Too old for school?

noahsmama · May 16, 2011

I was 49 when I graduated from nursing school, and one of my fellow students was 55. Last I heard, she was happily working in an ED. I'm very happy with my career change too -- kind of wish I had done it sooner, but that's water under the bridge now. Better late than never!

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 16, 2011

Go for it!! Age is just a number.

Pixiesmom, BSN, RN · May 16, 2011

You are never to old to follow your dreams! You will definitely encounter students younger than yourself but you will learn a lot from them and they will definitely learn a lot from you.

tokidokifantasy · May 16, 2011

Age is just a number. Don't let it get in your way of doing what you want in life. LOL!! You will meet people of different age group in the program, no need to feel embarrassed. A lot of my classmates are old and mature, and I find that as the key to succeed in the program. you can do it!!

DDdove, LPN · May 16, 2011

I am a new nurse and I am 54!! Loving my first job and keeping up with the young ones :) Planning on nursing for 5 yrs and moving to DON hopefully. Good luck and enjoy!

AngelicDarkness · May 16, 2011

I have recently been accepted to OHSU school of nursing. I am excited and scared. I am currently 50 years old. Does anyone think that this is too late to be starting a nursing career? I have a friend that is currently attending ITT nursing school in Boise, Id. She will only attend school a couple of days a week and finish in less than two years. I will be in school for 3 years, by then, I will be almost 54. I am afraid at the University I will be surrounded by young people in their early 20s. At ITT tech, the age range seems to be for people in their 40s. I guess I am just worried that I will be the only "old" person in the class. I know it is foolish to worry about "fitting in" but I think we never outgrow the feeling of being the odd person.

GO FOR IT!:) Don't give up on that dream!!!! My classmate in the RPN program was 55 and he passed with flying colours. He's studying to be an OR tech!:)

LongislandRN23 · May 16, 2011

I do not think there is an age limit to becoming a nurse. However do I think that the younger generation who are just emerging to start their first career should have extra competition from those twice their age and already had a career? That is a discussion for another time.

If your going to be 54 how long do you expect to work? For 10 years and then retire?

Nikki0727 · May 16, 2011

Not to old to be a nurse..i'm only 25 but one of my co-workers and friend is in the program and he is 60!

Wilh57 · May 16, 2011

I started school when I was 50...I am now 54 and just graduated in March. I'm studying for the boards right now, and I'm more nervous about that than I was starting school. Most of the people I became friends with were the same age as my children, but we had the most fun and I couldn't have done it without them. I also found out that I wasn't the only old person there. Just go for it. It's a whole new world.

DPSGraduateNurse · May 16, 2011

A student my class is 70yo! It's his ambition that keeps him motivated.

Good luck!

zbb13 · May 16, 2011

Go for it. I'm 46 and will be starting nursing school in the fall. It is never too late to pursue your dreams.

NamasteNurse, BSN, RN · May 16, 2011

I graduated with my LPN at 50 and now at 53 am starting on my RN. Nothing beats being 'older'. You already have so much more experience than the younger ones. You've had a body for 50 years so A&P makes more sense. :)

You already know how to 'think critically'. You already know how to ignore drama, get along with people, go to bed or study rather than party. You know that life is short and this may be youe big chance so you will most likely work harder than you would have back then.

Older residents like older nurses, we 'get them'. You will not want to 'fit in' with the 20-somethings anyway, so why worry? This younger generation seems to accept people of all ages really well. There's just so many perks. Best of luck.