Group Forums >> Late Bloomers >> How old is too old to start nursing career?
How old is too old to start nursing career?
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| Posted about 5 years ago I am 44 and in the 2nd semester of an ADN program. I am the oldest student in my class. It has been tough but I feel pretty good about making the change in careers. I think that older students have a lot to offer in terms of life experiences. When ever I bring up that I am the oldest in class the other students reassure me that I doesnt matter to them. We are all in the program together and everyone helps each other out. I am glad I found this site. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago There's no age limited on nursing and I think that is a great Challenge to go head strong and most of all go for what you wantin life . |
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| Posted about 5 years ago I am in awe of all of you! I'm 57, but wanted to be a nurse from between the ages of 6 to 12. My mother finally talked me out of it ("Do you want to change bedpans for a living?"), and I've been a musician, an office manager, and am currently a not-employed but happily married lady. I'm good in English, enjoyed biology, but was terrible in math and chemistry. My brain in quicker in language than in math--I mean, REALLY differently so. You'd think I was two different people, there's such a difference in facility. It's the math & hardcore science that seriously worry me. My brain is smart, but taking longer to function at stuff I'm even good at. I'm thinking of going to a community college to take a CNA course, maybe. Any suggestions? |
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| Posted about 5 years ago JLCross - my mom tried to unconsciously discourage me from taking the steps in becoming a nurse but she finally snapped out of it. She was a nurse herself. My brother who is older than me is also a nurse. My mom worked many years at a convalescent hospital where she had to lift patients and clean their bed pans regularly. She could have left that hospital to work at another. I think that may be the reason why she doesn't approve of my career change - she slaved over those elderly patients. I will do the same if I have to and will not mind the physical demands of the job. As for where to begin for you - there are more seasoned folks on this forum than I who can point you in the right direction. I am taking prereq classes for the RN Program. My co-worker is also 57 yrs young - she may go for her LVN or a cerficate in gerontology... Good luck. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Im 47 years old, married with 4 children. I earned my BSN last March, 2007 and passed the licensure exam by June of the same year. Older people tend to be wiser and have a better attitude in life perhaps because of the experiences we have gone through. Go for it, be positive, be healthy and live your dreams! Edna |
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| Posted about 5 years ago keep at it your not too old until you hit the nursing home. When I graduate with my ADN I will be 57. it is hard but so far I have no regrets on the path I am taking. It is keeping me young. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Thanks for your encouragement. I appreciate your good thoughts & suggestions. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago You are NEVER too old - and don't let them tell you otherwise! I am now 53 and about to do my capstone in a BSN program. I started my initial nursing career in 1980 at Purdue University and left because I was one of three of us in the class (I was in my very early 20's) that found a breast tumor. I dropped out of school after discovering the BT (we were one of the first nursing classes that they taught BSE to...) and focused on my health and just living - starting a family (one child) as a single mom. 24 years later I returned to college to do what I originally set out to do...and ended up back in Nursing School. I'm now a Senior and it is a joy to try and keep up and surpass the "young ones" but they keep you young! What an incredible blessing it has been ~ it will enrich your life unlike anything you've ever done! Good luck and call on any of us for support as you travel the path~! Faith is ... Being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1 |
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| Posted about 5 years ago I am 38 years old with 5 children between my husband and I and I thought I was too old. I am finishing up my prerequisites this fall and applying to nusing school Jan. '09. I am so glad to hear from so many of you who are starting later in life. I was scared to death that I was going to get into clinical and be surrounded by 19 year olds. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Hi everyone, I'm 58 and getting back to nursing. I've been doing other things for 7 years and got laid off on 3 Jan. 08. So I thought it was abt. time I got back to nursing. I will be taking an RN refresher course soon. I couldn't be happier. I love getting back to studying. Nursing is one of my core values, I really enjoy helping people. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago hello. I'm 31 years old and have been a plumber for 14 years. i'm now a full-time nursing student (freshman) lol on my wy to a B.A. I dont think its ever to late, if you feel thw calling to help others, you have to respond. :) |
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| Posted about 5 years ago I agree, you are never too old to return to school!! I was in my 30's when i returned to school and received my nursing degree. It was well worth it, but it was hard with 1 grade-school age child and a toddler at home! Also, I became pregnant and gave birth to my last child 2 days before taking my nsg boards!! You can do it if this is what you really want! |
