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

Published

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.

i'm in the same boat as you. 53, two jobs in 24 years and working my ass off to get back into school to finish my pre-recs to get on someones program...go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My dad did a paramedic program in his 60s. Age doesn't matter, you never stop learning.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Pardon me but you'd be nuts not to do it! :lol2: LOL The last thing that you want is to be spending the rest of your life wondering what if. Of course no one said it's going to be easy. From one SAHM to another I say shoot for moon, if you miss you'll land among the stars! Many blessings to you and your family!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good Luck! You can do it, and we are all here cheering you on through those horrid pre-req exams! :redbeathe:nurse::yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If its on you bucket list. DO Id ;) or youll regret it in 5 years thinking 'man i coulda shoulda woulda :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Student.

I was in a math class with a women in her late 50s early 60s, and she decide to go back too nursing school after working as a Surgical Tec. for 15yrs, Mind you that was her last class, then she was able to apply for the nursing program. I ask her why she decide to go back to school, and she is so close to receiving her retirement. She told me that was something she always want to do; she just went another path because she had kids. Yes she did get in despite her age and when I was working at the hospital I saw her then. She really inspire me to go as far in nursing as I can. Now if she can do; I believe you can. NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!!!!!! :yeah::nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I say go for it! I'm not as old as you, but have 3 kids at home and am trying my hardest to finish my prerequisites and getting into school. I say age shouldn't determine what you want to do with your life! Remember you are still young and obviously have the motivation to finish your degree!! Good luck to you!!! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Your absolutly not nuts!! a CNA at my job will be graduating this summer with her ADN and she will be 67!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion.

Since I'm just a kid (age 48), I find it hard to advise : ) We have a couple of kids in their 50s in my nursing class and they are doing great, have fantastic minds and manage to do far better than average on the tests. People live a lot longer these days and someone with a RN behind their name can continue being a nurse long after most people retire. There will always be some aspect of nursing that you can do until you die.

Don't think of this as selfishness either. Do you know how reassuring it is for an anxious patient to talk to a nurse in her 50s or 60s. Even without having a paid job, you have had 50-some years of life experience to draw from.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My boss from my prior job just graduated as an LPN, and she is in her mid-50's. If she can do it, so can you :) GL

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion