Dear Donna,
I am 51 years old and wonder if this age is too old to consider a nursing career? I started about 20 years ago, but with family, etc., I never finished the course. I have condidered returning, but always talk myself out of it by thinking I am too old. Can I really keep up with the young students and others who are much younger than me? I have always worked, and work as a 911 dispatcher at the fire department. With at least 15 years until retirement, is nursing something that I can start now and continue until that time? Still Wants to be a Nurse
Dear Still Wants to be a Nurse,
At the very young age of 51 you are not even close to being too old to get into nursing. Many people are coming into the profession at every stage of life. In fact the oldest student I have met to date was 70 years old. You'll also find that many students today are older and have had previous careers. If you've already been a 911 dispatcher, you can definitely hold your own in a nursing program.
It is said that on our death bed, we don't regret the tings we did but the things we didn't do. So end the cycle of regret that you currently carry. Stop thinking about it and just do it.
Will it carry you another 15 years until retirement? Absolutely. There are nurses in their 80s still working by choice because they love what they do. Everyone is living and working longer these days. And nursing is so diverse, there is literally something for every nurse at every stage of life.
Best wishes,
Donna
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