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| Posted about 5 years ago ladybug911 said: Hi: I just saw your post thinking your too old for nursing........that's the same thought I had until my daughter in law said to me Mom go to school for nursing...you would be great at it. So at 48 yrs old I am starting school as of May 28th and will be graduating in May of 2011 and I am 1 excited woman to even start school. All I have to say is believe in yourself and have faith and do the best you can . I am going for RN and knowing very little because I forgot most of the terminology I am just believing and knowing positively that I will graduate and I will be a licensed RN in 2011. Good Luck and I really hope you go for it. I will be and you and I are the same age. Just believe and have fun. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Tina072 said: Don't give up your dreams. I have 2 kids (3 & 1 yrs old) I am going back to school in June for my RN. I know it can be hard (and scary) and I know that the financial part of it is harder. (take out student loans if you have to.. hey, bills will always be there) but do what you have to do. It will all be worth it in the end. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago I am 40 years old and I am in my first semester of LPN school. Go for it ! You won't be sorry you did. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago LadyBug911: I've got news for you..YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A NURSE, YOU JUST DID NOT HAVE THE DEGREE TO BACK IT UP. Meaning, when you become a parent you are in one sense a nurse always. So go for your dreams, this is one profession where no matter where you move to you can find a job. It is a career without borders. Best of luck and God's blessing on you. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Well sounds like we're in the same boat. I'm 42 and just finished a cna course at my local college. My next step is to take the needed prerequisits. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Thank you, Nursing Link. These messages are very encouraging to me. I am 59, and attempting to continue my LPN classes. Now, I need tuition money to continue. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago You are never too old to dedicate yourself to a career goal. Nursing students: go for it. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago ladybug911 said: Hi there, I am 48 and have been in an RN associates program. I have been doing it as a single mother with older children that have left the nest. It seems to me you will do great in school if you move forward. Working as a NA will provide you with some good skills for nursing school as you move forward. Many blessings on your journey. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Hi there,
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| Posted about 5 years ago I can't thank all of you enough!! I will be 40 years old next month and have pondered a career change for a while now...all my life, I wanted to be a nurse and now I'm going for it!!! As one person said, I still have another 25-30 years to work!!! Why not follow your dreams?!?!? thank you thank you thank you!!! God Bless you all! |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Good luck on your new adventure! |
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| Posted about 5 years ago ladybug911 said: Your statement "I want more than anything to finally following my calling in nursing" speaks volumes- I started RN program @ age 44...it was tough sitting in classe and studying but your life experience will be a great asset. Starting as a CNA will give you a broad over view of nursing and make a difference as you begin transitioning to nursing...don't give up on your dream and seek the support of friends and family! |
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| Posted about 5 years ago ladybug911 said: You are never to old to learn something new.Follow your dream..There are so many opportunities with nursing..Your life experiences will make you a wonderful nurse..I have been a LPN since I was 25,became a LMT at 45 and plan on finishing my RN this year at 53..Go for it..... |
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| Posted about 5 years ago When you have stopped breathing you are too old, unless they have nursing school in the afterlife. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago michellegtcc said: Sorry to say that i don`t agree with that, nursing is more than to go for what you want and yes on the subject of never to be old to learn you are right, but nursing is not just any other job, nursing is a calling that you do with your heart and soul and give it the best there is in you. Paul P. Kerssenberg |
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| Posted about 5 years ago wakamang said: Amen. That "calling" may come in your 20's, 30's, 40's, or in my case, your 50's. I am now 1/2 way through the PN course at the community college, with a graduation date of this September. I just celebrated my 56th birthday, and can also "celebrate" being one of the top students in my class. I bring more "life experience" to the table and find that the clinical rotations are enjoyable for me, while they can be pure agony for the "youngsters" who haven't even seen a member of the opposite sex nude, let alone changed a brief or held the hand of someone leaving this life. I don't believe "age" has much bearing (except as it applies to physical capabilities) on your ability to learn and to EXCEL at our profession. As for those who are concerned about being able to find a position following graduation, I've already been offered several opportunities and most say my age is an ASSET. I have no school-aged children at home to interfere with my job performance, and the work-ethics of my generation are those that employers actively seek. Too old? No such thing! |
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| Posted about 5 years ago So, my first official day in the ADN program at Elgin Community College will be August 18, 2008 -- my 51st birthday. I thought I was old, but this very inspiring thread has made me realize I am relatively young. I think the answer to your question, Ladybug, is NEVER! I wanted to cry (with joy) as I read each of the posts in this topic. I feel like I am finally on the right track career-wise. I was laid off from my job as a real estate paralegal in August of last year. During the next six months, I got my CNA, took two gen ed classes for my nursing degree, tested out of chemistry, took the NLN entrance exam and applied and was accepted to the nursing program for Fall semester 2008, this despite the naysayers in the academic advisement department. The older I get, the more I believe that life's accomplishments are 95% determination. Ladybug -- GO FOR IT!!!! Sheila |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Sheila, I hate to keep repeating myself but I will. I was 50 when I got my BSN. You are going to be 50 anyway so why not be 50 and productive? I had a student in one of my classes I taught that was 62. In the PA class that I am teaching now is a guy who is 66!!! Older students are the best students. Again, I am repeating myself. We have life experience and we understand the value of an education. Many times I was older than my instructors. So what? Use it to your advantage. |
