I graduated with my RN when I was 47, I graduated with my BSN when I was 56. I just graduated with my MSN and I am 59!!!! About to start a new career as a Psych NP. Age is nothing but a number.
I started my Nursing school journey at 46. I received my ASN at 48 and started working in the ICU. Two years later, I began travel nursing as an ICU RN. In November 2019, I started my BSN and finished in October 2020. In January 2021, I began the MSN in Nursing Education program. Five classes in, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which set me back a little. I graduated with my MSN in Nursing Education on May 25, 2023, and was 57. Never let anyone tell you you can't because of your age. It is never too late, and you are never too old!!
Absolutely, I got my LPN at 46, my RN at 47, my BSN at 50, and just completed my MSN last year at 56 yrs old. Go for it!!!
I become a nurse at 60 with my BSN. It was on my bucket list! Now I work for Hospice. Never give up on a dream!!
I'll be 61 in a couple weeks and I'll graduate with my BSN Dec 15th. I'm healthy, active and strong. I love my patients (I've been a nurse extern/CNA for past year) and I'm excited to move forward with this new career. I actually have an interview tomorrow with a Labor & Delivery unit at my hospital. I even plan on getting my NP in women's health. Believe in yourself.
YES! I became a RN at age 40 and have been working as such for 27 years so go for it. I also added some specialities along the way so keep an eye out on different areas to move into.
ABSOLUTELY!!! I got my BSN in my 40's with 4 kids at home and my husband on travel assignments, and my MSN in my 50's. If you have any thoughts about MSN/DNP, my suggestion would be to keep going within a year or two of the BSN instead of waiting a decade, like I did.
As my husband would remind me, "Do you want to be 40 WITH a degree or without a degree?? Either way, you'll still be 40."
You can do this! Go for it!!!
Of course, you can. Some of the best nurses are those with life experiences.
You can become a nurse at any age my former coworker was 50 when she went to school and she's getting ready to retire at 69 never to late
You most definitely can! I graduated with ADN at 40, BSN at 45 ... you can do it!
Of course! I went to nursing school at age 50 and am still at it 19 years later!
Yes. I’m 57 and doing it! 👍
You can do it in 2-4 years. If you don’t do it, you will still be 2-4 yrs older….with nothing to show for it.
I was 36
Signed up for my first prereq on my 40th bday....graduated with a BSN five years later, and that was 9 years ago. I have been a lot of things, including mom of 3...nursing -- not without challenges -- has been the most rewarding career I ever could have imagined. I'll graduate with my Masters in Nursing Ed this May...right before my 55th bday.
So....YES.
Absolutely! I became a RN at 44, going strong 11 years later!
Just graduated at 38 with a 2 year old & full time day job :) you 100% got this !!
I am in nursing school and I am 40! The only one looking at me any sort of way is myself.
Well my dears I got my Rn at 67 and about to get my BSN at 68 and will be going for my MSN right after so you are still a baby in my book lol
For sure! I became a nurse at 42.
LVN at 35 , RN at 45! of course you can.
I graduated with my adn at 44, my bsn at 46 and my pmhnp at 50. If I can do it so can you.
Yes. I became an RN after age 40. I have no regrets. I knew I wanted to work in psych so that's where I started. I now do mental health intensive case managememt.
I started nursing school at age 37, got my LPN at 38, followed with my RN at 41. I finished my BSN last year at 42, and am now in the middle of a program to get my MSN as an Acute Care NP. You're never too old to start! Best of luck to you!
You can become a nurse at 60 if you want. I worked with a nurse who was 59 when she passed boards ❤️
Ma'am it is never too late!
Yes!!! I started nursing school at age 49 1/2 and love it. I'm almost 71 and still at it.
Yes, I graduated from nursing school when I was 40 -1/2. In many ways it’s an advantage (other work experience and life experience is always an asset). Just keep in mind you’re going from a world where you are at the top of your game, to losing your identity and confidence, feeling a little lost (for awhile). It’s a lot of work, it isn’t easy, I was working full time (pretty much) at the same time, but I really enjoyed the journey. You’ll always be able to get a job, you’ll have many options. Good luck!!
Most definitely darling I got two nursing degrees after the age of 40. Raised 2 boys and four grandchildren. Actually, that would be three boys if you count my husband at the time. Lol
Absolutely you can and we would be glad to have you! I graduated nursing school just shy of 50 years old. There is a lot to be said about life experience….
There may be some gaps and for me it was technology. I was able to navigate my challenges with it and draw off the expertise of my younger peers. They were able to draw off my study skills. Nursing school is hard and you will find the people you will connect with and you will help each other through! Embrace the experiences! Good luck!!
