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.....
I'm with everyone else- DO IT!! I think one of the biggest things to fear in life is regret. If you decide not to go for it, twenty years from now you'll wonder "what if". Also, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how many "non-traditional" students will be in your class! The best of luck to you!!
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
Dear Deborah, I think you should go for it! After seeing the 95yr old grandmother, that just graduated, and wants to be a storyteller on a cruise ship, I know I was inspired! I'm an LPN, I started the Practical Nurse, program when I was 30yrs old. I am now 57yrs, and I am very motivated, to go back to school, or start my own business! Many blessings, and much success to you!
I'm joining the "procede with caution" group in this thread. I don't want to step on anyone's dreams ... but I am 52 years old and very glad I am not in an entry-level direct patient care role any more. My body couldn't handle it at this age.
Some people can do it, but there is a good reason you don't see many bedside nurses over 60. Working rotating shifts, 12-hour shifts, being on your feet a lot, irregular sleep patterns, irregular eating patterns ... etc. are sometimes more difficult for "older" people. Do a thorough -- and totally honest -- assessment of your health and your ability to handle the physicality of the profession, particularly most entry-level jobs. If you are confident that you will be able to handle it for long enough to justify the investment necessary to become a nurse, then go for it. If not, save yourself the heartache and the physical damage to your body and find another way to serve humanity. You may just live longer for it and there are many alternatives.
I have an older guy in my class -- I believe he is in his late 50's or even early 60's. I'm not sure why he is really going back to school because he has a bachelors and masters in education and did some type of coordination work for the public school. When we had to introduce ourselves to our class, he had mentioned that he is going back to school because he wants to do something "different" for the next 10 or so years before he retires.
But I think its great when people who are much older than others decide to head back to school! Good luck with everything! :)
Great discussion. At 54, I am able to work the hours I can do (typically about 7 hour days in a non-demanding fairly non-physical role). Mentally demanding- yes...What I could not do now is "mandated overtime", things like that.
I am also able to take off when I need to for doctors appointments. I have a special physical circumstance (cornea transplants).
So, if this is what you want to do- go for it-just be aware that the aging process presents some challenges. You might wish to apply for a less than traditional med/surg role....if your physical well-being demands less physical stress.
Great discussion. At 54, I am able to work the hours I can do (typically about 7 hour days in a non-demanding fairly non-physical role). Mentally demanding- yes...What I could not do now is "mandated overtime", things like that.
I am also able to take off when I need to for doctors appointments. I have a special physical circumstance (cornea transplants).
So, if this is what you want to do- go for it-just be aware that the aging process presents some challenges. You might wish to apply for a less than traditional med/surg role....if your physical well-being demands less physical stress.
Once again , I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of everyone's replies.
It is the physical demands that worry me--I'm actually great at learning new skills. I'll just have to keep thinking and talking to people and make a decision by September. thanks so much.
I'm really impressed by how many of you in your fifties are going strong!
Would it be realistic to think I could do something more administrative after 4 to 5 years?
wfperseus
23 Posts
Here's a link from yesterday's Boston Globe about a 59 yr. old who's just become a med-surg nurse: http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2007/05/27/she_was_destined_for_career_in_care/