40 & going to school to be a CNA!!

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi. So I am making a total career change, like my title says: at 40!! I have signed up at a votec (adult ed) and am starting soon. I have worked in an office type environment for my entire working life so this is going to be all new for me. I have always been the type to take care of others from friends when I was younger, to my 2 sons to family members- so I am thinking this will come naturally. My only concern is that I am going to be the oldest in my class (even thou I am told I don't look my age). Any advise would be appreciated!! Thanks!

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I did it at 50, and there were a couple other ladies close to my age in the CNA class with me. I'm now in an LPN program, and out of about 40 students about five of us are 40 or over. It's not unusual nowadays for people in their 40s and 50s to retrain. I'm 53 now and figure I have another 15 years or so to work so why not?

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Thank you for answering! I guess I am only as old as I feel...and I am looking forward to school.

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Don't worry about your age. I was the youngest one in my class (18 yrs old). I was the baby, as they said lol. Most people were over 40! Two were in early 30's and quite few were in their 50's. Yes, few even had grandchildren.

Trust me, I work with plenty of aides in their 40-60's at my facility. Good luck!

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Thank you so much!!

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Uh, missie1 - I'm 49, and finished my NAT with the Red Cross 2 weeks ago. If you honestly think you're going to be the oldster in your class, guess again. I wasn't the oldest - our oldest was 52 (or at least the oldest that'd 'fess up was). 40? Heh - youngster!;)

If anything, having a head full of grey hair actually helps during clinicals - pts'll oftentimes be easier to work with when you're wearing the "badge of age". Though it sounds like you'd have to fake the grey...

----- Dave

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Thanks Dave!! No I have the grays, under my dyed blonde hair,,haha!! I am glad to hear I won't

be alone.

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I got you all beat. I went to cna school at 59 and got the first and only job I applied for! I won't be 60 for ages yet (September 2012- haha!!)

Do not wait for someone else to live your life cause no one else will be able to! I have had many careers and owned several businesses and I am always ready for a new challenge.

Go for it!

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As you can see, many of us are changing our careers and lives after 40. I went back to school at 40 also to get my CNA. I am now 42 this month and two quarters away from applying to Nursing school. This is a dream I started at 20 years old and then life got in the way a little. I was able to pick up this dream almost two years ago, and I am full steam ahead. Many of my good friends are non traditional students at my college. It is Fabulous to go back and really love what you do. Learning is the most exciting it has ever been. Enjoy this journey and remember you will be another year older no matter what, so either you will be 41 and not finished with a CNA or you will be 41 and have reached a goal. It is always a choice.. which one is only up to your imagination and commitment! Good for you!!! Enjoy!

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.

I did my CNA at 40.

What you will find is that your collective inexperience will draw you closer to your classmates.

I'm almost jealous. My Red Cross CNA class and clinical was a wonderful experience.

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I was 47 when I got my CNA certification. That's redundant. You know what I mean. :lol2:

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Thank you all for your comments...I am feeling empowered!!

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