And you could be president at age 80🤔
Nursing is my second career. I went back to school after I retired from the Navy. I graduated at the age of fifty. That was ten years ago and I’m still going strong.
BSN @45 and MSN@ 54!
My second career was Nursing and in 2006 I got my degree at 46 years of age. I was able to transfer a lot of my previous college credits which helped reduce the time in school. If you are starting at the beginning, depending on the program you are looking at, I would recommend getting all of your electives completed first then you can focus on all of the nursing classes and clinicals. Coworkers and patients would tell me they were so glad to work with me because they felt comfortable with an experienced mature RN. (Haha) My previous career and life experience made me a better RN and able to comprehend and understand the profession. Nursing is a fantastic profession that gives you many opportunities and will make you a better person. One recommendation from someone ready to retire and 15-20 years goes by. If possible work for a system (like the VA system) because before you know it, you are ready to retire and the reality is Nursing (unlike Teaching) does not have strong representation to ensure well deserved pensions. That’s the reality once you retire. Wish you the best in your career choice!
I graduated at 51; became a med/surg RN at a large hospital, became a charge nurse within 5 years, and until our recent reogranization, I became the nurse manager of a 36-bed medical floor. With the reorg, I am now looking for another job - but that is the great thing about nursing ... there are so many different types of nursing and job opportunities.
Absolutely! I started nursing school when I was 41. And there was a woman in my class who was 50!
My mother became a nurse at almost 50. It can be done!
Never too old to be a nurse. I get more enjoyment working as a nurse at age 66. Worked long and hard for my degree, to stop, now. Experts in life makes a well rounded nurse. Good luck! Go for it!👍
Yes!! Don’t let age hold you back! I was an MA x 15 years before I became can RN at 35.
I'm about to be 50 in 2 days, got my BSN & RN in June & July this year. Go for it.
I graduated with BSN at age 40 then MSN and FNP program at age 50 then post master's certificate as Clinical Nurse Specialist with training in Psychiatry at age 57 (ANCC certified as PMHNP) so age is not a barrier! I am 77 now, retired for 6 years and have just accepted a position to provide psychiatric care to residents of 3 different long term care facilities near my home!! So age is not a barrier as far as I can see. I hope to see more of us return to work as we have so much to offer nursing and our patients!!
Margaret Davis
I got my adn at 45, my bsn at 47 and my pmhnp at 50…..if I can do it so can you
I became an RN at 56, so why not?
Yes because what matters is your will and purpose. I just turned 40, I am graduating this December for my MSN and will be starting the FNP program afterwards.
It is never to late and the need is there more than ever! You can do this!
I am 82 and still working night. 12 hrs
Can you? Sure. You absolutely can. Should you? Well....that's a whole other can of worms. I was 33. Personally, now at 52, if I had it to do over again, I would not.
Absolutely, I went back to school at 40 did the prerequisites and had a rn license in 4 years, started working as an rn. Then got my bsn while working, then went a got my pmhnp degree all the while working as an rn. Started working as a psych np at age 50.
What is your interest in becoming a nurse? You are never too old to do anything if you have the grit, passion, and drive! It is an investment of time and money to care for people. I would recommend asking to shadow some nurses in different environments to see if it will be worth the time and energy. I am an RN transitioning into holistic healing and epigenetics.
I started later in life. 30 years of nursing. Picked up my Master Degree in Nursing Education at 61. That was years ago! Nothing is stopping you but you! Go for dream! You won't regret it!
Absolutely! Just as some said in the comments "age is just a number." I went back to school to become a RN in 2016 at the age of 58 got my license in 2021 at 63. You are never to old to learn. As long and you breath and strength move forward and dnt let anything stop you for reaching your goal.
As long as the lord wakes you up everyday, you can become whatever it is you want !
Absolutely! I changed careers at 40. Went to nursing school and been doing it since. Go for it, if that really where your heart is. Nursing isn’t for the faint❤️
I got my RN when I was 53.
Yes!! I had a classmate when I took my BSN who was over 60.
40 is the exact age I became a bedside Critical Care RN. Have confidence in yourself and you'll be a rock star. Ask questions even if you think they're stupid. Oh, and I graduated with a guy that was 50 years old! We both laughed at how young we were and how many years of fun we had ahead.
I’m about to be 43 and I’m a new grad nurse in Tele-PCU. I’m working currently working on my MSN. Age ain’t nothing but a number.
I was 45 when I became an RN and I am so glad that I did!!! Go for all your dreams and don't allow negative talk to stop you of goals you are able to achieve!! The payoff is fantastic and the opportunities are endless.
