[JMBM]

51 when I got my BSN and started in the ER. My preceptor told me that she liked working with "older" new nurses. She said she "doesn't have to teach them about life." You'll find your life's experiences will pay you back and help your patients in a million ways. .......... one thing, though, another 2d career student once observed to me that one's "tolerance for BS decreases as your age increases." Its a bit more frustrating to deal with some of the silly power trips you encounter in nursing school but you'll get through it. Go for it.

[Leslie Hagg]

I've been a RN since the mid 70's. I started back to school in Feb of 2005 for my BSN and will graduate in Aug of 2006. I wll be 53 when I'm done. I love being back in school and have met some great new friends. The BSN will open up other new job opportunities for me as well. It's never too late to improve yourself!

[bobeeally]

My name is Ashley. I am enrolling in school and starting my classes in January. I am VERY excited.

I am older. I will be 33 in January. I have been a stay at home mom for the last 10+ years. My husband (or more precisely, my future ex-husband) was abusive to me and our children. He had an affair with at least one woman. I finally had enough when he started physically abusing our 2 children.

I suddenly found myself in need of a way to support myself and the children, so I decided to go to school.

I am looking forward to starting my new, better life.

[BrownRecluse]

I started in my early thirties, after floundering in a Fine Arts career for about 10 years (so much for THAT Masters degree!). Best of luck to you in finding a new path. Have you considered physician assistant studies?

Happy Halloween!

[LadyEtain]

These stories are terrific. I'm 48 myself and although I always wanted to be a nurse, I got sidetracked a lot. Now there's nothing to stand in my way and I have all the love and support I could ask for from my guy, including helping me study (he has taken math courses I had never even heard of!). Still, there have been times when people look at me like I just swallowed a bug or snicker when I say I'm going to be a nurse. After reading these, I won't let that bother me any more! I'm sooooooo glad I found ya'll!

LadyEtain

[jaxmom63]

I will be 43 when I graduate in May with my RN. I worked as a tech for 8 years on a urology floor. After a divorce, I had to find a way to support my teenage son. I figured since I wiped butts for 8 years,and didn't get tired of it, I should give this a try. My scores are fantastic, (surprising to me since I had been out of school for 22 years!) and I am so looking forward to being an RN. My son is looking forward to not having to live on next to nothing. He will be sixteen when I graduate and I will spend a lot of time making the last three years up to him. He has been a great support and never complained because we have been living on the edge of poverty. I thought I was too old to start back at first, but I am not the oldest in my class either. It was difficult learning good study habits again after all these years, but it will be worth it.

[jodyangel]

I've been an LPN for 32 years and am now taking classes for my RN.
So if I'm not too old You're not. LOL.

O, I forgot to say, I'm 51 yrs young!! Opps..early alhziemers LOL!!

[traumaRUs]

Hi Todd (our oldest son is named Todd and we have called him the Toddster and Todderella for a long time). He's now 25 though and doesn't appreciate the cute nicknames anymore! lol

Anyway...I did school in my 30's and was in the military in public affairs and journalism before that. Now, I'm 47 and back in school. At any rate - it can be done. Most older students are much more focused and have a great work ethic. Good luck...

[Nemhain]

Originally Posted by bobeeally

My name is Ashley. I am enrolling in school and starting my classes in January. I am VERY excited.

I am older. I will be 33 in January. I have been a stay at home mom for the last 10+ years. My husband (or more precisely, my future ex-husband) was abusive to me and our children. He had an affair with at least one woman. I finally had enough when he started physically abusing our 2 children.

I suddenly found myself in need of a way to support myself and the children, so I decided to go to school.

I am looking forward to starting my new, better life.

You go girl!!! We had a lot of women in my program who were in a similar situation and now they're all doing great!

[Joannie]

I went back to school at 39 and did my nursing degree, since then have done a certificate course in neonatal intensive care nursing, a flight nursing course and a clinical based Master's degree. I',m 53 and not slowing down yet! It was hard work but well worth it.