Terrified!!!

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Hello to all. I am new to the ALLNURSES world, glad to be here :-) someone recommended this site since I am considering a nursing career at the ripe old age of 53. Yes I said it 53, lolol and I'm terrified that going back to school may be tough. Is 53 too old to try and make this particular career change? I would certainly welcome any and all feed back .. :no:

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Hello to all. I am new to the ALLNURSES world, glad to be here :-) someone recommended this site since I am considering a nursing career at the ripe old age of 53. Yes I said it 53, lolol and I'm terrified that going back to school may be tough. Is 53 too old to try and make this particular career change? I would certainly welcome any and all feed back .. :no:

You have a lot to consider. This is a question that gets asked frequently. What are you doing for work right now and how would you pay for school?

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If you have the time and money, take a chance and try, it's the only way you will know if nursing is a good career move for you.

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There are many threads here regarding this topic, check them out. Many responders say... go for your dream.

Nursing is a physically demanding profession. Pulling it off in your late 50's will be difficult. Do you think you can stand on your feet for 12 hours without a break?

I started to feel the physical demand in my 50's and had to push myself everyday to do my job. Nurses also have many job related injuries that are exacerbated by age.

Best of luck with your decision.

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

I don't like to discourage anyone. I will advise that you think long and hard before you go into nursing. You have to consider the financial aspects of going back to school which may or may not be an issue for you. But also please remember that the process of becoming a nurse does not end when you pass the NCLEX. If you plan on being a hospital floor nurse, you will, most likely, have to deal with very stressful, physical work, the first year or two of which may be quite intense. That being said, once you get some experience more opportunities open up and you might find a great specialty that fits your situation and skills. As has been said many times, nursing is a broad field with many varied opportunities. Best wishes to you.

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If you truly want to go to nursing school and become a nurse, you can do this.

Like you, I was 53-years-old when I started nursing school, following a 15-year career in another profession. When I graduated from my ADN program, I was 55, and had NO problem finding a job. A year out of nursing school, I am now on job number three, as I am still trying to find my niche within nursing.

The physical aspects of the job probably do catch up to folks in their fifties (for those who started in their twenties), but if you have previously had a sit-down job, like I did, and you are in good shape, you will be fine.

I have no problem with 12-hour shifts. And I work 7p to 7a. In fact, after work this morning, I drove an hour to an appointment and was told I didn't look like a person coming off of a 12-hour overnight shift. The remark was: You don't look haggard.

Believe me, I was tired!

So, if you want to do this: Do it. You only have one life to live, so make it count.

Best wishes.

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Why do you want to switch careers? And why nursing? These are two important questions.

What is the new grad market in your are? What are hospitals hiring? ASN or BSN nurses? How is your physical health? Do you think you can do night shift?

Lots of questions you need to think about.

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Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.

I felt it in my early 40s. Really, really felt it :)

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If you have the money and time I would say go for it. My grandma graduated nursing school at the age of 60, as an immigrant. Nothing is impossible.

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Are you looking into an accelerated program?

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I too am going to start nursing school...I will be 50 years old in November. I know that nursing is physically demanding, nothing I am not used to. I wanted to do nursing when I was young but a 7 year waiting list, kids to raise, and bills to pay made me go a different route. Medical assisting. Now that my kids are grown I AM going to do what I originally wanted to do! What area of the country are you in?

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I would consider the physical demands and the financial ramifications of heading back to nursing school. For example, some private schools can cost upwards of $80,000...is that a debt you wish to take on in your 50s? On the other hand, if there is a Community College program you could attend, the costs will be much, much lower.

If cost and physical demands are not an issue for you, then I absolutely would say "go for it!".

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