Not all people stay in the same field throughout their careers. Switching jobs, even to an entirely different field, is not uncommon. Consider nursing if you’re looking for a new career where you can make a difference. Nurses are in demand, have strong earning potential, can work toward career advancement, and are well-respected. But how old is too old to become a nurse?

One of the great things about nursing is that it embraces nurses and values nurses of all ages, including those starting their careers later in life. Plus, there is a career pathway explicitly designed for nontraditional nursing students. Madonna University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program doesn’t require prior healthcare experience. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits, you might be eligible to apply to our nursing school and could graduate in as few as 16 months.

While considering nursing as a second career, your current soft skills may translate well to this alternative field. Take some time to explore career opportunities in nursing and learn about the process of becoming a registered nurse (RN).

Why Age Shouldn’t Hold You Back From Becoming a Nurse

Many people begin nursing school after high school and enter the full-time workforce for the first time as RNs. Becoming a nurse later in life, however, is relatively straightforward, thanks to the ABSN pathway. Plus, older nurses bring a wealth of life experience and soft skills to the field. The knowledge you’ve gained and the skills you’ve refined in your current career can help you excel in this new field.

Some transferable skills that are important for nurses include:

• Advocacy
• Analytical reasoning and critical thinking
• Communication skills
• Empathy and compassion
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership

How Old Is Too Old to Become a Nurse?

There is no age limit on becoming a nurse. Some individuals choose to make a career change to nurse in their 30s, 40s, or even later. Although there are no universal guidelines, it’s essential to consider your personal situation.

Ask yourself some questions:

• Do you feel you have the physical and mental stamina to go back to school and pursue a new career?
• Do you have a genuine passion for nursing and an interest in health science?
• Are you willing to embrace the student mindset again after being an established professional for a while?

If your answer is yes, then pursuing a new career in nursing could be the right choice for you.

Becoming a Nurse Later in Life: What to Expect

At this point in life, you likely consider yourself an established professional who knows your field well. Diving into an entirely different field may give you a feeling similar to culture shock. Although the initial transition can take some getting used to, you’ll soon be placing IV lines and chatting with patients like an experienced nurse.

One of the wonderful things about the nursing field is that there are opportunities to learn more each day. Use the time during your education to cultivate a receptive mindset by accepting and reflecting on feedback. Maintaining a commitment to lifelong learning is one of the most important things a nurse can do to have a successful career.

Do Hospitals Hire Older Nurses? Understanding Career Opportunities

Hospitals do hire older nurses, and there are plenty of jobs to pursue. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for RNs is expected to be 6% from 2023 through 2033, faster than average, indicating that healthcare employers will hire about 197,200 new nurses during this period.

Within hospitals and outpatient clinics, there are many nursing specialties to choose from. For example, you might decide to become a medical-surgical nurse or prefer the fast-paced nature of the emergency room, urgent care center, or trauma center.

There are also nursing jobs outside of hospitals. You can work at a nursing home, rehabilitation center, plastic surgery center, or even an insurance company. In short, nursing is a highly varied field with opportunities available to suit virtually any interest.

How to Successfully Transition to a Nursing Career

To pursue nursing as a second career, you’ll first need to find the right nursing school.

Find an ABSN Program That’s Right for You

Typically, nursing students spend four years of full-time study working toward their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you already have at least 60 non-nursing college credits and meet other eligibility requirements, however, you could earn your BSN in as few as 16 months at Madonna. Our accelerated program works by focusing entirely on nursing during those 16 months instead of also including general education requirements, as in traditional bachelor’s programs.

Our ABSN program is ideally designed for older nursing students because:

• You can earn your nursing degree faster,
• It allows you to start sooner, with three start dates each year,
• It builds upon your prior education and experience, and
• It welcomes a diverse nursing cohort of students from all walks of life and ages.

Navigate the Admission Process

When you contact Madonna University’s helpful admissions team, you’ll work with a dedicated admissions representative who will walk you through each step of the process. Your admissions rep will review your eligibility and help you meet all the requirements. Before starting the program, you may need to fulfill some prerequisites, such as Intro to Life Chemistry, Intro to Psychology, and Pathophysiology.

Earn Your BSN

Our nursing school combines didactic and hands-on experiential learning to help you become a skilled, well-rounded clinician. You can earn your BSN by completing the following components:

• Online coursework, which teaches nursing concepts and theories
• In-person skills labs, which walk you through a comprehensive range of nursing skills
• In-person simulation labs, which require you to work through patient care scenarios
• In-person clinical rotations, where you’ll practice providing direct patient care under supervision

Pass the NCLEX and Obtain Your Nursing License

After you’ve graduated, you’ll be eligible to sit for the national licensure exam. The NCLEX-RN exam is challenging, so spend plenty of time preparing and answering practice questions. When you pass, you can obtain your nursing license and be ready to apply for your first nursing job.

Approaching Job Interviews as an Older Nurse

Your clinical rotations at Madonna University can help you build a professional network to draw upon as you look for work. During job interviews, it’s important to stress how your non-nursing career enabled you to develop critical soft skills essential for nursing. You’ll also want to explain why you chose nursing as a second career and how you overcame various challenges during clinical rotations.

Discover Why Madonna Nurses Are Different

At Madonna University, our graduates are different thanks to our values-based education, emphasizing empathy, compassion, and respect for all. Our ABSN program in the Metro Detroit area enables you to tap into the vibrant healthcare industry here in Michigan. You’ll complete clinical rotations at top healthcare partner facilities, including the Henry Ford Health system, and learn from highly dedicated instructors committed to your success.

Contact our admissions representatives today to find out how we can facilitate your career change to nurse.