Yes you can! I was a designer for 25 years then switched gears and graduated at 40 with my BSN from Hopkins! Reinvent yourself! Nurses are needed! ☺️
I graduated 30 some years ago . 2 gals in their mid 60's graduated with me. Both their husbands had died and left nothing behind but bills . They were great! They bonded together to study and were always open to others stepping in to study with them-- You make your own future. Embrace it.
My mom finished nursing school at 50. She works in hospice and loves it. It’s never too late!
Yes, you can. I graduated BS/BSN at the age of 65 years. I have never had any nursing experience. My nursing journeys started in August, 2017 and I graduated BSN May 2023. If you set your heart to it you can achieve your goals and dreams.
I did. Had 3 kids and a husband. Had to work part time (or a little more) waitressing but I made it through. Started as an ADN and got work to help pay for the BSN and MSN. You can do it!
Absolutely, age is just a number. I have had new nurses in their 60's at our hospital. I have been a nurse for 42 years at the same hospital and I love it. If nursing is where you want to be don't let anything be a barrier for you. Best of luck!
I became a nurse at 42 now at 47 half way through psych NP school
Of course your maturity and years of other work experience will be your strengths !
ABSOLUTELY!! I went back at 40. Received my ADN and then returned at 50 for my BSN!
Everything is possible if you have the will to obtain…
Of course, the sky is the limit !
I was 47 when I graduated nursing school
Of course you can. As long as your health is good and your stamina is good, go for it. I was 30 when I got my GED and went to LPN school. I got my RN license at 40 while working and raising three children. Go for it!
It’s never too late to chase your dreams. Go for it!
I got my Asn at 45. I regret it because I am "older" and have taken on a ton of debt due to nursing school. I have had 2 shoulder surgeries since March. I'm not sure that I can return to bedside care, but I dont have enough experience to be a case manager or claims review person.
If I could give back my nursing license and have my school loans erased, I would do it immediately. No thinking about it needed.
Yes, I graduated when I was 42,
I am 61 and working on my DNP. So it’s never too late! You can do it
Yes!!! I received my BSN and passed NCLEX at 42! Started in L&D and still there.
Everyday is a new day. There’s a story about a 52 year old mechanic turned physician- look it up online. I say go for it! The were 40-60 year olds in my classes. Good luck!
I became an RN at 52. BSN at 64 and MSN at 67. I am still on the floor. Age discrimination does happen. Be forewarned. I wouldn't change my passion for anything. Go for it!
Absolutely!! I went back to school at age 50. I started my first job in the NICU at age 53. It was the best decision I ever made. My daughter was in her last year of Nursing School and she encouraged me to do it. When I got my job we worked in the same hospital. She was in the PICU and I was in the NICU. I’ll tell you what she told me. Just do it!!! You will never regret it.
I have been in the OR for 31 years, and just started nursing school May 1. I am 56 years old. I graduate December 1925 I will be 58. You are never too old or too young to learn.
You bet you can!
I ended up divorced at 41 and had to make a major life decision about how I was going to handle the rest of my life.
I went back to school, part timed it so I could still see my kiddos till nursing school was all that was left.
Graduated after 8 years with an associates RN degree at my local community college.
Probably have to have a Bachelors degree now but nothing to lose by checking it out and asking questions.
I went back to nursing school at 41, finished ADN at 43, on track to finish BSN this year. Been a nurse 3 years.
of course you can! I became a nurse at 50! My boss hired me because I have a whole lot of other life experience. Including management, planning, HR! So, there are many many opportunities! Just go for it.
I started nursing school at age 25, RN-BSN at 31, MSN at age 41, MBA at age 43, Doctoral studies at age 61.yes I graduated from all, am approaching Dissertation stage for doctorate now ( I’m 64 now). So, yes Virginia, you can definitely start nursing school at age 40
I did at 52 😀😳😎
I just got my BSN in December at 61! I run circles around most of the nurses on my floor...keeps the brain and the body healthy if you eat well, exercise and avoid the drama!
YES you can. Age is not a factor in nursing. For as long as you have your certification and healthy to make critical decisions, you will be able to. Do not underestimate yourself. Nurses are the epitome of excellence in the healthcare industry. You will be amazed how valuable you are. Good luck!
Yes, you can, I became an LPN at 58, and an RN at 68. There are no age limits. Desire is in the pursuit, if you want it go get it! Don't let your age hold you back!
I’d say, better than 22! You’ll be more mature (hopefully) and often be received better by the patients.
Just graduated with my RN at 43. I had been an LPN for 15 years and finally bridged over.
