Nursing after 50

DroogieRN · Nov 8, 2008

I'm 43 and in my first semester! I'll be 45 when I graduate, and I'm the oldest woman in my class (there is one man who is older). It's great being the "elder statesman." :wink2: One instructor I was talking with told me my age is an asset and my maturity shows in clinical. What an honor! I also find that the younger students don't treat me differently at all and, in fact, they're becoming colleagues and friends. It's a great experience! One recent graduate of my program is 63! She was snapped up by a local hospital immediately after graduating.

Go for it! It's never too late. Good luck!

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Nov 8, 2008

I'm 51 and will graduate in May. Just got an offer for a nursing position to begin the week after...

Go, girl.

quiet_one · Nov 8, 2008

My mom graduated from NS at 52 (think another person in her class was 56). She found a job at a large hospital with no problems....she is now working in pediatrics and loves it! Go for your dream =)

whiteoleander5 · Nov 9, 2008

I have a lot of respect for the older students who go through nursing school because they have so many other obligations in life... I think you should definately go for it and its awesome that you chose nursing! Good Luck:D

(And this is coming from a 20 y.o. student)

Night Owl RN · Nov 30, 2008

I'll graduate from LPN school in 60 days :yeah: (but who's counting?) and I just turned 61. Three days after graduation, I start my RN clinicals at the CC (have been on that waiting list for 2 years) and expect to graduate June 2010. I'll be 62.

I'm just now starting to look for a part time job to work while in RN school and really hoping my age will not be a barrier. I'm so excited about becoming a nurse, I'll be crushed if no one will hire me. :crying2:

I agree with the other posters, go for it. If nothing else, you become more youthful, your mind gets daily exercise, and you lessen the possibility of getting Alzheimer's. :wink2: As an added bonus, your grandkids will think you are totally cool! :cool:

~MIA~, ASN, RN · Nov 30, 2008

You can do it! 50 is young! :) :nurse:

seasoned hopeful · Nov 30, 2008

Hello all,

I am starting NS in Fall 09. I will be 60 when I finish. life experiences are extremely valuable. Only us older youngins know about all that.

You Go and get them:lol2:

12breakfree · Nov 30, 2008

No, it's not late. One of my classmates actually in her 50s. I think it's amazing how she could find the motivation coming to school and keep kicking. If this is where your heart is at, go for it.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2008

Passed NCLEX-RN this week, at 55.

No problem at all getting hired. In fact, it sometimes helps, because I'm viewed as stable and less likely to call in hung over.

Lucky0220 · Dec 1, 2008

I'll graduate from LPN school in 60 days (but who's counting?) and I just turned 61. Three days after graduation, I start my RN clinicals at the CC (have been on that waiting list for 2 years) and expect to graduate June 2010. I'll be 62.
I'm just now starting to look for a part time job to work while in RN school and really hoping my age will not be a barrier. I'm so excited about becoming a nurse, I'll be crushed if no one will hire me.
I agree with the other posters, go for it. If nothing else, you become more youthful, your mind gets daily exercise, and you lessen the possibility of getting Alzheimer's. :wink2: As an added bonus, your grandkids will think you are totally cool!

Night Owl, You are a true inspiration! I am going to be 59 in 2 weeks and I graduate with my ADN on December 19th. Right now I am doing my practicum (120 required hours) in an ICU unit with 12 hr shifts. I love it, and have already been offered a job, so don't even think you are too old to get a job. The hardest part right now is just the physicality of it all after sitting on my duff for the last 2 years, learning and studying. This is going to keep us healthy both mentally and and physically for a long time!! Just hope my feet don't fall off before I pass NCLEX :lol2: ...good luck to you!

Lucky0220 · Dec 1, 2008

Passed NCLEX-RN this week, at 55.
No problem at all getting hired. In fact, it sometimes helps, because I'm viewed as stable and less likely to call in hung over.

MAJOR CONGRATS to you!!!!! :yeah:

rn_nxt_dr · Dec 1, 2008

That's my girl! Go for it! Think about what you'll miss than what you're missing. Best of luck.