[Jessy_RN]

At my school there are many in your shoes. You'd be surprised how many. One of my best buddies is in his 60's and in the nursing program

Good luck to you

[Mermaid]

HI everyone, I started a diploma program when I was in my 20s but became pregnant with my second child and decided to stay home and raise all of my children till they were in school full time. Now at 42 I will be graduating December 17 with my BSN... FINALLY!!! Nursing school was tough with three teenage daughters but I would do it again as well... Im just glad it's almost over... 40 more days!!!! :hatparty: I decided to get my BSN because I knew that I would be older then other graduating nurses and wanted to be in management and off the floor earlier.

[Nurse Cozmo]

It depends on if you consider 42 late in life? You could actually make that 35 if you count the CNA work I did, while in school doing my pre-reqs and ADN program. My first degree (and career) was a BA from NYU in Theatre. Big jump huh?

[semisweetchick]

Todd,

I'm glad you started this thread. I wish allnurses would consider a forum devoted to us second career people.

I'm 44 and starting prereqs in January for possible acceptance to an accelerated BSN program in 2007 (because I already have a BA in English). I got sort of trapped into a secretarial/clerical/administrative "career" by virtue of the fact I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do when I was 18, but I could type and take shorthand. Voila! Instant "career."

But I have always felt most at home in a healthcare setting. So, now I am going to pursue my true calling, which is nursing. In addition to feeling I'll be doing something worthwhile, it will be a relief to have a career in a field with good wages and little risk of job loss due to "downsizing."

Good luck to all of you, my "non-traditional" friends!

Semisweetchick

[Dublin37]

The quote that keeps me going:
"You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

Eleanor Roosevelt

[gail green]

I've been a LPN for about 35 years. I've worked every nursing unit in our hospital and Dr. offices. I am presently a nursing student with excelsior college. I find it more difficult to study and retain material now but it can be done. Good luck to you.

[HerbalGypsy]

I graduated from Nursing School at age 55. Started my first RN job in July. It is a challenge I hope I am up for.Good luck to you

[marys]

Hi there,

I will be a new graduate nurse at the age of 48. I too, was an IT professional for 15 yrs. I am glad to see more of us starting a new career at an older age.

Good luck..

[jodyangel]

I hate to sound stupid......but WHAT is ASN in nursing?

Originally Posted by classic1956

Oh yes, I was an Admin Assist for a small electronics company in the Bay Area of CA and at 47 decided to go into Nursing. I graduated Last July with my ASN in Vocational Nursing and in January I am going to bridge over to my RN.

[Superdot2001]

Greeting from Australia!

I will turn 50 next Tuesday and have just finished my first year of nursing studies, along with my daughter who is 21! I have always wanted to be a nurse and started out along that path at the age of 17, and again at 20, but life threw other things my way and so it was never to be. I have worked in medical practices etc and been a patient many, many times. I have several medical conditions that make life, let alone life as a nursing student (any sort of student!), rather difficult and more tiring than most, and although every week I was going to give up and do something more relaxing, I persevered and have got through all my exams and have done a lot better than a lot of "youngsters" doing the course.

If nursing is your passion then GO FOR IT. I may never finish my course but it will be my health that defeats me and not my willingness to give this my best shot!

Good luck to all who are mature-age nursing students!!