46 too old to start nusring school?

Published

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!

I'm halfway through an ADN program and I'm almost 43. What matters is your determination and study skills. And thanks for asking the question. Its nice to see others my age thinking about changing careers. I have an almost 5 yr old daughter, I guess I'm a late bloomer too! :specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU.

I was 36 when I graduated nursing school --- there were plenty of people in their 50's and one gentleman who was in his early 60's. There were very few people in school with me who were in their 20's. I have never felt there was an issue with ageism --- most employers understand there are many second career nurses and value the work ethic and integrity of an "older" adult. My work ethic for sure is much different now at 40, than it was at 22. And as far as the 12 hour shifts go . . sure, some days are unbearable . . but again, after getting some experience, there are so many different opportunities in nursing that afford 8 hour shifts and are not as greuling as 12 hours shifts!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

I was 45 when I went back to college after selling my insurance agency. I worked full time nights as a NAR (for the health benefits) it took me 3 years to do the LPN and RN program I graduated at age 48 and have been doing LTC the whole time... that is the right pace for me. I love what I do. I have absolutely no regrets.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.
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!

I disagree with what this person told you to a certain extent. You don't need to be a CNA to stand out. I wasn't a CNA and I know many new nurses that weren't CNAs either. We had no problems finding new jobs. And in this economy, I don't really think it will matter if you've had previous CNA experience, I could be wrong, but I wouldn't do it this way.

Now if you were in your 20s or something, then I would say go this route. I don't think you need to work when you start school, If you don't need to. You need to devote all your time to making all As. These RN programs are very competitive. When I started, I knew that time wasn't on my side so I put all my energy into making straight As so that I would be accepted first time around.

As far as standing on your feet for a solid 12 hours. Yes, we're on our feet a lot but I've never been on my feet for a solid 12 hours. I also have to sit quite a bit to get my charting done.

I never even saw a counselor, I just checked online to see what classes I needed. I take that back. I went and saw the counselor one time to ask him about an algebra class, but that's all. I was too afraid I'd get discouragement. I tried to take nursing in my 20s and was discouraged quite of bit from several people

I'm not saying this is what you should do, I'm just telling you what worked for me. My very first semester, I took a PE class and a psychology class just to see how well I'd do going back to school after 25 yrs. I made all As. The next semester, I took chemistry and lifespan pshycology and once again made all As. The next semester I took one science A&P, English, and Speech, got all As. I just took one science per semester with another pre-req until all my pre-nursing classes were done. I wanted to make sure to get as many As as possible being that the nursing program was extremely competitive. I got in on my first application.

You'll also hear that you must divorce your family. I was told this by my school and that divorce rate is high, blah blah blah. Just more discouragement in my opinion. I didn't have to divorce my family. Actually saw them more when I started school than in my previous 8-5 job.

You can do this, just start this Spring. Take math, English or psychology at first to see how you do, then start registering for your sciences next semester. The thing is, these sciences classes get filled up very very quickly, so you have to be the early bird that gets the worm. You have to be on that computer the first thing in morning or at midnight, whenever they open up registration.

If you have any questions, I'll be more than happy to help you. You can just PM me. I think you should go for this, I'm excited for you. Bite the bullet and do it, that's what I did.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

46? You're still pretty young, actually!!

I graduated at 44 and am 46 now w/ 2 years of med surg nursing under my belt.

I did not feel like anyone looked at me strangely for starting later. In fact, my life experience came in very handy in dealing w/ people. Many patients thought I'd been a nurse for many years! :specs:

As far as working w/ the younger nurses, it just seemed again that age was on my side. I was more confident, more sure of myself, knew myself much better. I also did not call in sick due to drinking the night before, or whatever. My kids are older and I don't have crying babies at home anymore. I just seem to have a lot more energy even than some of the younger gals. Then again, I do tire a bit more easily at times. I do get along w/ many of the older nurses very well also.

Sometimes I feel old around them, though. I feel that being in the best shape possible really helps and do get your hair colored and done well. Do some weight lifting and take some good calcium. I started taking glucosamine for my joints and that worked wonders. Many tell me I look good for my age, and I enjoy that a lot.

I actually am very young at heart, so I just get along w/ younger people also. I really enjoy them so much more, honestly, than women closer to my own age. Women MY age are just so crabby most of the time, or snobby, or whatever. I dont' have many friends my own age really. I occasionaly go out w/ the younger crowd from work and we all have a blast. For whatever reason, they seem to like me hanging out w/ them. Maybe I'm a bit juvenile. .. I don't know! But I also get along well w/ many of the older nurses.

