working nurses that started late in life

quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN · Apr 4, 2016

The only thing I would have done differently is to have done it sooner.

I started the 2 year ADN, but due to some family issues, got my LPN instead. I am not sure if I will finish the ADN or not. I love working in LTC and am starting to do some agency nursing and looking into travel nursing too.

I was not the only older student in my classes either. By that I mean 40's and 50's.

If this is something you have been wanting to do it and can start now, go for it. I don't regret doing it late in life either. I was past 50 when I started.

roser13, ASN, RN · Apr 4, 2016

You must be in good shape physically to even think about nursing. I started at age 40 and had plenty of energy & stamina. 19 years later, all of us in our mid-late 50's are trying to find desk jobs. I don't mean to be discouraging - I've seen some "older" nurses run circles around younger nurses. I just don't think you can go into this career at a later age with any pre-existing deficits.

Also, I hope that you've done your homework as to the current job market in your area (assuming you don't want to move). Do not believe the prevailing attitude in the media that there is a nationwide shortage of nurses. There is not. Some areas are over-saturated with new grads.

Good luck!

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Apr 4, 2016

You will be required to be in good shape, not only during the 2 years of training.. but well into the start of your nursing career.

For what it's worth, I could handle a physically demanding floor nurse position at 60.. but that ability is completely individual.

Can you apply to the sonography program, find out if your are accepted.. before starting nursing school? The salary is comparable and the work is nowhere near as physical.

( Please tell me your avatar is not a real photo of you).

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Apr 4, 2016

I agree that you need to be in great physical shape. I went to school in my mid-thirties and am now over forty. Floor nursing is physically difficult- especially on the back. Twelve hour shifts re no joke, either.

I also think that avatar picture would be best to come down if it's you. The more anonymous you are on "the internet", the better ...especially regarding issues with your future job and/or schooling.

momt5 · Apr 4, 2016

:) yes it was. I changed it. No, I can't apply to the sonography program yet. I would have to take physics and apply for 2017. They only take 30 students per year so it is a risk.

While, I've had 2 years off, I've been a martial artist for 7 years. I started in my early 40's with my kids so I'm in relativity good shape with room for improvement that I could do the next 5 months to prepare.

However, the physical side of it has come into consideration. My youngest child is 11 and the oldest is 21, so I've been pretty active for most of my life. But you are correct, the past couple of years I have felt the difference! The other consideration is the amount of stress school would entail. At my age, the program seems intimidating.

momt5 · Apr 4, 2016

In terms of market, I'm in the Atlanta, Ga area. Long term. I would like to work in geriatrics, possibly in home bound health care.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Apr 4, 2016

LOL here , if you are a martial artist.. pretty sure you can do floor nursing:).

The nursing curriculum is surely challenging.. but if the college accepted you into the program, you must be very bright. Again, it's all individual... but I am 64 and my current position requires me to learn new concepts on an ongoing basis. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Plus, your 11 year old can help you with the math

Can you take physics now, apply for the 2017 course.. just in case? Or is it only one program per customer?

momt5 · Apr 4, 2016

No, you can't apply until you have completed all pre-requisites. Since I have been accepted I think I'm gonna go ahead and go for the nursing degree. College was certainly less intimidating when I was younger. But, I figure if I can make it through microbiology with an A I should be able to catch on to the rest!

OlivetheRN, ADN, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2016

When I went through my ADN program we had a student who was 55 when we graduated. She did just fine throughout the program and is working on our oncology floor. While our class had one of the youngest average ages in a long time, we had a few people over the age of 50, three total if I remember correctly. It can definitely be done :up:

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Apr 4, 2016

Micro is tough, Anatomy and physiology is tougher.

Good luck! Feel free to PM me anytime.

EA2RN2017 · Apr 4, 2016

Congratulations on getting into a nursing program, momt5. I am also starting school late in my 40s and you got me thinking too. I have been working at the hospital as clinical technician for the last few months to get some experience. The 12.5 hour shifts especially night shifts are hard and nursing is very physical. In the Trauma unit that I am in, we have to help with bed pans and changing sheets and many of the patients are obese or in log roll situation with broken spine. It does take at least 2-3 people to roll a patient properly. I am petite at 5'3" so I use gravity (i.e., head of the bed down)to help me boost patients and use draw sheets to turn patients. I understand Diagnostic sonography is not easy on the body either as many cannot work due to carpal tunnel and pulled muscles from standing and twisting the body to get the right picture. Sounds like you are already fit so I will need to start doing weights and building my stamina in prep for nursing school. I definitely think day shift and maybe part time maybe a good option if you stay in nursing. I am hoping to continue onto advanced nurse practitioner after BSN. After RN, you can get into research, informatics and management eventually so I would probably pursue those options after few years. Best of luck to us!