In the last 10 years I have been down-sized, laid off, and company went out of business. At 52 I want to become an RN.
What are the prospects for a new 55 y/o male nurse?
Am I too old??
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December 30th, 2010 at 11:44 am
I’ll be honest with ya, nursing can be rough. It’s a very strenuous, task oriented, quick paced career. The older you get, the harder it becomes.
But I’m of the belief that if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. So if you’re determined to do it, you can. Unfortunately the economics of our time right now are also dictating where nursing positions are. Doesn’t mean you can’t get a job, just means you have to have multiple options once you graduate.
Honestly though, some of the best nurses at my hospital I work at were people that went back and chose this profession as their second career, whether they were in their 30’s, 40’s or 50’s. They seem to have more respect for the sick and elderly. They are more willing to do for others. And they appreciate having a job!
So my advice, GO FOR IT! It’ll be yours if you want it.
December 31st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
One of the most awesome nurses on our floor graduated from nursing school in his mid 50’s! He is always so cool, calm, and collected…manages patient care with such professionalism & compassion that the patients often mistake him for the doctor. If nursing is your calling, go for it! There are many options for nurses when floor nursing becomes too strenuous. I am in my mid 40’s and absolutely love floor nursing in Oncology! However, I know the day will come when the stress will be too much, so I am working on my masters to increase my options. You will never be out of work as an experienced RN..go for it!!
January 19th, 2011 at 8:30 am
Dont do it. Im 57 and went to school when I was 52. This job is killing me at all levels physically and mentally. That coupled with outrageous student loans leaves you no better off than you were before. There isnt 1 decent job in all of nursing and I dont care who says otherewise….
January 24th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
So..I started nursing classes at 51 and I am now 53. Yes it is physically challenging (Arthur Itis and I are good friends). Yes it is emotionally challenging (starting at the bottom at 51 after feeling competent and confident in my job skills for many years). Going back to school in middle age (well shucks, those brain cells don’t click like they did at 20 — I had to study….like a dog!!!). Would I do again? In a heartbeat. You have maturity and life experience that the young’uns do not. If nursing is your passion, go for it. I did and I have never looked back.
February 9th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
I know someone in my class that was about your age and I really admire her for going back to school to become a RN. I know how stressful it can be, but I also know it is a very rewarding career. You are only as old as you think you are. I wish you the best of luck!
March 1st, 2011 at 9:47 pm
You are not too old! I know nursing graduates older than you who have done well. Having significant life experience is an asset. It is true that nursing can be VERY physically demanding but there are specialties that are less taxing on the body than others. Some examples are psych nursing, neonatal ICU, etc.