46 too old to start nusring school?

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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!

Red haired nurse, I probably will not go the CNA route. I will concentrating on my prereq's while working part time. My plan would be to quit my job at the school district once I get into nursing school. Thanks for the advice. You all are great.

I am wondering about the volunteer work. Do nursing schools want you to do that before applying or during school?

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By the way, I have psychology, speech, english, math, sociology and some other courses from this same community college 25 years ago. I will need to see a counselor to see if any of these qualify for credit. The only thing I've read so far is that the science courses need to be within 5 years of nursing school. Not a problem I haven't taken those! I really hope I don't have to repeat some of the courses, like psychology, etc. That will make it SO much easier!

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Specializes in Orthopaedics.

Please go for it!

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.
There is a log of ageism in nursing, fyi. It may be hard for you to find a job as an older new grad. Just from what I have seen.

Not necessarily true at all. I was the first in my graduating class to be offered a job (in fact I was offered several more even after I accepted my dream position), and I was the 3rd eldest student in my class. Some employers recognize the value more mature applicants bring to the profession. Know your worth, and sell it babe!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.
By the way, I have psychology, speech, english, math, sociology and some other courses from this same community college 25 years ago. I will need to see a counselor to see if any of these qualify for credit. The only thing I've read so far is that the science courses need to be within 5 years of nursing school. Not a problem I haven't taken those! I really hope I don't have to repeat some of the courses, like psychology, etc. That will make it SO much easier!

WOW, then you should not have too many pre-reqs to do. I had to start fresh with everything

so it took me a little while. It can be good to work as a CNA like the above poster stated, but

with the competition, I believe you should put all your energy into nursing. If you want to

work part-time, you could always consider CNA. It can get your foot in the door like she said

but I chose not to do it this way. I don't think you'll have to retake the psych, but you may need more

than just that one. Yes, science needs to be within 5 yrs.

Girl, I'm so excited for you. Please do this for yourself, you'll be so proud of this accomplishment.

See your counselor and get started ASAP!!! Please keep us posted. :)

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Specializes in med-surg, ICU, ER, Hospice, Home Health,.

Good for you!! Although I became a nurse many moons ago, I am now going back for mt RN and am in the third semester after going through the bridging class! At 46 I too am probably the oldest in the class, but I don't care, I am going for it! Not only that, when I finish I will begin the ADN-MSN Bridge program for my nurse practitioner! Never stop until you achieve your dreams! And I have no idea what the person was talking about who spoke of "ageism" but I will say that many would hire you over the younger new grad because you are a bit more settled, a little less of a risk for them pouring money into you to train you only to have you hop from place to place like many new young nurses will. (As they SHOULD!) Best of luck to you!!

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Specializes in telemetry, ortho, med-surg.

Hey there! You must get rid of that mindset! I graduated in May 2009 and one of my oldest classmates was 52. As a matter of fact, there were plenty of 30 and 40 somethings in our group, many of which were in their 2nd and 3rd career transitions. You can do it!:nuke:

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Specializes in special-needs kids.

In WA, the average age of an RN entering the workforce is 52. Looking at my current class, it seems that there is an even spectrum of ages. i would think that being more mature-looking would help with getting hired. i would think that having more life experience would help in being a better nurse. i want to add to the kudos for anyone bettering their lives by pursuing a career they've "always wanted to do". :yeah:

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There are so many avenues in nursing, your age will be welcomed in many circles of nursing, start reading and don't look back!

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Specializes in Psych.

I'm 30, and I'm one of the youngest in my class of 50. If you're up for the job I say go for it!!! My sister was 35 when she decided she wanted to go to school to be a teacher. She didn't because she'd "be 40 when she finished". She started back at 38, graduated at 41, and had her Master's at 45. My sister just finished her PhD a little after 50.

She loves teaching, and has made huge contributions towards autism education, and she would have hit 40, 45, and 50 whether she went back to school or not.

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yes. I do think 46 is too old to just be starting nursing. by that age one should be looking towards retirement in the future.

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Specializes in Operating Room.
You all are so inspiring. I'm just going to do it! What do I have to lose? I can't wait.
That's the spirit!! I look at it this way most of us in the second half of the boomer generation or who are Generation X or younger will have to work when we're past 70.:D So, that gives you even more time.
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