Too Old to Enter Critical Care Nursing?

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Hi All,

I'm 35 and have been an RN for 10 years. I've done a few years of med-surg and some outpatient nursing/ care management. I've always had an interest in critical care, but admittedly, have felt slightly intimidated by it at times, thus have not yet entered this specialty. I know 35 is not old, but I wonder if it's a bit old to just be starting in critical care. I recall working with ICU nurses in their 40s and 50s, but I wonder whether they started younger than I would be. I'd appreciate any feedback about average age to start in ICU and whether there's a point at which you'd say 'find a different specialty.' Thanks so much!

Hi All,

I'm 35 and have been an RN for 10 years. I've done a few years of med-surg and some outpatient nursing/ care management. I've always had an interest in critical care, but admittedly, have felt slightly intimidated by it at times, thus have not yet entered this specialty. I know 35 is not old, but I wonder if it's a bit old to just be starting in critical care. I recall working with ICU nurses in their 40s and 50s, but I wonder whether they started younger than I would be. I'd appreciate any feedback about average age to start in ICU and whether there's a point at which you'd say 'find a different specialty.' Thanks so much!

LOL! Critical care nursing is not *that* much different than acute care. Sure, it's more in depth and the patients are much closer to the brink of death - but nursing is still nursing.

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I applaud you for that! I'm 36 & just starting out. My end goal is Hospice. I'm working on LPN to RN at the moment. I say it's never too late to start, especially if it's something you have a passion for.

Now 60 and just started working on my BSN. I know a lady that's 64 and just got her BSN. Now she's working on her masters.
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Hello,

Please don't get hung up on your age. I was in my 60's when I left the ICU. As long as your reflexes are up to par, your thought process is clear, in tact, quick, you're lucid & coherent you'll be fine. The most important quality one has to have working in the ICU is that you have to love it. There is so much work. You get to know your patients inside & out, literally. The work never stops. You usually have two sick patients.Your patients are so sick and you're the only one they have to depend on to get well. However, when you know they are improving & you have been part of that recovery, there is nothing like that feeling. I've had such a rewarding career & loved every minute of it.

BTW,

You think you learned so much in school; we'll wait, there is so much more to learn in all the units, you will be amazed.

I hope you make the right decision! However, at 35 y/o age should not be one of the deciding factors. Just make sure this is what you want. Good luck & God bless, Elissa

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Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply, Elissa. It's a privilege to have this kind of communication with a nurse who has so much experience and insight, such as yourself. What I do know about myself is that I love intellectual stimulation and challenge, I love anatomy & physiology and being pushed to think more deeply about cause & effect, and I'm not afraid of hard work. Do you mind if I ask how you got started? Did you start in the ICU, or did you have med/surg/tele experience first? I'm trying to prepare myself for this more intense role. Thank you!

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No just do it. Be ready for icu to be mentally tough and emotionally tough and maybe physically tough. Lots to learn but can be done

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Specializes in ICU, Postpartum, Onc, PACU.

If you can handle it physically and truly WANT to do it, go for it! xo

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