starting a nursing career at 55??

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Hi everyone---

Just wondering how many of you have come to nursing in your fifties?

I'm fascinated by the idea of nursing--but would be 55 by the time I got out of nursing school--with a BSN, if I start the pre-reqs this fall. I'm most interested in working in peds, oncology, or L&D. Do most of you find this to be physically do-able into your sixties?

I'm also thinking of trying to get a masters after a few years experience--which would make me an NP by about 60 how crazy is that?

Because I feel like I'm going to live a long time(with any luck) and I'm not the retiring kind I'd love to be able to work until about 70.....

Thanks so much for listening!

Deborah

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Specializes in Nurses who are mentally sicked.

Nothing is impossible... The only person that will stop you from doing it is.....YOURSELF.

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Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

You'll be 55 no matter what, so you might as well be doing what you want with your life.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.
You'll be 55 no matter what, so you might as well be doing what you want with your life.

:yeahthat:

Exactly! If it's what you want to do, then go for it!

Good luck!

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You'll be 55 no matter what, so you might as well be doing what you want with your life.

Thank you so very much for making my day a little sunnier! I, too, am an "older nursing student". I will be 46 when I finish school next Spring. I am hoping to go on to CRNA school after that.

You have really put a spring in my step, realizing that I am not alone. Thanks.:loveya:

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Ditto. Everyone will assume that you have been nursing for years. The only thing worse than not going for it would be wishing you had. I say go for it!

Carpe Diem!

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Hi,

I am new to this country where nursing is very different from my own country. I feel as if I am just starting out! I am 55 this year and as already mentioned you will be 55 whatever you do so do what you want most! Life is such an adventure and you and I know that however old/young you are you feel the same inside. Good luck and best wishes in your new career.

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Specializes in OB, NP, Nurse Educator.

Many years ago when I was attending my ADN program there was a 67 year old retired lady in our class - she did great! As long as you are mentally sharp and physically able you should be fine! Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

I say go for it!!Good luck to you.Did you see the lady who was 95!!! that just graduated from college?

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Thanks to everyone for all the encouragement--and I'm glad I made my 45 yr. old buddy feel young. (I often say--wow--I wish I was 40 again--and my daughter says "40?--that's so old...!" Not to me!)

I may start boning up on my math--so I can get into the bio classes :o)

Thanks to all!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

I hope it's do-able since I'll be 56 when I graduate and 56 or 57 by the time I pass the NCLEX.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

The traditional retirement: "65 & out" is no more. You may want to continue to work at least PT till 75 or so. Might as well pursue your dreams.

I'lll be 55 by the time I complete my Mastersd in Management, BTW

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