Thinking of Nursing career

LovelyOne · Jan 2, 2006

Hey there!

I saw you in the chat room earlier. I can only give you my opinion. I really don't think it will be a problem. I mean, unfortunately you may run into a few bumps, but don't let it stop you. I've heard a few people talk about older people being in their nursing classes or even being at their jobs as grads, so I really think it will be ok.

God Bless!

suzy253, RN · Jan 2, 2006

Go for it!!! It's never too late.

I'm due to graduate in May at age 53. Good luck to you. :)

stpauligirl · Jan 2, 2006

Hi,
I think I'm in the right forum now. Posted this on another; didn't get any responses. My question is, I'm 56 and thinking of starting over. I want to become a nurse, but I'm unsure if I would get hired at my age. Any opinions? Be brutally honest. Thanks.

Brutally honest, YOU CAN DO IT AND YOU WILL GET HIRED!!!!!! :)

I am right behind you at 46. After completing 3 prerequisite science classes I had the highest grades in A&P1 and Organic/Biochemistry. Now on to #4, microbiology, watch out here I come, getting my books and grannyglasses lined up.....I'm all fired up :angryfire and can't wait to get back to school and kick more butt. I wished I had all this energy and dedication 20 years ago.

Keep us updated about your degree plan etc.

Good luck

stpauligirl · Jan 2, 2006

Go for it!!! It's never too late.
I'm due to graduate in May at age 53. Good luck to you. :)

This is so wonderful and encouraging. Congratulations

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2006

Well, unless you look 70 and move around like you're 70, I don't see a problem. :chuckle They need RNs so badly your age is not going to matter. I'm 56 and just got hired at a new nursing job a year ago, nothing ever mentioned about my age. There's room for all ages of nurses out here. We had an LVN who worked until she was 68. She accidentally gave an enema to the wrong patient when she got floated one night to another unit (who never questioned her, turned on his side and let her procede) and decided she had better call it quits because she felt so bad about it.

visitn · Jan 2, 2006

I just recently graduated with my B.S. in microbiology at 46yrs old.

After working in a fish physiology research lab for five years while going to school, I have decided to pursue nursing.

I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one who at my age have decided to become a nurse. I am very excited about it and is looking forward to working on my prerequisites for nursing.

One of the major problems I face is that I no longer qualify for a student loan since I am pursuing a ADN. Any advise?

I am also very interesting in Neonatal Intensive Care and would like to know if there is anyone out there that could give me some information as well as some good advice on this.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jan 2, 2006

Never too late! Welcome aboard and we will cheer you on (and each other)...........

dettwiller5 · Jan 2, 2006

I just recently graduated with my B.S. in microbiology at 46yrs old.
After working in a fish physiology research lab for five years while going to school, I have decided to pursue nursing.
I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one who at my age have decided to become a nurse. I am very excited about it and is looking forward to working on my prerequisites for nursing.
One of the major problems I face is that I no longer qualify for a student loan since I am pursuing a ADN. Any advise?
I am also very interesting in Neonatal Intensive Care and would like to know if there is anyone out there that could give me some information as well as some good advice on this.

Hmm- I also have a BS (in Health Education and Sociology) and am starting an ADN program nest week. I qualified for a student loan. My understanding is that anyone qualifies for a student loan as long as the program is accredited and you have not defaulted on a previous student loan.

classicaldreams · Jan 2, 2006

Hi,
I think I'm in the right forum now. Posted this on another; didn't get any responses. My question is, I'm 56 and thinking of starting over. I want to become a nurse, but I'm unsure if I would get hired at my age. Any opinions? Be brutally honest. Thanks.

Hello Lwelling,

Honestly? I'll give my opinion. I'm 46 and just graduated from an ADN program last spring. Work now in a busy city ICU. This is the job I wanted and I had seven interviews and five job offers. Was turned down by two level I trauma center ICUs. My current job is in a level II trauma ICU.

I went to school with competent middle-aged women who did not get job offers like I did. One in particular I knew very well. We had worked together as aides in a community hospital. She applied to this hospital because a) she liked it there and b) because it was close to her home. She told them she would work any unit, any shift. They did not offer her a job. I know it wasn't because she wasn't a good employee, because she was. She confided in me one day and told me she thought they wouldn't hire her because she was overweight. (~50 lbs. or so). I haven't heard from her in a few months so I don't know if she ever found a job.

I also went to school with others who only wanted day shift jobs. Some found jobs, some didn't. While I live close to a major city, not all wanted to work in the city. That limited their job opportunities too.

So, if you can be flexible in where and when you can work as a nurse, then perhaps you won't have a problem. I'll admit that part of the attraction to nursing for me was the job security and opportunities. My first career was very competitive and I truely didn't enjoy competing with 50 or so other candidates for job opportunities. But I do think hospitals look at us 45+ set and take into consideration that we are at a higher risk for physical injuries. I always reminded them in interviews that while my physical age may be a deterent, my maturity is always an asset. In fact, one of the Level I trauma ICU managers mentioned to me the physical demands of the job and I commented that I walk 1.5 miles a day. (I wasn't offered a job.) After working in a ICU now for six months, I beginning to think I need to start lifting weights too! Walking just isn't enough.

Before you take the leap, why not research the job opportunities close to you. Good luck in your decision.

Classicaldreams

P.S. As an educational investment, though, it has been very, well, profitable! I didn't spend more than $5,000 on my education and now average $29.00/hr working! That is a great value considering today's education costs.