Starting Nursing at 52 and Nervous

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Hi All! I just graduated in May and turned 52 in July. I've been offered a job on a telemetry floor and am very glad about it. I am also nervous about what to expect...I know the first year can be a devil for any new nurse but I have the added worry that I am an older nurse and just beginning. I'd love to hear advice from any and all but especially nurses who entered the profession at an older age about weathering the first year. I'm in good health but the twelve hour shifts scare me a bit in terms of the physical toll. I'd love to hear advice and any management/coping skills you could share that were helpful to you in being successful. Thanks!

Congratulations you are an inspiration to me ,because I will be starting Nursing school in October and I a 54 years old ,so continue the good work ,because I will be on this thread asking for advice

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Annie it seems like from what I have been reading on this thread ,that it depend on which region of the country you live in on how easy it is to obtain eployment, Florida appears to have a nurse shortage

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

wow, 52 seems to be the age! I am 52 as well and just graduated in January. Got a job in April, and am feeling fine. Here's some ideas;

Its tough on the feet, get good shoes. wear support hose. Have a nurse supply bag and leave it in the car. get organized about your lunches, always bring snack-y healthy foods like veggies and yogurt and cheese sticks. Drink a lot of water. Sleep when you're home. Cook big batches on your days off. Bring a sweatshirt or light jacket. Learn everything you can, ask questions and watch the experienced people. It really is better I think, to be older. The patients like you, the families feel you are experienced and you have a lot to offer because of living life longer than the younger nurses, you already know a lot about the body, illness and have better developed people skills. Be confident, but willing to learn. best of luck and welcome!

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Thank you Nurse for your advice ,it really will be of help to this 54 years old who is starting nursing school this October 2010.

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You'll do fine. If you were determined enough to start and finish nursing school, that same determination will help you through that critical first year, and beyond. I have been an LPN for 16 years and am just now finishing up pre-reqs to start the LPN to RN transition program this coming January, 2011. I just turned 55.:nurse: I agree with the post about "real world" vs nursing school, but only to a point. Yes, you will have to be flexible and, most importantly, able to think fast on your feet (something that gets easier with day to day experience), and you may have to devise creative approaches to patient care; HOWEVER, always keep your nursing school ethics firmly intact, and be careful not to get into bad habits. You'll quickly recognize the nurses who take risky shortcuts. Do not allow yourself to be influenced by anyone with lax nursing skills; simply say, "I've more or less developed my own approach to (name process)" and then do it the way you were taught. No one is looking out for your nursing license but you - protect it. And now, welcome to the truly rewarding world of nursing!star.png GREAT ADVICE!!!!!:yeah:
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Thanks for the teamwork advice because that is what it takes to give the patients good care:clpty:

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Congrat's eyeballs! I am 50, a new grad - and a whole month into a med/surg internship. I only agree with a piece of Jules response and that is anxiety at work. I believe because we are older that we have more life skills and recognize the repercussions of our actions more than a 22 year old fresh out of nursing school. My experience is that I take feedback very well and appreciate constructive criticism. I too feel no differences in age between myself and my colleagues, we are all RNs. Advice: Don't let the patient see your nervous! Its hard sometimes... also, don't hesitate to state your lack of knowledge or comfort in doing a task to your preceptor or charge nurse - don't do anything your not comfortable with. Lastly, I've only had one charge who "tried to eat their young," and it was ugly. Mostly my experiences have been positive and wonderful and I believe you will find nursing very fulfilling as I have. Good Luck to you! Jobs are hard to get for new nurses and we have to get experience somewhere, even if its not in our chosen area, so go with it, keep a positive attitude, and smile :-)

Age has many benefits in nursing as the response above indicates. Life experience and having learned the skill of prioritizing and the ability to accept and utilize constructive criticism are key to making a long day survivable. There is no doubt that being a new grad and putting theory into practice is overwhelming. The experienced nurse will not hold your hand through the process but if you are open to learning the "real" way things are done the experienced nurse will demonstrate those skills daily. Observe and if you do not feel comfortable attempting a new skill , be honest and ask for assistance. The patient should not know your apprehensive . If your in a situation you need assistance with,inform the patient that you would like another nurse to assist without going into an explaination of being a new grad to the patient. You will survive and at the end of this new experience be amazed at what your capable of achieving. Welcome to nursing !!!! :yeah::yeah::yeah::nurse:

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I got my LPN license in December at age 57, I turned 58 six weeks later. I am living a dream I've had since I was 7 years old. I too let my co-workers know that I am a new nurse. I work in a psych hospital and I have received nothing but support and encouragement from my peers. God has truly blessed my life. Good luck to you. :)

:)

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My mother graduated from rn two years ahead of me and she was in her 50s she is 76 now and continues to do home health in Ohio . She did it so can u.

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The fact that you are even concerned speaks volumes. I am a new grad of an ABSN program at the age of 43. I just started on Med/Surg/Peds and will eventually be working nights. Two things I have noticed, because I am older, I sometimes get more credit than I deserve and because of my age, nurses assume I am either not a new grad or even if I am, I somehow magically know more than other new grads. As nice as this feels sometimes, it scares the heck out of me. The second thing I have noticed is, although younger new nurses have more energy and stamina, we have much more patience and empathy with our patients and co-workers. So yes, we might be at work a few extra minutes charting and tidying up details, but our patients will feel comfortable and cared for which is what matters the most!!!

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Thanks Bird for your words of wisdom

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Dear Bionic Thank You for that advice I am 54 and will be attending nursing school in October this year ,and from your statement you seem to be able to prioritize very well and you are doing what I try to do daily focus on the positive. Thank you again

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