Starting nursing later in life

willowita, ADN, RN · Jun 27, 2012

You're not alone. My dad got his BSN at 38. Didn't start working as an RN until he was 49.

CDEWannaBe · Jun 27, 2012

I'm a 39-year-old female taking nursing prereqs. There are many guys in my community college classes between the age of 30-50 doing the same. A few have worked as paramedics, but most had non-healthcare jobs and now want to be nurses.

Bobmo88 · Jun 27, 2012

One of the travel nurses I work with was 51 when he started nursing school he's even considering going back to school to get his BSN. He worked as a truck driver then as a law enforcement officer before he was a nurse. It's never too late to go back to school.

Mgjn · Jun 27, 2012

Bobmo88,

How do you like travel nursing? I'm pretty sure I'd like to give it a go.

mzrainydayz, BSN, RN · Jun 27, 2012

In my micro class theres this guy who is 63 years old and he starts the nursing program in August. I think you can do it, just put your heart and soul into it. Age is only a number.

sdlane · Jun 27, 2012

It's never too late 40 is still young. People usually retire at 65 and up.

newbtonursing · Jun 27, 2012

I think so.

I'm 40.

I am capable.

I am determined.

I am ready!

Age is just a number!

You can do this. I think that older people can bring a lot to the table for an employer.

Besides, I see plenty of men in the field of nursing. In fact, A male nurse was the delivery room helping me when I delivered my daughter 17 years ago.

To be able to finish nursing school at any age is quite an accomplishment, and it isnt any easier for us older students. That says a lot.

I wish you luck in your new career.

Bobmo88 · Jun 27, 2012

Bobmo88,
How do you like travel nursing? I'm pretty sure I'd like to give it a go.

I'm not a travel nurse, I work as an ER Tech but I've worked with a lot of travel nurses. From what I've heard, it is a good way to explore different places around the country. Another traveler whose contracted just ended with us had worked in places like Hawaii and Alaska with his wife and they both enjoy it. I like traveling to different places but I would rather live in one area, work my butt off and take a lot of vacations instead of moving every 3 months. We'll see if I change my mind once I'm done with nursing school.

guitarguy99973 · Jun 28, 2012

I'm in a similar situation. 32...music degree...full/part time worship leader for 14 years. Married...7 yr old...one on the way. Wife is in med school...I start post-bach classes in August to start the nursing program next fall. This is CRAZY! But I'm ready!

itsmejuli · Jun 28, 2012

Why are you going into nursing when there is such high unemployment amongst new grad RNs?

As a machinist here in Alberta you'd have your pick of jobs and make more money than an RN.

I went into nursing at 45, if I'd known then what I know now I'd have picked another career.

Mgjn · Jun 28, 2012

Why are you going into nursing when there is such high unemployment amongst new grad RNs?As a machinist here in Alberta you'd have your pick of jobs and make more money than an RN.I went into nursing at 45, if I'd known then what I know now I'd have picked another career.

I'm already making good money. Honestly I'm not too concerned with making a lot of money. I've wanted to be a nurse for a long time now, not to mention the fact that my wife and I love to travel. I think travel nursing would be a good career for me. I've been a machinist for 16 years now, and trust me, it's not been the most rewarding job. Don't get me wrong, I'm very thankful for my present job. I love to help people though, and I can see a lot of other advantages to nursing.