Age is just a number, I always say. I am thinking of starting grad school now, though, and I also have my doubts . ..am I too old . ..I was, in fact, asking that question on another board. And the answer is the same: don't sweat it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute rehab/geriatrics/cardiac rehab.

Had a previous degree in another field which I never worked in. Decided at age 42 to go back to school, even though I was married and a housewife with a house full of kids. I took the prerequisites I needed at a Community College one at a time mainly , though I think one semester I had two classes and started nursing school at age 43 (since I had a previous degree I had many of the required prerequisite classes), My teenaged sons tutored me in how to use the calculator for statistics and how to do the math. Math was my weakest subject in high school. Graduated at age 45 with a BSN and passed the NCLEX to become an RN in July 2004. Lasted one year at the bedside before I decided to take a class or two at a time and work towards becoming a nurse practitioner. Finished the NP coursework at the age of 48 (one month shy of my 49th birthday). Became certified as an Adult NP at the age of 49. I am now 50 and by the grace of God I have been a nurse practitioner for one and a half years. Age was not a hindrance to me finding a job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
I disagree with what this person told you to a certain extent. You don't need to be a CNA to stand out. I wasn't a CNA and I know many new nurses that weren't CNAs either. We had no problems finding new jobs. And in this economy, I don't really think it will matter if you've had previous CNA experience, I could be wrong, but I wouldn't do it this way.

I did it your way too but I was lucky. Many graduates before me and after me took a very long time to find jobs. Some were jobless for over a year. Look up on this board and see for yourself how many new grads not able to get jobs. The market has changed form the time you and I have graduated. Working as a CNA will get her/his foot in the door in the hospital that she/he might be working for later on. It is a good idea to do.

Here is a job post as an example from one of the local hospital in my state"program for new graduate RN's who have graduated within the last 6 months; we prefer previous nursing assistant experience as well as participation in externship programs."

There is nothing to lose by doing the CNA work. If some gets discouraged after doing CNA work then maybe nursing isn't for them. Many nights we have no CNA and we end up doing all of that work by ourselves. It builds character :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.
I did it your way too but I was lucky. Many graduates before me and after me took a very long time to find jobs. Some were jobless for over a year. Look up on this board and see for yourself how many new grads not able to get jobs. The market has changed form the time you and I have graduated. Working as a CNA will get her/his foot in the door in the hospital that she/he might be working for later on. It is a good idea to do.

Here is a job post as an example from one of the local hospital in my state"program for new graduate RN's who have graduated within the last 6 months; we prefer previous nursing assistant experience as well as participation in externship programs."

There is nothing to lose by doing the CNA work. If some gets discouraged after doing CNA work then maybe nursing isn't for them. Many nights we have no CNA and we end up doing all of that work by ourselves. It builds character :D

Sorry, but I still disagree.

The OP won't have to worry about job hunting

for a couple, three or four more years.

I think she should devote all her time to school so

she will be accepted on first go round. I work with too many

CNAs (and LVNs) that are failing nursing school because they simply don't have

the time to study. What good will that do her?

By the time she graduates, I'm sure she will have no problem finding a job,

esp with her life experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.
Many graduates before me and after me took a very long time to find jobs. Some were jobless for over a year. Look up on this board and see for yourself how many new grads not able to get jobs. The market has changed form the time you and I have graduated. Working as a CNA will get her/his foot in the door in the hospital that she/he might be working for later on. It is a good idea to do.

Have you ever thought that some of these new grads just aren't good at job hunting and may

not possess the qualities that are being sought? It's not just the economy. ;)

I'm seeing new people being hired, people of great character that were not CNAs before graduation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am 56 y.o. - I started taking pre-nursing classes about two and a half years ago..... I will be in nursing school sometime in 2010 - I expect to be an RN (if all goes according to plan) by the time I am about 58. You are definitely not "too old". I only wish I would have done this earlier, like when I was your age LOL but I'm doing it now, and that's what counts. I am working as a nurse's assistant right now while I'm waiting to be placed in a nursing school spot - all done with prereqs and coreqs now.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in er.

FYI, the most recent nurse that retired on my unit (last week) is 82 years old..., and that was in the Emergency room. She graduated nursing school, taught by catholic nuns 20 years BEFORE I was born!!! I say GO FOR IT! you're only as old as you think you are!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care.

I started chipping away at the pre-reqs a few years ago, then went the LPN route and will start RN in May. I'll be 49 when I graduate RN. :) If all goes according to plan I'll have my BSN by the time I'm 52.

As for finding a job as a new grad, I"m not too worried about it. At our age we have life experience and previous job experiences on our side. Our confidence, maturity and people skills help us immensely in job interviews, dealing with co-workers and patients.

I'm excited to be in nursing, I"m finally in a career that I really like and that will take me anywhere in the world if I choose.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion