Too old to become an RN?

[CathyH]

I have been a dental assistant for 21 years and am at the point in my career where I am managing and don't get to do much chairside Assisting. I take care of insurance and do administrative duties mostly. I am 56 years old and am supposed to start an ADN program next month. I will be 58 when I graduate with my nursing degree. I have been working towards this for about 12 years, paying off debt and taking prerequisites during that time. I was supposed to start about 5 years ago but my current boss talked me out of it. My question is: am I too old at this point to go back to school and earn my nursing degree and will I be able to find employment at my age? Everytime I think I should just let it go, I just can't because it is something I have always wanted to do. Am I being foolish to do this? My boss thinks I am nuts.

[ebart03]

Only you can decide this. But I do have a couple thoughts as a second career nurse who graduated with a class of twenty somethings.

First, many hospitals are moving toward a BSN so you may have more school ahead of you if you get hired at a hospital. However, many of them offer some form of tuition reimbursement so that may offset the expense of additional schooling.

Second, bedside nursing can be very physically demanding, and it's not easy to get a job away from bedside care as a new grad.

Third, you may face age discrimination as an older new nurse. Some employers may be reluctant to invest in training someone who is closer to retirement.

But with anything, ask yourself if you will regret NOT doing this in five years. It's a lot of work but anything worthwhile usually is. If your heart is absolutely set on it, don't let your age alone discourage you.

Best of luck!

[AllenH]

At 57 I had no trouble getting a job, but more importantly, I got the job I wanted! You won't have to stay at the bedside if you don't want to. I intend to give it my best for a few years while I get my BSN and then re-evaluate. There is a world of opportunity for us and our age isn't such a big issue for getting that first job as it is in other industries. Older nurses can always find work if we're flexible and able to adapt. What have you got to lose? Follow your dream!