Too old for Nursing?

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Hi All , I was wondering around what age is it when the nursing field start to put a toll on ones health? I know that everyone is different, but seriously what age is it when you realize I'm not 21 so I can't stand on my feet long or lift patients? I know ladies that are close to 60 becoming a RN and I was just wondering where will they find the strength.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

That's a very good question. Direct care (bedside) nursing is a very physical job and most hospitals have 12 hour shifts. In my organization, only 13% of our bedside nurses are > 50 years old & 7%> 60. The > 50 nurses who are still going strong, have been doing it for quite a while. It certainly is not the norm.

However, there are a lot of other types of nursing jobs that are no so grueling. Physician offices, clinics, home care, private duty, etc... lots of alternatives are available.

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