Am I too old to start a new career in nursing?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

I have been working in human resources for the past 15 years. I have enjoyed this career and have spent some time recently recruiting medical professionals for clients in clinics and hospitals. This experience has inspired me to go back to school to become a nurse. However, I am wondering if being a 47 year old man and a beginner may be an obstacle to getting that great job.

I want to achieve a BSN and plan on exploring a more advanced degree after working in the profession for a few years. I think this career choice would absolutely match my passions and personality. I'm truly hoping my age will not hinder a great a satisfying career.

Thank you

Specializes in OMFS, Dentistry.

I am almost 36 and have been in dentistry for 17 years now. Finishing up my last 2 classes before applying. You are never too old! :no:

I wish you all the luck in the world. I'm 33 and will be making the leap myself. I would think that having a background in HR would definitely help you in general as far as dealing with people. Like you, my previous education and career have nothing to do with nursing or science at all. But this is definitely a calling. Don't be concerned about starting so late...I don't think you're ever too old to do something you really love!

Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

I'm 44 and starting a nursing program in May. I feel great! As long as you are ready to put your all into it, I say go for it!

It's not too late! I am a 52 yo male in my first semester of the BSN program. I will be 53 when I graduate in December of 2014. It's neve too late to start a rewarding career. YOLO!

I just was talking to my grandma now and she started her nursing career when she was 47! Your never too old to get more education and pursue something you will love! Go for it! My grandma said it was one of the best things she has ever done!

tr1216- Our age will work for us, not against us. I am 50 years old and beginning the Nursing Courses in August. Am I nervous? You bet. Am I willing to forgo many things I like to do so I can study for my tests? Absolutely.My course is for the ADN to start with; I am hoping to get my BSN by the time I am 55-56 (at least that is the plan). As nurses, we will always have work available to us and believe it or not, working as a CNA has helped me too. I found that the patients were more responsive to me in many ways since I was older and, I hate to say it, I did not have any tattoos or facial piercings!! Some of the residents would complain to me in private about those tattoos and I would never say anything bad about my co-workers.....but I had to laugh! I had one lady tell me right to my face that she didn't want any of those 'youngsters' handling her.....especially if they had facial piercings. She called them 'scary'.

All I could do was laugh.

So no, tr1216 . Our age is going to work for us in the most interesting ways...you'll see. Good luck with your courses and keep us posted on how they are coming along....you'll be fine.

Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I became an RN at the age of 30 (it's my second career). A few of my nursing professors had also chosen nursing as a second career and haven't looked back since. I can't think of any other profession in which age is a non-factor in getting a job. My sister is a journalist and was chosen at her current job because her company was looking for "younger" people with the bright ideas to grow the company. That wouldn't fly in nursing. As long as you're physically and mentally capable of being a nurse, age is truly just a number!

Specializes in LTAC, ICU, ER, Informatics.

I'm a second career RN at 43, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Be real with yourself about your physical condition and whether or not you can handle the physical strain. I've been driving a desk for 20 years, and it's been a shock to my body to be essentially on my feet for 12 hours. I'm adjusting, and overall this is a good move for me, but some 40-somethings aren't really in physical shape for it. I also strongly suggest starting to look ahead 5, 10, 15 years and have a plan to get prepared to do something besides bedside nursing. Doesn't mean you have to implement it, but having a fall-back in case situations change is good in my book. Getting whatever advanced education you need while you can still do bedside gives you more options later on.

I can tell you that my experience in a number of industries as well as just general maturity have served me incredibly well in my new job. Look at re-tooling your resume' so that it emphasizes the skills/knowledge/experience that will benefit you as an RN.

Good luck!!

Specializes in Med-surg, home care.

From what I see there are a lot of RN on here who are second career and therefore more mature. I will be 33 next month and by the time I get to nursing school (if I get in) I would probably be about 35 or 36 which isn't bad but not that young either. As long as you are physically fit and don't mind the length of time or academic vigors of nursing school I say go for it. Just have a solid plan on how you intend to pursue your nursing degree. Good luck

Dont do it unless you enjoy being tortured

Thanks for the posting!

I started working on my prerequisites when I was 40, if all goes well, I will complete my Associate RN degree when I am 45, then on to a BSN.... I am pretty sure I won't work in acute care when I graduate, but that is quite all-right for me....

+ Add a Comment