I was happy to find your post, and happier still to find the mostly positive comments. I have had the same concerns and "stew" about them all the time. Knowing that I am not the only one doing something a little unconventional, plus all the support from others, is encouraging!

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jul 30, 2012

I say kudos to all of you that are doing this when you are in your 40's and 50's! I will be ready to retire when I am 51 and putting 30 years in has been hard on me and I was 21 when I started! Good luck to you all!

Maryea · Jul 30, 2012

I am 53 and taking my prereqs. I still have about 3 semesters left before I can apply. Age is a frame of mind. If you feel good, and you know you can do the job, don't let anyone tell you you cannot! You may have something to offer, and may make a difference, who knows. Don't let your age stop you!!

Stcroix, ASN, PhD, RN · Jul 30, 2012

I feel strong and healthy. I am going into my last semester in nursing school. I have been volunteering at a hospital since I started school. The nurse manager on the floor I am interested in has offered me a job and I am 60 years old. I believe I am ready in every way to work on that floor for 5 years, maybe more? When you consider that the average length of stay for a floor nurse is less than 5 years, makes sense to hire newbies, even old codgers like me. LOL Be aware! nursing is hard work, be sure you are up for it!

scwolf · Jul 30, 2012

Thanks so much to all of you who have commented on this thread! I just turned 50 and am in the process of applying to Nursing schools. I have LOVED doing the prereqs, especially Anatomy and Physio. But the big 5-0 is a daunting number so I too have worried some about whether I'll be accepted and how people will treat me. I am so much more focused and motivated now than I was at 20. (Nothing against 20 year olds, I've met LOTS of amazing younger folks in my classes.) I'm healthy and strong. I feel like I have a lot to contribute. So thanks for the encouragement!