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

Specializes in Cardiac/Med Surg.

:welcome: hi

i was 51.75 when i took the boards and passed...go for it. of course i did the 2 yr program but i am thinking of the bsn in the spring of 2008, wanted to get my feet wet first. a friend of mine's friend is graduating now and he is 63 and loves med/surg...he was/is a buddhist monk!!!!!!!!!!!

have fun, much easier when you are older and can go with the flow!!!

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

Go for it! I was 50 when I started nursing school---three yr program, graduated at 53, took my NCLEX and passed and have been working as an RN for almost one year and loving it.

Never too late!

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Specializes in Tele, Acute.

Go for it! I was 49 when I graduated from LPN. I am now 60, work on a tele floor at a local hospital and also taking pre reqs for bridge program.

I am no where close to giving up bedside nursing.

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

I think the question deserves a thoughtful answer. Look at your fitness level and choose a specialty appropriately. Some specialties require more physical stamina than others ie; critical care with no aids and running codes. You also have to consider your mental quickness. Some are quite fit at 55, others are not.

Yes on nursing at 55. Just be realistic in considering your place in the nursing world.

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

I didn't start at 55, but I returned to ICU after 10 years away, at 52. I made the transition easily, and at 53 moved to a fairly fast-paced ED and am doing well. (I am now 55). My younger co-workers say I have more energy than them, and my years of experience lead to a calm co-worker and good judgment (they say I'm great to have available when their patients crash). Go for it!!!

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I think the question deserves a thoughtful answer. Look at your fitness level and choose a specialty appropriately. Some specialties require more physical stamina than others ie; critical care with no aids and running codes. You also have to consider your mental quickness. Some are quite fit at 55, others are not.

Yes on nursing at 55. Just be realistic in considering your place in the nursing world.

Thank-you, that is just the way I'm looking at it. going to take this summer to get fit--then start pre-reqs.

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I didn't start at 55, but I returned to ICU after 10 years away, at 52. I made the transition easily, and at 53 moved to a fairly fast-paced ED and am doing well. (I am now 55). My younger co-workers say I have more energy than them, and my years of experience lead to a calm co-worker and good judgment (they say I'm great to have available when their patients crash). Go for it!!!

This is very encouraging---thanks for telling me a little about your transition!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Good luck to you.

A lot of it depends on your individual health, do you have a good back, good knees, good general health. There are a lot of nurses where I work in their 40s and 50s, but not many beyond. I'm not sure where they go, but it doesn't seem to be a profession where many people work until they're 65 and beyond (I work in a hospital). Of course we all can tell of story of the one nurse we know that at 70 and still running up and down the hallways.

Not to discourage you, but realistically it's for the strong in mind, spirit and body.

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I got out as an LPN at 52, and am now pursuing my RN and then plan on getting the BSN then MSN to become a FNP.

Go for it, ya old fart.

:)

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I figure when my knees start giving out, I'll do home health out in the country. Not much standing, lots of driving, no rushing around. Guess there are lots of places to go when the knees quit. Staff development, dialysis, anesthesia, offices, schools...

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I'll be 47 this fall when I finish my accelerated program.

Next years class has a student in her late 50's. So I don't think that you are at all crazy for wanting to become a nurse.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

My dear. YOU GO FOR IT. Jump in with both feet and have a good career!!!

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