starting over

I can only say that I am like you and only a couple years younger and I think we just have to go for it. I started a SRNA class today as one of 2 men out of 16 and there appeared to be a couple of the women who looked older than me. It feels right already and I think you will find out if its right for you.

There were tons of people in my class about your age who are now successful RNs .. In fact my school preferred this age group because they felt that they were more prepared for the coursework ..at 24 I was one of the youngest and the youngest was about 21. I think the oldest may have been about 62, lots in their 40s. And lots of people in between! It's really hard and some life experience gives you an edge .

The reality of hiring for any job, is that over 50 is an undesirable. Just take a look at statistics.

Right now there are more nurses than there are jobs, so employers have their pick of applicants.

A twentysomething new grad usually has an edge over a 50 something. Again, that's not just nursing.

The above is not carved in stone or an absolute. It's just a very basic consideration. Where you live, what kind of nursing job you want, and how you look are all parts of the equation. I graduated at 35 years old and had a job within weeks. Over the next 10 years I job hopped and never had a problem finding another. Now that I'm late fifties, I'd have a hard time finding another job in my area. Even with more than 20 years experience. It's all about supply and demand and there's a huge surplus of nurses right now.

It might be different in four years.

Best of luck to you.