47 years old and going back to school

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2009

Congratulations on your decision to return to school. I'm in the same boat as I've decided to return to become a RN. I'm already a LVN (no job though) finishing up my prerequisites.

I will tell you that most LVN's work in nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, home health, department of correcitons etc. There are positions out there, but in this economy it will be hard to find. Hopefully by the time you graduate the market will be better for you. Please don't count yourself out of the RN program after you finish your LVN, there are lots of opportunities for you to get your RN with already having your LVN. You can do the ISU LVN-BSN program, and if you already have a BA/BS in another field it wont take as long. If you already hold a BA/BS and desire to do the ABSN program, you can do it in about 14-18 months. Keep in mind that those degrees usually aren't recognized overseas. If you have any other questions please PM me and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Good Luck and congratulations on your decision!

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2009

P.S. Age is nothing but a number! I'm about 238 years old in dog years. Am I too old? LMAO

bon.feld · Nov 23, 2009

I'm 47 and I just started back this fall. It's possible and doable.

sunnycalifRN · Dec 10, 2009

Here I am, 47 years old and out of work. What do I do?
I am looking into going to a vocational nursing school as I dont have the time or the desire to mess around with waiting lists and or a Lottery. I have friends that are nurses and say go for it and you will be able to find work or your age will not matter. Is this just friends being nice and not wanting to discourage me.
I have been reading alot of the threads here and appreciate all the insight from all of your experience.
I am a 47 year old guy who has been given the opportunity to do something different with whats ever left of my life. I want to spend it working, not working to find a job after school. Am I waisting time and money at this age?
I am interested in whatever feedback I can get.

You CAN do it. I started nursing school at 52, graduated at 54 and have been working 4 yrs as an RN. In fact, I think it was easier for the older students because we're more mature and less distractable than our 18 yr old classmates (actually, there were very few of them). Don't worry about being the "old guy/gal" in class, because you're not going to be alone . . . there are lots of 2nd/3rd/4th career people in nursing school.

Now, I never went to an LVN program but you can get your LVN, get a job and start working and gaining experience . . . then do the "LVN to RN" program (1 yr) while you still work, either full or part-time.

And, don't worry about all the "no jobs" talk that you hear . . . I tried to get into nursing school in 1993 and was told that the only jobs would be in nursing homes . . . only could get on a nursing school waiting list . . . . couldn't wait so I did the Resp Therapy program instead . . . worked for almost 10 yrs as an RT . . . decided to try nursing again. . . when I graduated in 2005 every hospital was hiring . . and the rest is history!