The first thing I am worried about is that there is no spell checker here! :-)
I am 55 years old and am just in my first year in a fine ADN program. I went back to getting my nursing degree which is somethins I wanted to do a long time ago in my life.
I have a MS in Systems Management and had 15 good years in health care management. However, I have not had a job for sometime. I have had HR and recruiters alike people actually tell me that my age is a problem now. I know!!! That is Illegal, but.....unless they say that in writing or with wittnesses......
Here is my big worry: I have seen conflicting reports here as to what is the job market place really like out there. One of the practical reasons I chose nursing was the "Shortage". Since I am in good health, I felt my age may not be such a major factor when I graduate and try to find a job. Is there going to be a job for me in the Spring of 2004?
I too still have ambition and would like to go on in to an advanced practice; probalbly CRNA. I know that nursing informatics would seem a good choice, but CRNA is something I have considered for many years when I really searched my heart.
Don't worry - you will be fine. I am 50 and just got my ADN five years ago. I did Med/Surg for 2 years after graduating, which was a little difficult (long halls for eight or twelve hours on your feet) but then I went into home care, which is great, and I have no desire to do anything else at the moment. I plan to continue my education and go for a BSN at least, even if I'm 60 before I get it. When I was in school, I would say that at least half of the class was middle age or older - I felt very much at home. I don't think you will have a problem finding a job at all, especially being a male. Most places love male nurses.
My aunt graduated nursing school at 58, worked a few years and then retired. No problem.
I was the nurse recruiter at my facility for a little while (hated it! and am now back at the bedside) and I did make an offer to an 58-year-old newly graduated male nurse.
I don't think you'll have a problem. Certainly do not bring it up in an interview and just stress your good points.
luvbeinganurse
37 Posts
Don't worry - you will be fine. I am 50 and just got my ADN five years ago. I did Med/Surg for 2 years after graduating, which was a little difficult (long halls for eight or twelve hours on your feet) but then I went into home care, which is great, and I have no desire to do anything else at the moment. I plan to continue my education and go for a BSN at least, even if I'm 60 before I get it. When I was in school, I would say that at least half of the class was middle age or older - I felt very much at home. I don't think you will have a problem finding a job at all, especially being a male. Most places love male nurses.