46 too old to start nusring school?

[cute2]

Hello! I have been thinking about nursing as a profession. I have been raising my 2 boys all these years and working part time at a middle school as a classroom assistant. It's time to get a real career that is not a dead end job. I have the time and dedication it takes now. I am partly afraid and partly excited about going back to school. I don't love math and science, but I see it as a chance at a really rewarding career where I can actually easily get a job that pays well. I am concerned about my age starting this. I do feel I can become a nurse by age 50 and have another good 15 years working in the field. I would like some input on people who started school this late and those who work with brand new nurses who are 50! Thanks so much!

[NeedchangeofPace]

I started my pre-req's last summer to persue the dream.

I take 6+ credit hours per term and work 40 plus hours per week. I am maintaining an A- B+ average in school. It is tough trying to find that balance of school and work but some how I find a way.

I am the oldest student so far in all my classes and in some cases older than the instructor, (most of the students are in their early 20's) which I think gives me an edge to some degree, especially in "ancient history", you know about stuff that happened before they were born, like before 1987:D

My wife, family and friends have been so supportive.

46? geez kid...go for it!!!

I will be 55 on my next birthday.

Mark

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

No, it's not too old. I went back in my early 40s and was an RN at 46.

I didn't have trouble finding a job either. I'm sure agism exists, but

not everywhere, in fact, I think the mature population bring additional skills

with them to this profession.

I'll tell you what my husband told me when i started. I would say to him,

"I'm too old, gosh I'll be 46-47 before I graduate." He said, "Red, you'll

be 46-47 anyway, might as well be going to school."

Good luck and go for it. It's a wonderful accomplishment no matter what the

age. You won't regret it. Plus it will be good for your brain, it'll keep you sharp.

PS. I'm going back to school in January working on my BSN, I'm 48.

[mc3, ASN, RN]

Nope, I started school at 45, and I had a friend in class who was 50. The class that graduated the year before had a former nun and school principal, who was 64 when she started class!

Never ran into ageism, either. I got the impression that it was actually an asset when I was hired. Never had a problem getting a job!

mc3:paw:

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

I started at 45, finished at 47, Plan on starting my NP next fall at almost 50...Just do it....

[cute2]

You all are so inspiring. I'm just going to do it! What do I have to lose? I can't wait.

[betty67]

You are definitely never too old to go back to school! I am 42 and a single mother of 3 kids aged 11, 8, & 18 months. I am starting my schools nursing program in January! I feel that my age gives me an advantage because I have a lot of work experience & organizational skills behind me. There are quite a few students that are older in my program. The younger students are great too my age has not been a problem for me. I get along well with the younger students too! If it is what you really want go for it!!! Good luck to you! This site has also been a great help and there is a lot of great information here and support as well............

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Nope.

[AllAngelsRN]

Here are some questions that you should ask yourself and answer them before you consider nursing: Are you going to nursing as a second degree and therefore going to go through the Accelerated BSN program? If so, then be prepared to divorce your family for the length of the program. Getting 2-3 chapters a day of new info from each subject is expected. Are you able to study and retain huge amount of new information quickly?

If all of the above is alright with you then you need to ask yourself the following: would you be able to stand on your feet for 12 hrs straight with minimal breaks and doing that for 2-3 days in a row? Can you handle blood, stool, vomit with ease?

Last but not least, the job market is tough these days for new grads; to stand out, you need at least 6 months of CNA experience. I would say, do this while you are in school or even better before you get into nursing. This will give you a taste of what is coming.

I bow to your fighting spirit. Never give up on something as long as you know you want it and willing to do whatever it take to attain it. Good Luck!

[pegosys]

I just graduated from nursing school on Dec. 12th at the age of 47! I got a job 10 days later and I think my age helped me get the job. They were very happy with my previous work history and life experience. Another plus we have is when we start working, the patients think we have been nurses for a long time!! Hee hee!

Go for it!!:yelclap::yelclap::yelclap:

[cute2]

Getting 2-3 chapters a day of new info from each subject is expected. Are you able to study and retain huge amount of new information quickly?

I haven't met with school counselor yet, but as far as I know, it's a 2 year program at our local community college. I will need biology, anatomy, physiology and microbiology and pass the TEAS test as prerequisites. I am not aware of what else I will need. There is a form for volunteer work. I have no idea what this requirement is about. Thanks for the advice about being a CNA first. I will try to do that. It feels like a lot of prep just to get in, but I think the payoffs will be quite worth it. I know I will need to take a few classes just for my prerequisites. I haven't been to school in over 20 years.

I can handle the blood, etc. That will not bother me at all. I am worried about retaining a lot of information quickly. I can work myself up to getting into the shape it would take to stand 12 hours. My ultimate plan would be to work per diem. But who knows, I might change my mind and get a more regular position.

Thanks everyone for the advice and good wishes!

[roser13, ASN, RN]

It is not my intent to inject pessimism into this post. Rather, I would like to add a note of potential realism....

I don't know your general level of fitness/health, etc., but it should figure into your going-to-nursing-school equation.

In an ideal nursing world, none of us would need to worry about our backs, neck, knees, or stamina as we age, because we would have plenty of assistive personnel and devices (not to mention a realistic patient load). The reality is that as our patients increase in body mass, our bodies are aging. At 53, I am transitioning already into a position that decreases my on-my-feet time and my liability for 300-500 lb patients. Already, my facility only orders plus-size wheelchairs and plus-size beds. Plus-size patients aside, patient transfers, ambulation and bedside care will take a toll on your body.

As a new grad, you will likely spend a few years gaining experience in an acute care setting. These concerns likely will be real for you.

[Queenbee01, ASN, RN]

:yeah:Loving it...I am 54 and worried that I won't remember a thing. I am a LPN entering distance learning....gonna do it!! Thanks ladies!