If you have the time and money to go to school full time, you should pick something else. I am in school for computer science. Can't wait to get out of bedside and nursing.
I began my career in 1984 with an Assiciate degree, BSN in 1987 and MSN in Informatics in 2021 at age 59. I have been a NICU nurse for a few months shy of 40 years.
Don’t
I became a nurse at 50
I went to school at 50, after I got my GED first. I graduated and began in a neuro/ telemetry unit. I'm now am house supervisor at a 25 bed critical care access hospital. I still fill in for call outs in the ICU or med surg. You can do it at any age!!
Just got my NP at 63. Go for it!
I will be graduating nursing school at almost 53! So absolutely you can.
A preceptor for me in nursing school was 53 years old and 2 years out of school. So, absolutely.
I am 62 years old with my BSN and am currently working as a psychiatric nurse. I love my job!
I went back to school to get my BSN when I was 50. I graduated when I was 52.
Absolutely!!!
You have received lots of great feedback, hope you decide to go for it. I just graduated with my MSN in Ed at a young 57. If u want it u can achieve it. Good luck and God bless.
You sure can!!! I just became a nurse at 43. If it on your heart go for it!!! Don’t be afraid to step out on faith!!
Yes, definitely I just graduate myself and I am 40 ! Age is no a limitation so if you want to do it 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻and I just pass my NCLEX on the first try ☺️
Of course! I went to nursing school and graduated just before my 49th birthday. Granted, I was the oldest kid in my class, but not by as much as you’d think. There were several of us in our 40’s in my cohort.
I did and glad to have done so! There is no age limit, in this field.
Absolutely! I just graduated at age 45. I got my LVN in my 20s and I feel like it was a slightly different experience than my RN.
Things that are trying about the nursing school experience at this age: your classmates may generally be younger than you, so they might stick together and you might feel a little left out. Balancing work/finances/family and classwork might cause you some stress issues. If you're not prepared for/ used to some of the things you will be exposed to in clinicals, you might experience some strong emotional reactions.
Why not? You can do anything with intent and discipline, plus life experience!
I started my nursing prerequisites at 46, graduated with a BSN from UMass Boston at 50. I have been working in psych for most of my nursing career. I am applying to Psych NP school this summer. I will be 59 in June!
Yes. Im 49 years old and still working as a nurse. Jobs can't age discriminate.
Absolutely! I graduated at 47 with my Bachelors degree. I’ve never looked back. I’m hoping to return to the hospital at 64.
Yes, absolutely!!
Back in the Stone Age when I got my diploma in nursing, I was old at 20, one classmate was an antique at 33, and grandma was 60 - She always wanted to be a nurse and finally got around to meeting her life's goals. And even as youngsters we could tell she was really good.
So as long as you are able learn there is no barrier. Once you graduate it depends on how supportive your peers will be -- some 'old' nurses can be pretty brutal to the newbies. This was one of my toughest jobs as a manager in an ICU. Although at age 40 I suspect you have some life skills at deflecting that type behavior.
I was 44 and was only the 4th oldest in the class
I was 2 months shy of 50. I had been a Surgical tech for 10 years prior
I
It's not about the age, it's about the amount of money you can afford to spend on your education. Associates Degree will cost the least and you can use a "bridge" program after you are employed. Most employers offer some sort of tutition assistance. Some schools are affiliated with hospitals and offer significant discounts on tutition for their programs.
I stopped after my BSN which I got at 40 because it was too expensive to continue with NP/MSN, etc and the pay does not reflect advanced degrees.
Age is but a number. Drive and determination with a discipline is the key. Nursing allows a person to bring in a life experience in addition to evidence based interventions to the practice. Never give up!!!
I had a classmate who was 59 when they were in nursing school.
That’s exactly what I did and have been an RN for 28 years now! I had a great time going back to school!
Absolutely. Received my RN degree at 48.
Absolutely! You can become whatever you want at any age . Theres no limit . Im sure as long as you have the patience and time commitment. 😊
Absolutely yes! I went back to nursing school at 40. Best decision I ever made!
Why can't you?? We need more Nurses with life experience too!
Ab
Yes, I just finished nursing school at 64 and have a job in the ICU as a nurse resident. I love the hospital where I work and don’t mind hard work, it keeps me active and is a great learning environment. At age 40 you can do anything you set your mind to!! good luck and you got this!!
Absolutely! You will have life skills that are valuable in nursing!
Yes, retired from being a paramedic and became an RN at 47, bsn at 50 and I just got accepted at Walden fo MSN NP PMHNP at 63.! Ps I am a hospice and palliative care nurse and I love it!
