Am I too old??

[kiwinurse]

This is an old thread, but I found it VERY inspiring . Reading the comments of those who have returned to or begun nursing in their forties was uplifting, an motivating. I graduated a two year program in NEw Zealand in the 80s, and now in my forties I have passedthe CNA test fo MA and CA and am now looking for the right degree program while getting into the swing of things here in the US in a hosiptal setting.
I wouldnt trade my nursing carer for anything at any age. I am sorry I didnt takwe the chance offered to me to be an RN back at graduation but chose to travel instead. NOw I must play catch up and am not waistnig another minute.

At 45 I think I still have twenty years of service to provide, and then I MIGHT consider retiring or teaching others.

[stillearning]

KiwiNurse -
I like your spunk.

That you read an old thread and get inspired is nice to know. I get irritated that there are so many old and neglected threads; you don't. Yours is the better outlook -- the glass is more than half-full in your view. I like that.

What's old these days?

I'm over 50 and planning to go back for my FNP certificate -- my MSN precedes the current requirements for advanced practice, so it's off to school I go. I'm taking this year off ('06-'07) because my job has a particularly time-sensitive and demanding agenda but, in just about a year, I hope to be enrolled in the certificate curriculum.

Age is a state of mind. At a recent retirement party, we celebrated a staff nurse who was just about to turn 70. She worked in our clinic where experience is a major factor, not energy. She had both!

I plan to work until it's not any fun any more. Right now, I have the best job in the world. I've had a similar role, but the healthcare system I worked for fell upon "hard times" financially and that position was disolved. I am hoping that my current role as a practice specialist will remain viable at my current hospital.

I've only been in this role 6 months. My performance review is next week. In my self-appraisal I wrote that I enjoy every aspect of my job. Not everyone can say that -- even when their nursing career is shiny and new -- let alone after 30 years of practice!

Hopefully, if I am successful with the FNP plan, I will be able to work at least part time until I drop. Staying current seems to be the crucial element. It's a little harder to do that these days because information moves so quickly and practice changes pile up on each other. But, if you work in a place where nurses help each other (and I think I do) it is a lot easier to manage an ever more complex career.

Keep us posted on your journey, KiwiNurse. You sound like you're a lot of fun!

--p

[rscheibe]

Okay, first of all I can't call you OLD. I am 3 years older than you and refuse to acknowledge my numerical age. JUST a number!!! Secondly, we are never too old to fulfill our dreams. The greater tragedy is living our lives with regret at what could have been and never was. I am an LPN and looking for the right opportunity to become an RN. Change is always a scary thing, but it is what keeps us young at heart. Follow your dreams no matter what they are. at the end of the day you can look back and say "I fulfilled my own destiny"

[DMSendak]

You are never too old ! I am 6 months away from graduating LPN, and I plan to move on..I am 49 !

[Pucklpnemt]

Originally Posted by oldlady

Good morning,

I am freshly turned 40 years old as of April 2005. I am interested in returning to school to become a Registered Nurse. At my age do you think I am simply too OLD...I think so but,it's something I really want to do.

You are not too old...... But why do you want to go to Nursing School
Is it the thought of the money...
Are do your really care about taking care of people.
It seems that the patient has taken second place to people thinking of
themselves and the money

[Peg]

I was in my 40's when I finally got the chance to go to school for my LPN I love it and felt I should have done this years ago Now at age 51 I am going for my RN throught The College Network
Peg
YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD

[cougarnurse]

Too old? Naaah! In 20 years, you'll be older, but you'll have accomplished something, right?

[Pucklpnemt]

Originally Posted by oldlady

Good morning,

I am freshly turned 40 years old as of April 2005. I am interested in returning to school to become a Registered Nurse. At my age do you think I am simply too OLD...I think so but,it's something I really want to do.

I am amazed by everyone wants to become a Nurse.... She is concern as
you are concern if you are too old.
My question to you is why do you want to become a Nurse..?
Are you thinking of the patients or are you thinking of making money?

[rparker]

I'm really encouraged about returning to school, when I read the positive abundance of posted threads. I have a undergraduate degree in Human Services (Social Work). I have worked in this profession for 14 years. It is time for a change. I'm returning to school to be a nurse for two reasons, one...I have always wanted to be a nurse but allowed too may outside distractions to get in the way. Now, I am 46 years old. If I don't make this change now it will never happen. I'm healthy, very active, full of energy and ready to take on this challenge. I view myself as a servant to those in need to make their life as comfortable as possible. If you have ever been in the hospital, then you know how fearful it is to have a complete stranger care for your needs. It is a nurse's to make the patient feel secure and at peace, knowing they are receiving the very best care.
To those individuals who view nursing as just a profession to make money, please opt for a degree in business or for a MBA. When you walk in hospital room, the true reason why you are there is felt by the patient. Nursing is a profession, but more important, a servant. I consider this to be a very high calling. If you do not have a loving, patient, compassionate spirit, please consider another profession. If you continue on this journey remember, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (From the author of LOVE, God our heavenly FATHER) It is my hope, there are more caring nurses in the profession than just those interested in making money. Best wishes to all of us.

[TomB]

You're never too old!! The more life experience you have the better nurse you'll be.

I think the average age of my nursing class in 1990 was early 30's. There was only one person in my class that came directly from high school - and they didn't make it through.

As for money, it never occured to me that I was going to make a lot of money. No one in my class was in it for the money. Job security - YES, but money??? There are a lot of other much more lucrative fields available for people. Nurses work too darn hard to be in it for the money.