too old to become a nurse?

Sean 91 · Sep 10, 2008

Yes, definitely. I "lost my marbles" in my 40s, too. But you will have plenty of years of work ahead (God willing, of course). Exercise, eat right, hopefully take at least one evening and day off each week to recoup while in school. Limit the t.v. Your family will give you loving support and encouragement, too, to help keep you going; and you'll have plenty of comrades, too, in your fellow students.

annfaith, DNP, NP · Sep 10, 2008

You are never too old to start a new career. I will graduate from a BSN program in May 09 I will turn 45 in August. I retired from the AF after 20 years and started my new career. If you set your mind to it you will be fine. Just imagine all the time management skills you have from raising children and working. THAT my dear will come in handy just you wait.

Kevin RN08 · Sep 10, 2008

I concur, like Annfaith I'm retired military (Navy) and like you I was working in administration (supply and financial). The attention to detail that is required as an administrator also fits into nursing. The prioritizing and management that was the cornerstone both in the military and civilian life is crucial in nursing.

My class has a wide mix of ages with a mean of probably 35-36, you may be the oldest in your class, but probably not by too much. Nursing school is a real time hog, reading for class, studying, clinical prep all take time so it will take family support. Your wife and child may feel a bit neglected at times, and normally students aren't able to work full time, some can and do (I don't know how).

My two cents worth says, if it's what you want to do and your family is in it with you, definitely do it. For me the last 18 months has been a ball, hard work but a good time.

oldladychris · Sep 10, 2008

I started nursing school at age 50 and will graduate next June :thankya: at the age of 52 1/2. I know that I won't be able to put in 20 years but I have wanted to do this my whole life and I finally did. I don't think about my age, even though I am the oldest one in the class. I can't keep up with some of them. hahahahaha Anyways, good luck to you. It is not so bad when you get to the second level.

Lorie P. · Sep 10, 2008

no you aren't too old! you will find that being older means you are dedicated to studying, have great organizational skills and many other skills that will enhance you new adventure.

i say :anpom::anpom::anpom::anpom:for wanting to follow your dreams of becoming a nurse!

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2008

I just turned 49. My youngest is 16, he's got two years left in HS. I have been in office administrative positions seemingly forever, and I want to become an RN. Everyone I tell looks at me as if I have lost my marbles. I want to do something that matters, not just collect a paycheck. Am I too old to have the education, money and time spent in school recouped? I figure I have at least 17 years (if I retire at 67). Too late to start a totally different career? Also, since time is of the essence, would an ADN be ok?

I went back to school later in life. I graduated last May. I too worried about the same thing as you and thought, "oh no I'll be age ?? before I graduate?" My husband said, "you'll be that age anyway so why not go for it."

Goodluck, I say go for it. Better to follow your dreams than to have regrets.:heartbeat

pattylpn54, LPN · Sep 10, 2008

Never too old

iteachob, MSN, RN · Sep 10, 2008

Absolutely....go for it! Don't pay any attention to people who act like you've "lost your marbles". Shoot....I had a baby at age 42 and got a lot of those "what is she thinking?" looks. I didn't pay attention to them either!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2008

I went back to nursing school at 52. Got the LPN at 53 and now almost (waiting on the boards) the RN at 55. Starting school for a BSN in Sept '09.

You're gonna age anyway. Do it doing something you wanna do.

RNGrad2006 · Sep 10, 2008

This sounds like my story, I turned 42 this year and I also have a 16 year old daugher with 2 years left in high school and I also have been in the administrative role for approx 20 years. I totally can relate with you about doing something that really matters where you can make a difference, not paper push and fetch coffee for the rest of my working career. I started talking pre- req this past summer and hopefully will enter a Nursing program in 2010 to get my ASN. I will be approx 45-46 when I start my new career. I also thought maybe it was too late but we are going to have to work until the golden age of retirement anyway, unless we hit the lotto LOL!, so why not do something different for the remaining 17 to 20 years. Ask yourself, if you don't do it, will you be satisfied and remain sane doing what you do now for 20 more years! NOT!... GO FOR IT! you can do it.

I agree with both of you. I am also 42 and I have been working as an RN now for 2 years. I am also currently working on my BSN thanks to my employer who is paying for it, and hope to graduate next year. Definitely not too late AT ALL to pursue nursing!!!! I went to school with someone who was 55 when we graduated she is working in the ER now. Nursing has so many that are older and one advantage I have noticed is that patients assume that you have been a nurse for a LONG time just because you are older and they trust you more. And believe me life experience counts too. I personally feel that all you bring to the table helps you in your early stages of the new grad role. My managers are really amazed how fast I have learned within the last 2 years. And so will you!!! Be encouraged and don't let anyone talk you out of pursuing your dreams.:wink2:

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 10, 2008

I work with an awesome RN who is 70. And one of my paramedic classmates was 63 when he went through medic school. :)

calledtodo · Sep 11, 2008

Maybe they are a little jealous that you will accomplish something that they could only dream of at your age. Go for it!