Bill
To
You get you can! I did! Took boards first day at 39, second day I was 40! Worked til I was age 63. I had some back trouble and long story short was terminated by my employer when my short term disability went to long term disability. I didn’t have a good pain management doc that cared enough about me or ? To help me get back to work. I live in a very rural part of Texas and there’s not a lot of jobs around for nurses unless you work in a hospital. So didn’t want to work in the one that fired me so guess I’m out!
But alls not over yet I’m hoping! I’m planning a move to be nearby Ft Worth Tx and my kids and I bet I can get work there for sure!
But yes mamma! You go for it! Get yourself a nursing job! They need you! Just be choosy about which outfit you work for!!
yes
go for it
I too received my associates at 40 and I’ll be 43 in November as this firmly seasoned RN have said “age is just a number”. We never stop learning, pour into yourself and you shall see dreams. I wish you nothing but the best and it goes by fast don’t worry👍🏾
Yes!! You can become a nurse at any age. Nursing is fluid there are many options in nursing and 40 is not old! I’m 44and starting over looking for a new job but that’s ok! I’m wanting to change things up. As a nurse we can do that! It’s a wonderful profession!
Yes you can! Go for it,if that’s what you really want to do! Never too late! You’ll be happy you did! Being a nurse is a wonderful profession.And so many different kinds of nursing jobs you can do! It’s really hard work,but very satisfying!
Graduating May 9! I turned 41 in November!! It was hard work because things didn't come as easy for me as they did in high school. But I joined different sites and learned study skills and my learning style now. and did it!! Go for it!!
You can do anything you set your mind too
WTH!? Of course you can!!
Pssssst- I just did!!
Issued License 10/23
Born 6/81😌
Ketchup Mustard!! We're waiting on ya✌️🏽🫶🏾
Absolutely!! Why not!?
Hell yes!!!!!!!
Yes you can! I went back to school at 36 and got notice I passed my NCLEX just a month before my 40th birthday. I wondered that too but a friend pointed out to me that I would be working those 25 years till retirement so I might as well be doing it as a nurse. Good Luck🍀
Absolutely! I became a nurse in 2022 at age 47! I've now been in practice for a year and a half and I will be going back to school when my youngest goes off to college in the fall!
Absolutely!
I did! Graduated at 40, and have done mother baby, hospice, psych, and quality assurance since then. So glad I did this. Got my ADN at 40, my BSN at 44, and then an MBA in 2023, the last two mostly paid for by my hospital.
ABSOLUTELY!! I taught nursing at university level of 20 years in both graduate and undergraduate levels and so many of my basic students were 40 and over. I have had students in their 60's go on to begin their own businesses because they felt that working in a hospital was too physically strenuous for them. They go to diabetics' homes to teach Insulin administration and good dietary practice, work in physicians' offices and have run smoking cessation programs for corporations. I didn't get my BSN until I was 38, then went on for two graduate degrees. Go for it! If you love it, age is not a barrier.
I became a nurse at age 42. I had been interested as a child, then, of course, things happen in life. Became a counselor eventually, then home with children for a number of years (the youngest was born with a brain injury and cerebral palsy). When I was ready to go back to work, I realized I wanted to go into nursing and here I am. It is unfortunate that there are work environments that are not supportive to nurses which is a contributor to burnout (it's almost really never about the patients, but who you work for and who you work with). Nearly everyone will have to start at the bedside, but the good news is you can work in nursing in some capacity or another as long as you have your mind (you can give allergy shots in your 80's).
Absolutely!
Never a better time! I started my first prerequisite classes at 40. I knew what I wanted and worked very hard to achieve LPN, then bridge to RN. Not an easy road but so worth the hard work! You've got this🙌
Yes! Yes! And Yes 👍🏽
I started nursing school at 40. I fit in great with my fellow students who were all ages and when I started on my unit met more people who started nursing later in life.
Yes!!
Yes of course
I did!
Yes, be determined you’ll be in a class of young student nurses. BUT you have life experience.
Definitely.I had a co worker who became a nurse over 40 years old.I precepted a male father who ,after he was laid off work he decided to go back to school and became a nurse .He also had a son in nursing school graduating almost the same time he did.
Absolutely
Yes you can, you’re never too old for nursing
Absolutely, there is nothing stopping except yourself. You can do it ; other people that have done it does not have two heads lol.
I just graduated at 49 with my RN and am working on my BSN.
I went back to school and graduated at 36. You can! I’ve been a RN now for 16 years. I was not the oldest in my class by far. Go for it!
Please don’t do it , it’s not worth the money and it only gets worse as the years pass.
