Starting Nursing At 40...am I Too Late???

Nurses New Nurse

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Hello All,

Im just starting nursing at 40 years old and Im wondering is this going to backfire on me in the long run???

I only have about 20-25 yrs--if God spares life :)--to put in the field and most of the nurses that I am meeting that are my age have already been in the field for at least 20 yrs!!!! Is this a good thing or a bad thing :confused:

Now, I should mention that I am a really "YOUNG" looking 40 y/o...People often mistake me for 25-27-- which I love by the way--who wouldnt :D...but Im still worried about agism :uhoh21:.

Im just starting a new floor and my co-workers are dying to know my age, of course Im not going to say....overall, I guess Im wondering is starting nursing this late in the game a good idea?????

I welcome any thoughts on this :wink2:.

Good stuff CT Pixie,

I guess its all in how we personally percieve things in life, either half empy or half full syndrome...Meaning, I could look at my age as a positive or negative...:innerconf....

I choose positive!!!!!:thankya::D:yelclap:

Specializes in ICU.

More power to you!!!

I started my second career as a nurse at the age of 32.

And I love it!

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I was pushing 40 when I started my nursing career.........believe me, having some life experience under your belt is a BIG plus in any profession dealing with human beings in their most vulnerable moments.

Good luck to you!

Specializes in Chiropractic assistant, CNA in LTC, RN.

I turned 44 last month and I graduate with an ADN degree next month. I think my life experience (I'm the daughter of an 89 year old, the mother of a 6 and 10 year old who home schooled for 4 years, and a wife), maturity, and patience has helped greatly during nursing school and clinicals and I think it will continue to help once I begin a career as an RN. I've also worked quite a few different jobs, and have a couple of different degrees. I don't think you are too old at all.

Specializes in Inpatient Rehabiliation.

I finally became an RN just 6 months before turning 40 and several of my co-nursing students were already in their mid forties. I figured I have too many more years left to work so I might as well make more money for those years and do something that means a lot to me. I also notice that because of my age some of the patients think I am more experienced.

Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

I started the LPN Program at 45 Graduated as an RN at 48. Can't think of a time that it would be to late.

My sister is 46 and just beginning the Nursing program.

Well, I am 39 years young and have just became an RN. I spent my first 19 years working at one company doing payroll, so I look at it as 1/2 of my pension will come from that company and the other 1/2 will come from nursing.

I decided to start a new career years ago simply because I could not see myself doing "payroll" for the next 25 years or so, OMG I would have killed myself, (only kidding), but I could not do it. Nursing is a very rewarding career for me. There is nothing better than taking care of someone who is ill or sickly, treating them, and seeing them be on their way, in MOST cases. I am an ED nurse, so it has it's ups and downs, but for the most part, I have sent people on their way in much better shape than the way they came in.

So, in closing, I am very satisfied with my decision, although, it is tough learning everything as I am only an RN for 2 months.

Go for it girl!!!!

I guess I'll admit it I'm 51, just graduated in Dec. with ADN, have a great full time job on Med Surg in 4th month of preceptorship and just yestersay decided to go for my BSN. My goal is to have my BSN by the time I am 55.

So no no no don't even think you are to old. You have plenty of time for a great career. One of my classmates was even older then me and of course we had a mix of 20's 30's 40's. There is a place for everyone in the nursing workforce regardless of your age. So good luck to you!!! :up:

Specializes in Med-Surg, ICU.

Sunny,

I'm coming up on 2 years as a new nurse and I just turned 45 in Feb. There are days when I wish I'd come to nursing earlier, but I also know the life experience I've had has made me the nurse I am today and was part of what motivated me through nursing school. I agree that other members of the healthcare team may assume that you are a 'seasoned' nurse, which can both work for and against you, depending on the circumstances, but eventually once they get to know you, knowing that you have (and use)sound nursing judgment will be what really matters. I know docs and other interdisciplinary team members that hold certain nurses in high regard and it has nothing to do with their age:wink2:.

I too have been told I look younger than my age, but not in my 20s!!! :bow:At any rate, I am not shy about telling my age to anyone who asks--I am proud of every year I have lived and I have yet to feel discriminated against by anyone as an "older" 'new' nurse. I choose not to look at the amount of time I have left to work but instead at how much opportunity I have ahead of me--my BSN and MSN are down the road, even if I am 65 or older when I get there:bugeyes:!

BasBleu,

You hit it right on the head:yeah:!!!!

Knowing and using sound Nursing judgement is what really counts in the end, and with that AGE should NOT be an issue:yeahthat:!!!!!

You really helped me to see that if someone is in a life/death situation and they look up and see me my AGE will not matter :D!!!!!!

Boy thank you soo much for your insight--it really was a blessing!!!

SunnyBeach

Specializes in ICU.

40 too old??? Heck no! Back when I was a medical secretary I met a nurse who didn't go to nursing school until 45. She never held a job in her life after marrying her high school sweetheart, raised their kids, and got divorced. She said it was the best career choice and she really did look happy.

There were a few 35+ students when I was in nursing school... I think one guy was about 50. It's never too late.

At the very least you will (hopefully :D ) be more mature, both professionally and emotionally, than some of the early 20-somethings I work with. Ugh. Some of them scare me with their attitudes.

Specializes in med-tele.

I am 47 years old and this is my first year of nursing. It's never too late for nursing. :specs:

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