Pre-nursing

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2018

Honestly, you will find that you have fewer job possibilities after graduation and licensing due to your age. I'm not saying that there won't be any opportunities, but there will be fewer. This may not be legal, but it's realistic.

Also, you may not want to take on more debt at this stage of life.

carlarenee02 · Jun 26, 2018

Honestly, you will find that you have fewer job possibilities after graduation and licensing due to your age. I'm not saying that there won't be any opportunities, but there will be fewer. This may not be legal, but it's realistic.
Also, you may not want to take on more debt at this stage of life.

So do you thing i should put myself in nursing home to die. 61 is not 81. Easy for you to say that, you are young. I am a tought lady and i am very intelligent. Not every one has perfect circumstances in life. I bet i have seen and survived alot more tought obstacles than you have.

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 26, 2018

You asked if your age would be a factor ... and Jedrnurse responded politely. There was no reason to rude to him.

He was right. Your age will probably limit your job opportunities. While it may not be legal, age discrimination does exist. Many entry-level nursing jobs can be hard on the body and employers may doubt your ability to handle some of the more physical aspects. They also may doubt your willingness or ability to endure some of the hardships of a nursing career, such as rotating shifts. Finally, some employers may look to hire younger nurses because they want an employee they perceive (rightly or wrongly) will stay employed in their institution for a long time.

The above-described age discriminatory practices may not be legal -- but they do happen. What type of work have you been doing over the last 40 years? Perhaps more relevant, over the past 5 years? Have you been working in health care? Are you accustomed to doing physical labor, working 12-hours shifts on your feet, rotating shifts, etc.? If so, maybe your body will be able to handle nursing. If not, you should give that some serious consideration before you invest a lot of time and money into a nursing career.

About money ... how much will you have to borrow to graduate? And will you be able to work to support yourself while you attend school? Digging yourself into a deep hole of debt is not good at any age -- but it's particularly bad if you only have a few career years left to pay it back. If you can avoid debt ... and you really want to do it ... then maybe you should give school a try to see if you like it -or better yet, get a job as a nursing assistant to test yourself to see if you can handle the work and the hours.

... and I am 63. My body is not what is was only a couple of years ago.

Sour Lemon · Jun 26, 2018

I am 61 yr young. I previously attended nursing Bsn program but had to quit due to finances and couldnt afford to take out more student loans although I did well in school. I am also unemployed. I live in St Louis area. I have never lost desire to finish my nursing degree. I have a BSN in another field. My main problem is financial. Plus I was wondering if my age is a negative factor? A family said I was too old t do anything. I am in great health etc. seems like I have lot of things against me. Any suggestions. Thank you

At that age with those financial circumstances, it's not something I would attempt. People have different life philosophies, though.

forevernursem · Jun 26, 2018

Nursing School is very expensive; one cheaper option would be getting your ADN at a community college, then doing an RN to BSN program at a university. Also, to answer about your age, nursing is a lot of long hours on your feet, and it's physically hard on the body. If you think you can handle it and nursing is truly your passion, then go for it :) It's your life not ours!

carlarenee02 · Jun 27, 2018

I am sorry i was rude. should all people my age, young 61 go to nursing home to die then if someone my age should not be able to do what they always wanted to do.

I do have some money but would need financial assistance. I dont have any wrinkles or gray hair and my body is in tack.

Our country is very snobish and i bet employers treat older employees better.

I know here in St louis it is very clickish.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Jun 27, 2018

I am sorry i was rude. should all people my age, young 61 go to nursing home to die then if someone my age should not be able to do what they always wanted to do.
I do have some money but would need financial assistance. I dont have any wrinkles or gray hair and my body is in tack.
Our country is very snobish and i bet employers treat older employees better.
I know here in St louis it is very clickish.

I suppose if you only give yourself two choices 1) go to nursing home to die OR 2) be able to do what they always wanted to do, then flip a coin and be done with it. Most adults realize there are many more options than just two and appreciate getting facts and opinions from many sources.

You asked a nursing website if your age would be a factor. A nurse courteously responded that yes, you would have fewer opportunities and less time to pay off any student loan debt you might incur.

You jumped all over them in a post that does not sound that intelligent at all. Proof reading and spell check work wonders in conveying intelligence via the written word.

Who knows what country you are from but here in the United States healthcare employers generally do not hire people out of the kindness of their heart. It is a business and an employee is a return on an investment to do a job for the minimal cost possible.

Another thread on this very board emphasizes that employers don't care what you look like. They want to believe you can do the job in exchange for money.

GapYrs · Jun 28, 2018

Hi there!

If you are in great health go for it. Honestly it's so many young people this day and age who are in bad health...with the obesity rate and the energy drinks galore... Just saying. I know AT LEAST 5people under 45 on medication. That being said, go for it!

Also, try the ADN route to help financially. Get a job with an employer who will play you to continue your dream of BSN. Take out loans or grants, set up payment arrangements. When it's your dream turned goal...by any means necessary. Great luck!

TalleyGirl · Jun 29, 2018

I am sorry i was rude. should all people my age, young 61 go to nursing home to die then if someone my age should not be able to do what they always wanted to do.
I do have some money but would need financial assistance. I dont have any wrinkles or gray hair and my body is in tack.
Our country is very snobish and i bet employers treat older employees better.
I know here in St louis it is very clickish.

I'm not a Nurse, Im a Radiology Technologist. But during my clinical time, I met a tech and she said she entered the program at 56 years old. She graduated at 58 with an associate degree and she has now worked for 12 years...going strong. So you can too. Age is just a number.

Neo Soldier, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2018

I can honestly say I agree with everyone who says it's a bit too late to start now. It's a stressful job and highly demanding. Do you have other interests?

AngelKissed857, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2018

Your age MIGHT turn off some employers. If so, it's a bad match. Your age may thrill some employers who value life experience, common sense, and people skills. Often older employees don't have the drama in their lives that younger people do, not always, but it may be a consideration as well. I graduated with my ADN at 58,, my BSN at 59, and entering a MSN/FNP at 61. I have a job I LOVE. Do what makes your heart sing. If you've always wanted this and don't go for it, you'll probably always regret not doing it