Too late to be a nurse?

Brilton · Mar 28, 2014

Just today my nursing instructor told me they had a 72 year old graduate from our ADN program. He had been a parishoner and wanted to go into hospice care :) Also, this goes for everyone I talk to about going to college, DON'T go into debt. It's better to get a degree from a community college or a cheap state school than to be in debt.

DosmoRN · Mar 28, 2014

Won't hurt to give it a try. Nursing is a learning experience that will never stop. There is always something to learn. If that's what you like, you probably will like nursing. If that's your attitude, you will likely be well accepted by others. It takes stamina, organization and the ability to move fast and think on your feet. (especially in the hospital... but remember there are all kinds of nursing besides hospital)

I think if you can pass the courses required for a nursing education and qualify for a license, you may not find it as hard getting a job as you imagine. You age is a distinct advantage. You have already encountered a number of the tragic and complicated problems people face in life. You have surely come through difficulties yourself. Your employers should feel confident that you know what responsibility means and understand the need to protect what must remain confidential. Many Doctors will be younger than you (in fact they may seem like kids) so possibly you can be patient with them at the same time you defer to them professionally. The greatest ability you must have, is good judgement.

Perhaps not all employers will consider what I have in this post. But they should respect a person capable of learning new skills and taking on a demanding new career at a time when many look forward to retirement. As a retired nurse, older than you, I admire your

ambition.

If you find that nursing is too rigorous for you, you still will have learned a lot! Look into being an LPN, a pharmacy, lab or x-ray tech. The best of luck to you. Again you have my admiration.

Nurse2B2016 · Mar 28, 2014

VERY well said ^^^^^

ldriggers238 · Mar 28, 2014

Hi, I am 54 and will be graduating May, 2015 with a RN, BSN. I am the oldest in the class but I'm determined, committed, and have a mountain of life experiences. I do study all the time and my youngers tell me they do as well, so I think its an even playing field. I've always wanted to be an RN, my mother and grandmother were both nurses. Now that my kids are grown, husband is retiring, I just felt like the time was right for me to pursue this. It has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, the BSN program. When I graduate, I will not only have the satisfication of this huge accomplishment, I will also have the built-in commitment, devotion, and life experiences to bring with me. I can only say.....LOOK OUT, HERE I COME!!! Good luck to you and YES you are never too old!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Mar 28, 2014

I have been wondering the same thing myself. I will be 45 this year and have just started back to school working on my prerequisites . I love all of the positive responses to your question. Good luck!

If your avatar is a picture of you and a buddy, please change it. This site tends toward the anonymous (as much a the internet can be so), and you're making yourself far too easy to identify.

https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/please-dont-use-907925.html

Cathylady · Mar 28, 2014

Go for it! I became an RN at 61 and hope to be a great nurse for decades. There are active nurses in their 80's. My suggestions include focus on your studies stay goal oriented, get some experience between semesters like CNA or volunteer work and finally, forget about your age! When you've succeeded doing something/ anything you really value, you won't be thinking about your age, you'll feel overwhelmingly grateful. And you'll be a terrific nurse. Good luck :)[/quote']
Wow you are amazing! I'm so jealous. I'm getting ready to retire from 30 years if teaching. All 30 years I wish I had become a nurse,

awwberry · Mar 28, 2014

I honestly feel that you are never too old to learn! I knew a 90 year old man that went to college after his wife passed away to get his associates degree and learn Spanish...if he can do it, so can you. My dad did a Psychiatric Technician program in his late forties/early fifties and was successful and he absolutely loves his job. As far as getting a job after you're finished, legally they cannot discriminate against you based on your age. Nursing involves a lot of standing/walking so as long as you're up for that I say go for it! Best of luck to you :cat:

Cathylady · Mar 29, 2014

Go for it! I became an RN at 61 and hope to be a great nurse for decades. There are active nurses in their 80's. My suggestions include focus on your studies stay goal oriented, get some experience between semesters like CNA or volunteer work and finally, forget about your age! When you've succeeded doing something/ anything you really value, you won't be thinking about your age, you'll feel overwhelmingly grateful. And you'll be a terrific nurse. Good luck :)[/quote']
Dolma how many years have you been nursing and in what capacity?
A nurse at 60; that's awesome.

LisaM30 · Mar 29, 2014

I started my RN program July 2013 at the age of 48. When I finish in June of 2015, I'll be 50! This too was my second career. I was a legal assistant for the first half of my life, and really got tired of it. I've wanted to be a nurse since my early 20's. I figured that if I spent two years learning a new profession, at least I'd spend the second half of my working life in a happy, fulfilling job. I say go for it! : )

martha keaton · Mar 29, 2014

I say go for it. I am 49 and in nursing school. Someone once wrote to Dear Abby and said , "Abby, my kids want me to go to a 4 year schooling program but that would make me 50 years old when I am done." Abby wrote back to her, "how old are you going to be in 4 years if you don't go to school?" I have never forgot this and it has motivated me all these years to go back to school, no matter what age. You can do it and you should.

Isis Phoenix · Mar 29, 2014

Well as we know age is just a number; if you are physically, and mentally healthy and if it something you want to do badly....go for it..... if you need self-actualization. However, when I look at the trends in employment. It is very difficult for older experienced nurses to obtain employment....I don't know how and older person would fare as a new grad.The economic downturn may put a damper on the number of opportunities available, but you can also create your own job if you have the capital, and the resources.

MedicalPartisan · Mar 29, 2014

There are numerous people in the 40-60 range enrolled in the program at my school. If it's what you truly want and you are certain you're physically and mentally able to take it on, I say go for it.