[RyanL]

First off.. Hi. This is my first post. Great site.. I have already found alot of answers to questions I had.

I have been an a audio engineer/producer for the last 9 years and making a necessary career change due to familial duties. I have been putzing around for the last year at a punch in punch out sort of job pondering wich direction I wanted to take as far as a new career. After doing alot of research and soul searching; I have decided that nursing would be right up my alley.

Now the only problem that I foresee...Is working for 9.00 to 11.00 ph as a CNA until I finish my LPN. Im old and need more $$! Im 34 and dread the idea of "paying my dues" all over again. I guess my question is this...Have you or do you know of anyone who at my age has persued a career in nursing? Extra points if male.

I guess Im just looking for some general feedback!

[np_wannabe]

I'll be 34 when I start nursing school, so no, I don't think it's too old. I don't think it's too old if you are in your 50s and 60s though.

And if money is an issue, you may want to look into an RN program instead. Around here, brand new RN's are starting at $18 (plus differentials)

HTH.

[traumaRUs]

Hi Ryan and welcome. Not only was I 34 when I went back to school - I also was in broadcasting for 10 years prior to coming to nursing. What a coincidence! I went the military broadcasting route.

Anyway, 34 is definitely not too old. I would advise though going straight to the RN course because it give you more options. Do the BSN if at all possible. Again - for the above reason. It is possible to work while in school. Not fun, but doable.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide to do.

[BSNtobe2009]

I'm 37, and will be 41 when I finish everything, and I am considering getting a Masters, so you can add two years on top of that.

Part of me, is concerned that I am going to be far behind with other new nurses that will be half my age and the ones that are my age will have 15 years-plus experience. I'm going in with the attitude, to work as hard as I can, help everyone around me, and hopefully, that "life experience" and professionalism will kick in and help me be a great nurse so that I may be able to have some career advancements before I retire.

[Halinja]

I'll graduate this spring with my BSN. I'll be 48 when I graduate...and I honestly don't think I'll be 'too old'. Sometimes it seems strange to be this age and be at the bottom of the learning curve.

On the other hand, when I'm out there competing with 24 year olds for a job, I can honestly say that I'll bring to my prospective employer a lifetime of skills and experience that no 24 year old can have, no matter how bright they are. I've been around the block, so I tend to have common sense and stability, things I may have lacked when I was younger.

I mean no disrespect to the younger nurses. I am constantly impressed by the dedication, compassion, and sheer intelligence of my younger classmates. I applaud them all.

You are never too old to learn. And there are so many different paths you can take when you are an RN.

[pie123]

Originally Posted by RyanL

First off.. Hi. This is my first post. Great site.. I have already found alot of answers to questions I had.

I have been an a audio engineer/producer for the last 9 years and making a necessary career change due to familial duties. I have been putzing around for the last year at a punch in punch out sort of job pondering wich direction I wanted to take as far as a new career. After doing alot of research and soul searching; I have decided that nursing would be right up my alley.

Now the only problem that I foresee...Is working for 9.00 to 11.00 ph as a CNA until I finish my LPN. Im old and need more $$! Im 34 and dread the idea of "paying my dues" all over again. I guess my question is this...Have you or do you know of anyone who at my age has persued a career in nursing? Extra points if male.

I guess Im just looking for some general feedback!

You're not too old. I finished one year ago, and I'm 33. The only thing is, I think you should just go straight for the RN.
My Charge Nurse is 43. She has been a nurse for 6 years. She started school when she was 37. There are a lot of nurses who started their career in their 30's. Good luck to you.

[aileenve]

I sure hate people who think 34 is old!! I started nursing school when I was 40, I am now 55 an RN with no regrets! The quicker you get started the quicker you get done....PS: we welcome men in nursing!

[pie123]

Originally Posted by RyanL

First off.. Hi. This is my first post. Great site.. I have already found alot of answers to questions I had.

I have been an a audio engineer/producer for the last 9 years and making a necessary career change due to familial duties. I have been putzing around for the last year at a punch in punch out sort of job pondering wich direction I wanted to take as far as a new career. After doing alot of research and soul searching; I have decided that nursing would be right up my alley.

Now the only problem that I foresee...Is working for 9.00 to 11.00 ph as a CNA until I finish my LPN. Im old and need more $$! Im 34 and dread the idea of "paying my dues" all over again. I guess my question is this...Have you or do you know of anyone who at my age has persued a career in nursing? Extra points if male.

I guess Im just looking for some general feedback!

Oh, as for being male, one of my classmates was 36 when we graduated. Good luck.

[lisanursingstudent]

I am 38 and in my first year of the RN program. Not too old. Yes, it's not fun being an $8/hour CNA to get by ~ but it's two years. Only two years. Take most of your prereq's at night if you can do that and keep your day job. That way, when you're ready to start, you can work a few extra shifts to keep yourself afloat. Two years of student loans is not a bad trade-off either.

I managed to scrimp and save enough to get through my first year ahead of time. Next year, scholarships and loans - for one year only. 34 is never too old.

[oktravelnurse]

No! you aren't too old. The average age of a nursing student is 43 (the last time I heard). You will probably find many students in their mid 40's pursuing a second career. Good luck