50 Years Old and Just Became a CNA Would Like to be RN

caliotter3 · Dec 10, 2008

Have you researched the available nursing programs in your area? You should do so and immediately start the prerequisites if you don't have previous college credits. Most likely you will have to repeat any science courses that are too old to be considered. If you haven't been to college before, then suggest that you start with the courses that do not come with time limits, such as English. Once you do these classes, you don't have to worry about ever having to repeat them. Also look into the possibility of employers that will pay for your schooling. This is a good way to assure yourself of a job once you graduate. There have been many reports of people in their 50s and even 60s, in nursing school, so don't ever think you're too old. Good luck.

neurorn6 · Dec 11, 2008

Gradulations on your decision. I went back to school and got my RN just before I turned 40. It was the best decision I could have made. Don't let age stand in your way. I went to school part time and worked full time. After about 6 months, I used the tuition reimbursement that my hospital offered. Later on I applied for and got their fellowship program. Whatever you want to do, there are programs available to help you. Start out with the basics and go from there.

Good Luck:yeah:

MThomas15 · Dec 12, 2008

Gradulations on your decision. I went back to school and got my RN just before I turned 40. It was the best decision I could have made. Don't let age stand in your way. I went to school part time and worked full time. After about 6 months, I used the tuition reimbursement that my hospital offered. Later on I applied for and got their fellowship program. Whatever you want to do, there are programs available to help you. Start out with the basics and go from there.
Good Luck:yeah:

What is the fellowship program?

rancelumsden · Dec 14, 2008

I was 53 when I became a CNA. I HAD started pre-reqs with the intention of getting a BSN (I already had a 4-year degree in soc) in my early 40's and dropped it. I'm sorry I did.

If you have the motivation and are healthy enough to handle being on your feet all day, go for it.

You're right about turning 'more serious'. We always are asked what we want to do when we grow up. I didn't grow up until 50 or so, so I didn't know........ :sniff:

MThomas15 · Dec 14, 2008

Are you planning to go back to finish your BSN?

edenslyric · Dec 14, 2008

I have been a CNA and finally got the nerve to do the RN (Real Nurse) I got all my prereq classes done in under a year which included Chem, Micro, and A&P and sailed through the entrance exam and have now got four semesters to go before the NCLEX and I am 55. I also work full time, am married with a teenage daughter at home....so you can do anything, eventually....better to do it now than when I am 60.

BonesCo · Dec 16, 2008

Congratulations on keeping up with everything it takes to help others.

I am a 49 year old male struggling to change my life and career; first, I am going back to school to earn a degree in substance abuse counseling. That degree is a long way off at this point, as the state I am in requires a masters these days.

In the meantime I am looking into spiritual caregiving certification and I would love to become a certified nursing assistant also.

I am new to this whole thing so anyone reading, if you could give me a push in the right direction any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks to everyone, and thanks for giving back to your community through your practice.

OzarksgalCNA · Dec 16, 2008

I am 53, just became a CNA, working in a Long Term Care facility. Next September (after I've worked for one year) I am going to take advantage of their scholarship program and go for my LPN and then on for my RN. You have to work 2 years for every 1 year that they pay for.

Teachchildren123 · Dec 16, 2008

Guys! You are the best!

Congratulations to all of you! I am very proud of your dedication to advance your education. By being a CNA you have a lot more under your belt than you can imagine.

Super! Keep courage!

We need more people like you!

rancelumsden · Dec 17, 2008

I am a 49 year old male struggling to change my life and career; first, I am going back to school to earn a degree in substance abuse counseling....In the meantime I am looking into spiritual caregiving certification and I would love to become a certified nursing assistant also.....

I'm the male who became a CNA at age 53. From your posting, my only concern is that you can only handle so much work and school at a time. You're listing 3 areas of degree or certification that you want. I'm all for career switching and school (4 careers and about 250 college credits in various areas), but you need to focus on your immediate future, then go outwards. I have no idea what your finances are like, or your ability to handle work and classes. The CNA, I assume you realize, would at least get you a job in fairly quick order (all things being equal). Once you have a steady income, then start looking at working on that masters. Just realize that virtually every CNA job that is full time will require weekend rotation. Otherwise, go for it..........

edenslyric · Dec 17, 2008

I believe that you are on the path of service, I know that road very well...courage and blind faith are requirements. I too would like to help others overcome addiction, and there is a phenomena of common sense taught in the nursing school programs called "evidence based practice", which means to do what works. There is a website http://www.guideline.gov/ that I learned about in the student nurse forum which can tell you everything that is known about what you can do...good luck