Too old to become a nurse??

ottersloveoysters · Oct 7, 2016

I did an accelerated nursing program for people who already had a bachelors degree. I had classmates in their 40s and 50s who completed the program and are working as nurses in various areas (inpatient oncology, school nursing, primary care). If you want to do it, go for it.

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 7, 2016

Only you can make that call. Do you live in an area where getting a job will be a problem after graduation? And will you like the kinds of jobs you may be able to get? Will you be getting an ADN or BSN?

In some areas, new grad ADN's have serious trouble finding a high quality job. Many employers prefer nurses with BSN's, limiting the options for those with just ADN's. In other places, that is not the case and new ADN grads don't have problems finding a job. What is the job market like in your town? That is the question you need to be asking.

Also, will you be having to borrow any money for this education? Can you really afford it? Or should you be saving this money for retirement while getting a job that doesn't require you to spend much money?

Are you really prepared to work nights, weekends, and holidays? If not, that will limit your job options (and pay) even further. A lot of people who imagine being a nurse, only imagine being an experienced nurse with the perfect job. They sometimes don't consider the first few years of a career in which is nurse may be working a less-than-ideal job or may be working the off shifts that the more senior staff doesn't want to work, etc.

But if you have really thought all of that through ... and done thorough research about the job's you will be likely to get after graduation ... and you still want to do it ... it can be done at your age. It's hard, but possible.

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Oct 7, 2016

Go for it

im still working full time, at 67.5yrs

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2016

Good day:

I started my prerequisites at age 50, and completed them in one year. God willing, I will graduate from the RN program I'm currently in this coming December 2016. I am the oldest in my graduating class. It is hard, but very doable.

Thank you.

MyteMite · Oct 7, 2016

Hi all ~

Thanks for your replies.

Yes, I can afford the school (paying out of my pocket). I'm retired WITH income so no issue there.

I have thought about working nights, weekends, whatever. As I was a CNA previously I worked EVERY schedule. So I know what that is about and I'm totally prepared to do whatever schedule is necessary for my job... until I can be a bit more choosy anyhow.

And I'm able to relocate. I'm not stuck in my current town by any means. My kids have their plans to go to colleges out of the area so I don't need to stay here for them. Actually I wouldn't mind relocating, but we'll see what

Initially I'll be doing an ADN program with plans to cross over to BSN after a bit. My goal is to work in either NICU, surgery, or Cardiovascular and I'm sure a BSN would help. I could do travel nursing too.... But I know I'll most likely start out Med-Surg and I'm totally okay with that.

I have thought about this A LOT, and I know what nursing schedules entail. I really just didn't know what it would look like once I do get done with the school...

Sounds like I'm not the only "older" person making this career change and that makes me feel better.

Any other advice is TOTALLY APPRECIATED! :-) If only just to hear other persons in my situation age-wise. :-)

Thanks.

Sour Lemon · Oct 7, 2016

I would not want to start this job in my 50s knowing what I know now, but there are people who do with no regrets.

My biggest concern would be the physical labor aspect of many nursing jobs (the kind new grads usually end up with) ...but since you've worked as a CNA, you have the advantage of knowing what that entails.

I also worry when I hear things like "long time dream". The dream and reality do not always match up, but again, it sounds like you've been in the setting and may have more knowledge about what you're getting yourself into than most people do.

Good luck to you!!

MyteMite · Oct 7, 2016

Good for you! I want to still be working at 67.5 as well :-)

Thank you

dspkfm · Oct 7, 2016

No you are not too old but do not wait for your name to be pulled out of the hat got to school on line. Get started somewhere there are folks out there that need some one who does not wear long finger nails, their hair slung over their shoulders, and who care what they do. Too many of the young nurses do not care and are in it for what they get out of it not what they can give

MyteMite · Oct 7, 2016

Go for it
im still working full time, at 67.5yrs

Good for you Sally! I want to still be working at 67.5 as well :-)

dspkfm · Oct 7, 2016

Excuse me Phd.....the ADNs are badly needed in many settings where there are small hospitals and rural areas....not all places have the luxury of big city

MyteMite · Oct 7, 2016

No you are not too old but do not wait for your name to be pulled out of the hat got to school on line. Get started somewhere there are folks out there that need some one who does not wear long finger nails, their hair slung over their shoulders, and who care what they do. Too many of the young nurses do not care and are in it for what they get out of it not what they can give

Agreed. I figure that I'll have that on my side. Again, I could just as easily move to Mexico and live next to the beach but, crazy me, I want to get another career and keep working. And finishing what I started years ago (nursing school) is what I've decided to do.

Thanks for your input.