This is my first post, but I am curious....When I finish nursing school (if I even get in) I will be 62 years old. Is there anyone out there in the same situation? I am currently struggling through Physiology, and am not sure I can get the required B, but I don't have a lot of time to waste taking it again. Do you find learning is harder because you are older?
This is my final dream, to become a nurse. Done everything else I have ever wanted to achieve, but this just might be not possible.
You can do it if you want. I am 60 and finished my BSN when I was 36. Worked for 11 years, then took 12 off to learn about disease prevention through diet and lifestyle. I am now wanting to open a clinic as an NP for wellness for patients of all ages who want to reduce their BP and/or weight who need monitoring. This will include a wellness spa for stress reduction. I started nursing school at 30, when I realized at 26 I would be 30 anyway. I didn't do anything about it at 26. When I turned 30, I was upset that the time passed, though I was still in the same place. When we think of being in the same place we are now a year or two from now, the perspective on getting on with it, changes. In all of my years, I never accomplished anything by just hoping for it. Though when I put my effort into it, I finished my BSN with honors from the largest medical center in the world.
I know that this is an old post. I would like to know if you continued with your dream if so what was the outcome? I am in somewhat of the same position now.
I just googled starting nursing school at 60+ and found this forum. So glad I did! I was an ADN in the 80's and left nursing in '87. I'm now going back and starting over at the age of 61. Getting my CNA first then applying to the ADN program so I can work while I wait and take pre-reqs. I found a CC that will take many of my old credits, huge! It's encouraging to hear the real life experiences of nursing at this age. The supportive comments are so helpful. I'm in the Phoenix, AZ area so if there are any other AZ nurses or students I would love to chat!
Thanks for replying! Did you have any problem finding a job? I was also curious about working in an acute care setting. What have you found to be the challenges if any?
Not at all! I started in mid November before I graduated thinking I would have a hard time. I was interviewed and hired. I worked as an extern until I got my graduate license. I applied for the graduate license in school. I graduated December 6, and graduate license was issued December 11. I did state to employer I would have my RN within 90 days of hire which I accomplished. I passed NCLEX first try. Good Luck to you! You can do it!
I’m so happy to hear from all of you. Kind of tired of being the oldest one in my class! Anyway assuming I pass my finals I’m finishing my first year and if all goes well will graduate 1 year from now and then on to get my BSN.
I think it depends, at least in part, on your location. I did this in Boston between 58 and 61 and encountered overt, frequent ageism in hospitals and on the part of preceptors here. Some people were absolutely brutal to me,making it virtually impossible to learn what I need to and setting up a destructive cycle.
Anyone who has the good fortune to transition from nursing school to a clinical job in their 60's is the exception, not the rule...no matter what they say. If you have money to risk on this experiment, go for it..but you may very well not end up working as a nurse.
Ageism is alive and well in any field I believe. I bring it to the forefront and that puts an end to it. Most feel that we should be able to fulfill our dreams no matter what age. Go for it! Our life experience brings an extra edge to the field. They are young and a lot to learn in life. I am happy I went to school late in life. My children are raised and feel the freedom of no interference. And to CAK58, I worked for a demo company, helped a friend run her new restaurant, and babysat grandchildren. I made it through. Determination is key.
VictoriaGrace
1 Post
You can do it if you want. I am 60 and finished my BSN when I was 36. Worked for 11 years, then took 12 off to learn about disease prevention through diet and lifestyle. I am now wanting to open a clinic as an NP for wellness for patients of all ages who want to reduce their BP and/or weight who need monitoring. This will include a wellness spa for stress reduction. I started nursing school at 30, when I realized at 26 I would be 30 anyway. I didn't do anything about it at 26. When I turned 30, I was upset that the time passed, though I was still in the same place. When we think of being in the same place we are now a year or two from now, the perspective on getting on with it, changes. In all of my years, I never accomplished anything by just hoping for it. Though when I put my effort into it, I finished my BSN with honors from the largest medical center in the world.