When are you too old to start nursing school?

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Nursing is a physical job: is there a point where you are simply too old to take on the rigors of being a brand new RN? I left my soul killing career to go for a long held dream of being a RN. I did prerequisites (take it from me: nurses are the smartest people in the world. The hardest course in my supposedly fancy grad program was nothing compared to A and P). and to my amazement got accepted into a program. At 50, I think I am definitely the oldest person in the entering class. NAs summer approached I learned that a nagging back pain stemmed from a congenital defect that requires major back surgery to avoid nerve damage. Sooooo: daaaamn. Good news is that the program, rather than have someone in clinicals who had recent back surgery, will hold my place and I can begin next year. So why am I feeling by waiting a year, recovering and getting strong, I'll be too ridiculously ancient? I feel like a freak, age-wise. So after fter all this work and luck, I feel like it's ridiculous to begin something that will now be a three year process. Should I just be happy that I have a spot and take the year to get square physically? Or should is it getting to the point where I am just in general too old to begin a physical new career and should I slink back into the drudgery of what I did before?

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care-Family Medicine.

Most jobs (at least around here) require that you be able to lift 50 lbs without assistance. I've never heard of anyone actually having to do this in an interview or pre-employment screening, but it is a job requirement and it clearly states you are not eligible for hire unless you meet all requirements. I would say age doesn't matter as long as you are physically capable of doing the job.

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

This is a highly personal decision and could only be made by you. It's best to evaluate it on your own without others' input because everyone will have a different opinion and nobody here knows where you're at in life (e.g. finances, retirement plan, and family obligations) or what nursing means to you. Once you've made the call, just own it and move on.

It is a good idea to take that year off to get yourself physically ready.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

As a new grad you will be doing bedside nursing. 12 hour shifts either days or nights and on your feet. There are no two ways about it..it is physically demanding. If you can get through a couple years then possibly you could get away from the bedside and find something in an office.

There is no real way to say it will "all be ok" because it may not. I did med surg for 2 years and switched to psych because I felt it was something my body could handle longer. While I am not moving 300 pound patients I am still on my feet turning and burning all day.

I am not saying do it or don't do it. Just be aware before you spend a ton of money on nursing school of the physical demands.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.
Nursing is a physical job: is there a point where you are simply too old to take on the rigors of being a brand new RN

I started my prerequisites for the RN program I'm now in at age 50. Jesus willing, I graduate this coming December 2016; I'm now 53. Currently (this can change as each semester, students come in either from LPN bridging or retaking a class which can put them in our graduating class) I'm the oldest student; I'm also one of seven guys. Depending on the topic, it does take me longer to "get it," but that doesn't stop me.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.
As a new grad you will be doing bedside nursing. 12 hour shifts either days or nights and on your feet.

On your feet, most likely, but the 12 hour shifts depend on the facility as well as the employee (at least in our area). There are hospitals in our area that will allow employees (including brand new hires) to do five eights or a combination of 8's and 12's, or just 12's. It's not a requirement to do 12 hour shifts.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Ok that is your place. However we need to be real and understand their is a high chance she will be working 12s. And even 8's with non stop work is not easy. I am not saying she should not do it. There are nurses were I work in their 60s. I am saying just be honest with yourself because this job is both physically and mentally demanding. If she can handle it that is awesome and I wish her the best.

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Well considering there are nurses in their 20s and 30s who are very out of shape and struggle with being on their feet 12 hours at a stretch, I say do what you feel like you can/want to do.

Read your last sentence OP...take the year to get yourself healthy and then jump in. Age is relative. You know when you're too old? When you're dead, that's when. Good luck!!

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Dude, you're my new hero!

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I started my prerequisites for the RN program I'm now in at age 50. Jesus willing, I graduate this coming December 2016; I'm now 53.

You're my new hero! Sorry-- getting the hang of this site. To be honest, my assumption is that I will end up in administration or regulatory work. I have a master's in finance and supposedly had some pretty poofed up jobs. So my "worth" would be in the admin / finance area. What I really want: someone like me, a finance person who had no clinical knowledge, is often the driver of how things are done. And that is not okay. Nurse managers who got it and weren't afraid of finance jargon and spreadsheets pushed back. And they are great managers. What I want is every RN manager -- nurses run hospitals in all ways -- to understand enough finance (it's suuuuuper easy, they just use big words to make it inaccessible) to be able to be in control of clinical decisions. Not insurance companies or accountants. So: I decided to become an RN to bridge that gap. Maybe I could teach finance and budgeting for nurse managers and I could avoid 12 hour shifts! Oh: I used to be a super fit full-time mountain biker waaaay back, so I think once my back is fixed I can get pretty fit. I'm also oddly strong for a small woman. Part Shetland pony ������

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Specializes in ICU.

To be honest, I'm 40 and it's hard. Not so much the lifting of patients, it's the 12 hour night shift on my feet. I wear good shoes and good compression socks to help with my feet and legs. My varicose veins are getting worse. But, I love my job. I love what I do. Night shift just kills my body though.

In my area, which is experiencing a nursing shortage, new grads work nights. And all hospitals are 12 hour shifts. Most units start you out on nights because it's easier to handle and you don't burn out as easily. I'm hoping to prove myself and go to days in about a year.

They have hired new grads that are over 60. Two, as a matter-of-fact. It's not impossible to do. But you need to know what your job market is because not all areas are like my area. Many areas are saturated with new grads and some are having difficulties finding jobs. Have you done that?

It sucks to be in a job you hate, but far too many people let their jobs define them. Your job is one of many hats you wear during the day. You have a lot to think about. You need to weigh how your back will handle the work and what the job market is like in your area. Can you afford to live your life without a paycheck if you don't find a job?

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

There is a lady in her 60s in my program. I don't think 50 is too old. Good luck

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