54 year old sahm, am I nuts to think I want this?

[cathyn518]

I am 54 and have taken the last two decades of my life to raise my family. I am finally at a place where the deck is clear and I can consider going to nursing school, something I have always wanted to do. I do have a Master's Degree in Social Work but would be required to take all the prerequisites, algebra bio, chem A+P 1 and 11 and micro. Everyone I have spoken to says that the average age in nursing school is 30=I am way outside that average. I am not discouraged by the hard work required, I am just fearful that I will apply and not get in, because of my age or lack of relative professional experience. I have always been a good student and would be thinking I could do well in the courses. Realistically, I don't know if my age and relatively non existing work history would prohibit me from becoming accepted. I am applying to Ellis school of nursing in Schenectady.

That is just the first part of my worry, however.What if I do get in and then am not able to get a job as I would probably be starting out around 57? Could I go through all this and then have no one hire me because I am too old? I scarred of taking a foolish chance that just won't work out. I am at the bottom of the food chain in my family and pay college tuition on two kids and taking a chance to do the prerequisites which are almost a full year at a community college is frightening So I can't afford to take a chance if the odds are stacked against me. I would appreciate the honest opinion of those who have first hand knowledge and who could advise me.

[hardworkpaysoff, MSN, RN]

I say go for it! You do not want to regret not going for it. You'd be surprise how much your experience, especially in Social Work and life in general could benefit the field of nursing. Don't let your concerns about age get in the way, you'll never know until you try. You'll probably be way more motivated and focused if this is something you really want.

54 is not old at all if you ask me, so you are not "nuts" to think you want to be a nurse.

Check out this thread someone posted a few days ago:

https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/going-nursing-school-493595.html

[NeedchangeofPace]

Hey Kid,

It is never too late to follow one's dreams.

I was out of the classroom for almost 40 years.

I too started to get my pre-reqs done at your age it took me two years of school taking 6-7 credits per term and working full time and often in excess of 50 hours per week, but I got it done.

I was always the oldest in class and sometimes older than some of the instructors.

Most of my fellow students were great and supportive as we went along.

When it came time to apply to an LVN program, I thought I did not have a chance of being accepted, as I was told you needed a 3.5 gpa, program was highly competitve etc etc, my advisor stated that I probably had no chance in H### in getting in as my gpa was lower than the "standard"

I was one of 20 that were accepted.

Age does come with some baggage, but also comes with knowledge that comes from experience and from wisdom earned.

I would not worry too much about landing a job after you earn your degree get the degree first, the rest will follow.

When I graduate next spring the young'ns better move out of the way as I will earn a spot for employment someway somewhere and somehow!

Btw I am 56 and one half!

PS we are about 60 miles apart, Ellis was not an option as it is too far from work in VT

[tishluvnc]

I know what you mean, I'm not a twenty year old either. I'm thinking about nursing school myself. I say what everyone else say, if your willing to put in the hard work and time I know it probably require, then go for it. I'm trying to convince my self the same thing. You see I will be graduating in 4 months with a sociology degree and is debating nursing or MSW to become a LCSW, but what I do love about nursing is the prevention, patient education, and the entire human anatomy stuff.Just curious why are you leaving social work?

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

As a SAHM, I also felt "old" as well. I've realized that if I feel "called" to go to Nursing School, that I should. I think that you should feel free to explore your interests. I've felt some of the similar concerns with regard to my desires vs my kids needs. Since I'm not a nurse yet, I can't say much about the job market. I can tell you that the students in my class span from mid twenties to grandmothers. I'm in my early 30's, but my oldest will start college before I'm done with school. I've met other students, probably closer to your age, with kids the same age as mine.

I think you should pursue your dreams, interests.

[Tricia76]

I am 35 and always thought..gee am I gonna look stupid going into these prerequisties being older? But I soon learned that I wasn't the oldest..It's alot of different ages out there and I soon thought that I can't let this get in my way..Age is just a number. Its what I wanna do and I don't care what others think because it is not their life...It's all about what I want and I'm going for it.

Good Luck! You can do anything you put your mind to.

[momagain38]

You're amazing for considering this! You can do anything you put your mind to! I have a very good friend who just graduated from nursing school at 60 yrs old! I spent 20 yrs raising my family, being an army wife, and putting off my own education. I'm 40 now, have one in college, one almost there and two toddlers! I just finished my first year of community college. It's doable! Pace yourself, do your research, set your goals and don't forget to breathe! You'll be on your way before you know it!

[Nice Day]

Would you rather be 57 years old with a nursing degree or 57 years old without one? Follow your dream.

[caliotter3]

Do what you want to do. I'm older than you and still trying to get mine done, just because I want to. Worry about the job market when the time comes. Best wishes.

[busygrl]

You are never too old to go back to school, especially for nursing. I, too was a stay at home mom for 20 yrs. and I start my clinicals at Ellis School of Nursing in September. My biggest piece of advice is do ALL your pre-reqs and especially your nursing sciences (AP, Micro) first!! Also, good support from home is helpful. The RN program is 2 years, but in reality it takes 3 and a half years. I also had to start from scratch with Alg, Bio, Chem etc and it took me 3 semesters and 1 summer semester to complete 38 credits, which included AP I and II, Micro, Soc, Psy etc.....SCCC is a great place to get started, they work jointly with Ellis. Don't get discouraged by the amount of time that it takes.....time flies!! I am very excited (and nervous) to start my clinicals. I never went to college after high school, and if I can do it....you can do it!! Good luck!!!!

[Exhaustipated, ADN, BSN]

Can you stand another message imploring you to go ahead and fulfill your dream? :redbeathe I'm 43 and have never been to college. After 17 years as a stay-at-home mom, I start my pre-reqs next week. I'm going in with my eyes open -- I know I might be the oldest in some of my classes. I might not be able to pull those all-nighters like the younger people can. But you know what? I'm finally getting my chance. My kids are in high school and middle school, and it's time to do something for me. I'm finally getting a shot at college. I'm setting a good example for my kids. And I'm doing something I really want to do.

Because of that, I'm not worried about being the oldest in class.

Go for it! My guess is nursing would be one of those professions where your age might be an asset.

[Sweetaprils]

Seriously all I can say is that IT IS NEVER TO LATE TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS! I am 32 and I am about to start the BSN program...during my prereqs classes I meet a lot of women in their 40s and 50s that were starting. I say GO FOR IT!

SO what if you will be 57 when you are done. There will be a lot of opportunities for you out there. if you dont think you could work over night, what about Home health Care, or travel nurse, or corporate....the possibilities are endless!

My advice to you is to ENJOY the moment and ENJOY the ride!

Keep us updated! I would love to hear (or read) more about your new journey :)

[jesskidding, LPN]

Hi! I think you should go for it! I made a wonderful friend in my CNA class who is 62. She went onto nursing school just like me. I don't think you could ever be too old to learn something new. I would go for it and enjoy every minute.

Since you already have a master's, have you thought of doing a Accelerated BSN? That might be your best option and wouldn't take as long as a more traditional route. You should check to see if there are any accelerated programs in your area.

I wish you the best of luck!