Older Nursing Students

aTOMicTom · Jul 20, 2013

... Am I Crazy or should I go for it.
Anyone else did this and was successful?

Yes, you're crazy.

But yes, go for it.

I'm turning 50 (today, in fact). Glad I'm a guy so I don't care how old I am! :sarcastic:

Good luck to all of us new nursing students who are (supposedly) "old enough to know better"!

-Tom

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 20, 2013

Hi @faithfl ! I will be 52 when I get my RN! It's never too late. I want to have a satisfying career of 16 or more years as an RN. I say we rock! :)

I'll be 51 when I graduate with my RN! Everyone so far who has posted on the introduction forum for my school is younger than me, most in their early twenties. That's ok, whatever!!!!! I earned it the same way as them, in some cases, I worked alot harder as some of them are straight out of high school and didn't do two years of pre reqs and co reqs!

DadStudentPerhaps · Jul 20, 2013

47 Here and just wrapping up pre-reqs

Blessed Studentin · Dec 3, 2013

I'm 49 and and in the last semester of the RN program. Have any of you found learning to be more difficult that those who are younger?

Wendilee · Dec 3, 2013

I think it is awesome! I am an older student too! You Go!!

Retired APRN, MSN, RN, APRN · Dec 3, 2013

Can I just say that you all are awesome? Go for it! In middle age we have a lot of wisdom that I wish I had had as a student and a new nurse.

You. All. Rock.

DadStudentPerhaps · Dec 3, 2013

47 Here :-)

SeattleJess · Apr 30, 2014

Not wanting to be the Grinch here, & I completely do not agree because I myself am 40 & just started nursing last year. But, graduated with the sweetest, kindest, most intelligent woman who is 54. Her & I interviewed for every position available including the same internship I got & she did not. She helped all of us make it through nursing school & is a fantastic RN! After half a year and countless interviews she finally got a job as an RN. Unfortunately the hospital was unsafe, she had to file Safe Harbor twice, & ultimately quit before something irreversible happened. She has had to go back to dental assistant to make ends meet while still trying to find a job as an RN. I realize everyone interviews differently but you would have to meet her...she makes everyone feel better. There are laws about age discrimination for a reason, but unfortunately it's nearly impossible to prove; however, I am sure that is what is happening to her. All of my classmates, who are younger, have found jobs. Just an FYI, but good luck to you all as I think an "older" employee is highly beneficial in numerous ways.

BendyPrissy, thank you for your supportive and insightful post. Supportive, because you see the value that older students can bring and insightful because you recognize that age discrimination is real and practically impossible to prove. (Even if you had a good case, do you want the expense, stress, risk and time of litigation? Or a job?)

That said, I must believe that it is worth pursing my calling, even though it might involve overcoming extra challenges. I was the first woman lawyer in a small, conservative town. I worked harder than the new male attorneys and faced sexism at every step of the way. The odds are not good but it takes only one opportunity.

I will be starting nursing school this fall. I run races, got my CNA and plan to work during school (for experience and contacts) and for the first time in my life to force my introvert personality to learn to network. I would appreciate hearing tips from others about anything that helps an older nursing student to succeed at school and work. (I'm so grateful I found this website filled with support and wisdom.)

For now, I'm letting Robert Bly be my guide: "Always, always, cry for what you want!"

SeattleJess · Apr 30, 2014

We might not like what you have to say Isthisforreal? , but I think its true.
My husband was told by someone that they like to hire older women because we won't be going on mat leave and needing to be replaced!

Pipestone, thanks for the positive spin to being older! And no leave time for sick children, either!

(This kind of discrimination against young, fertile women and mothers of young children is every bit as illegal as discrimination against older workers and just as difficult to fight!)

47yomalestudent · May 1, 2014

I believe God steers the right people to nursing.... age is just an obstacle, but if God brought you to it, he will get you through it.

SeattleJess · Sep 10, 2014

Not wanting to be the Grinch here, & I completely do not agree because I myself am 40 & just started nursing last year. But, graduated with the sweetest, kindest, most intelligent woman who is 54. Her & I interviewed for every position available including the same internship I got & she did not. She helped all of us make it through nursing school & is a fantastic RN! After half a year and countless interviews she finally got a job as an RN. Unfortunately the hospital was unsafe, she had to file Safe Harbor twice, & ultimately quit before something irreversible happened. She has had to go back to dental assistant to make ends meet while still trying to find a job as an RN. I realize everyone interviews differently but you would have to meet her...she makes everyone feel better. There are laws about age discrimination for a reason, but unfortunately it's nearly impossible to prove; however, I am sure that is what is happening to her. All of my classmates, who are younger, have found jobs. Just an FYI, but good luck to you all as I think an "older" employee is highly beneficial in numerous ways.

Ah, this is the sad truth about living your dreams when you are an older person changing careers. Thanks for your insight. Age discrimination is real. Still... we must try. If we're lucky, we oldsters will find jobs with coworkers like you.

SeattleJess · Sep 10, 2014

I'm 49 and and in the last semester of the RN program. Have any of you found learning to be more difficult that those who are younger?

Dunno. I was such a goof-off when I was a young student that I don't know if it's just harder for me now because of my age or because I'm exerting myself for the first time!