I need some honest answers. I am 37 years old, and currently on a 4 yr waiting list for my ADN program. The LPN program has a 3 yr waiting list (start in 2009). Basically, it is going to take me 6 yrs to complete a 2 yr program if you really think about it. I don't feel like I am "ancient" but I wonder if, by the time I become an RN employers will think that I am too old to invest their time and money in. Also, I have read many different posts in different forums on this website, and every so often, I hear nurses saying that they have "bum" knees, developed medical problems, can't run up and down the hallways anymore, etc. Aside from being too overweight and not being able to identify the allergen thats has had me breaking out in hives (I am currently taking 4 Benadryl every 12 hours) for the last month, I'm basically normal (and will work on the weight). So, do I need to find a nice sit-down doing coding and transcription, or should I just get and stay in tip-top shape and hope for the best?
Also, I have 2 interests, first assisting or cardiology. In all honesty, I really want to get in the OR! At first I was going to go through the 1 yr program and become a Surg Tech, but I felt nursing would give me more flexibility. So, will I be able to hang with the young whipper snappers, or will I need a wheelchair to make it down the corridors? Please give me your honest feedback. Thanks.
be too old! gosh no! the ones with the knee and back problems have been doing it since their 20's and 30's. think how we can do it till we retire. besides as of today, i am 43, just graduated :mortarboard: in june, sat for my nclex this morning and already have a job in med/surg in a hospital "my dream job".
so go for it. you will never regret it. i haven't!
Go for the gold! You are never too old and besides that you should follow your dream! I went back and totally changed my career in my mid-thirties! Yes my knees hurt and yes my back hurts but I love my job! And by the way haven't you heard that the new "30" is "40"! How will you know if you con't try. Forgive me but I don't remember who posted this but...becoming a tech and working through the schooling is a GREAT idea. And, most hospitals do pay for your education. You may need to sign a contract to work for that hospital after you graduate, but considering they payed for your eduication most do not mind.
Good luck in what ever you decide and I hope you decide to follow through. And you are never too old:wink2:
You are not too old. I just started my first Nurse job at age of fifty. However-it is hard, more because I never worked in a hospital before than anything. Two of my classmates were older than me and had previous hospital experience--I know they are doing better than I am. For me, stuff like my bifocal eyesight, loss of hearing from previous jobs with loud noise, arthritis in my spine, overweight and slower reflexes has been a factor, especially when compounded by some unsympathetic clinical instructors, teachers, and nurses. However--think of it--you are way younger than me--you can do it, girl--and I can too! I would recommend that you knock out all your prerequisites now at a nice cheap community college or on-line, and look into a quick phlebotomy, CNA, unit clerk, or some type of training--then get working in it, while you wait. Would have really, really helped me. Good luck.
I have been a diploma RN for 33 years, and have embarked upon RN -> BSN. Plan to complete BSN degree by summer 2008... I will be 56 that summer. Too Old? Only if you think you are. Think of the personal pride and satisfaction of reaching your goal. My BSN goal was on and off for years, but I finally made the decision to finish all the general ed, and do the 1 year program for degree. I have had many life experiences, and have transferred through a variety of nursing positions, including middle management. There may be alot in the program which won't be great news for me, but just the activity of thinking, reading and studying, will make you expand your horizons. Keep focused. Nursing is a great career, because there are SO many different types of Nursing, that there is surely something for you. I have progressed through many specialties, and now am the only RN in Radiology in a community hospital. So I now take all types of experience and blend it into my daily activities.
Thanks to everyone for the advice on what to do while I wait to get into the ADN program and those of you who said it is never too late. Practically every school in South Carolina has a 2+ yr waiting list, and I can't afford to pay for a 4 yr degree, so I thought that this would be the quickest route. We even have people from 4 yr colleges who have finished their pre reqs trying to get into Midlands Tech because the 4 yr schools are becoming more "selective" based on GPAs and NO ONE is getting in! Also, Tech has had a 100% RN and LPN pass rate on a regular basis, so everyone and their grandma is trying to get in. At least I was able to go straight to the waiting list instead of having to take a bunch of pre reqs since I had a degree. Believe it or not, our Surgical Tech program also has a waiting list! It's crazy!!!
Thanks to everyone for the advice on what to do while I wait to get into the ADN program and those of you who said it is never too late. Practically every school in South Carolina has a 2+ yr waiting list, and I can't afford to pay for a 4 yr degree, so I thought that this would be the quickest route. We even have people from 4 yr colleges who have finished their pre reqs trying to get into Midlands Tech because the 4 yr schools are becoming more "selective" based on GPAs and NO ONE is getting in! Also, Tech has had a 100% RN and LPN pass rate on a regular basis, so everyone and their grandma is trying to get in. At least I was able to go straight to the waiting list instead of having to take a bunch of pre reqs since I had a degree. Believe it or not, our Surgical Tech program also has a waiting list! It's crazy!!!
Proof that the big part of the nursing shortage [& healthcare in general] is lack of instructors/facilities.
I am 52 and started school 5 weeks ago for ADN. Big career change for me, and I still am questioning my wisdom. Believe it or not, the younger students intimidate the hell out of me. It seems like they are so confident and know what they are doing. I feel really inadequate, because I have never worked in the health field before. Anyway, I say go for it. My motto is: "It's never too late to be what you might have been!"
I had an aunt who was in her 50's when she graduated from the ADN program at Baylor. She was getting ready to take the Boards, when she began having health problems. This was back in the 70's, and she told me back in 2001 that she never got to take them. She died last November from complications of a fractured hip incurred from a fall in a nursing home.
"my dream job".
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Guest717236
1,062 Posts
To op--- Consider pursuing the Surgical Tech training while you
wait for the waiting list for nursing school. It will give you
experience and income while you learn valuable skills.
It's never to late to pursue your dream..........
Good luck!