[TerreP]

I went back to school at the age of 45, after the kids were older and a few years after I dumped my ex-husband who wouldn't let me go to school!!! I am now 47, remarried to a supportive man, and in my last prereqs, and have applied to a ARN program at a local medical tech school (looks like I'm in, if I can pass the NESI test, which I have heard isn't that difficult.) and I will start either in May or January!!! It's nice to see so many "older" students!!!! Some of my prereqs are all 18-20 year olds, and I feel like the mom of the class!!! My 19 y/o son will soon be starting his prereqs for the RN program as well (he's been a diabetic since the age of 12 and wants be a diabetic educator and work with adolescents with the disease!) and we won't be getting our RN's too far apart!!!!

[DRTCBear]

Todd,

I was fifty when I decided to go to nursing school. I already had two masters degrees.

I took all my prereqs - about 28 credits in 6 months at a local CC and then started my BSN the following Fall. Over the next 6 years I finished my BSN, MSN, and PhD and picked up some work experience along the way. The opportunities in nursing are incredible - so one thing to consider carefully is where do you want to end up. originally I simply wanted to be a bedside nurse - picked the wrong BSN program for that tho - they were all into advanced practice, research etc. not a bad fit for me in retrospect but not what i intended at the outset. So make sure that you either select a school that is offering what you think you want or be flexible enough to change your goals in line with the unanticipated opportunities...

bear

[Bumpus]

Hi everyone:

I am a male and 54 years old. I worked as a data communication engineer at a telecommunications company. Had a major heart attack, then got laid off when the industry went down the tubes. I was introduced to healthcare while ill and admirred my nurse, which started me thinking about how my job was not satisfying except for the money. I subsequently, made the leap to healthcare and don't regret it. All of my old work associates wish they could make the leap too. I am fortunate that my wife's salary is high enough to make up for my new low wage as a HUC/CNA. Otherwise, this career change would not have been possible.

I have an BA in business and AA in computer science. Best move I ever made changing fields and will graduate in May 2006 with honors! Not bad for a old fart like me!

Regards.

[Tika]

Hi everyone,
I am 48 year old, and I just graduated Vocational Nursing. I think age doesn't mean anything if you are willing to do something that you like. I came with my family 9 years ago as a refugee from war zone, didn't speak leanguage, didn't have anything axcept the hope in better tomorrow, which is the most important path in our life. I wish you good luck and belive in yourself always.

[brigaily2000]

Yes. After my kids got older, at the age of 45, went back to college and got a BSN. Experience was terrific and did so much better in nursing school than I ever did in high school or college. Guess it was because I actually enjoyed what I was studying. Worked 15 years as med surg and then post partum RN. Best thing I ever did for myself.

[hcctoad]

Hi there. My name is Holly and although my 30 years of age pales in comparison to 40 and 50 I did start my career late in life.

I didn't know what to do with myself for 10 years so I had piddly jobs here and there. Cashiering, serving...and so on.

I think that going back to school for me was the best thing in the world for me to do.

I am glad that you are going back

You never stop learning.

regards,
Holly

[deernheadlightsRN]

Go For It!!!!!
I just graduated and from an ADN program at the youthful age of 41. I love the age I am and feel I will be a better nurse at this age, because I feel the older you get, you tend not to sweat the small stuff so much. I will start my new position as an RN in this month on a MED-Surg unit and look forward to pursuing my BSN and MSN.

[pepsihla]

I did, I graduated 2 years ago, I'm 36. I was a computer programmer prior to the nursing.

A lot of students in my class were about the same age as me, some older, some younger, it is never too late to change careers.

I am now more than halfway through the RN to BSN program...so, I'm still going to school.

Good Luck!

[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.

[reyaguilar]

I am an Aeronautical Engineer and worked in an international airline for more than 25 years. I decided to change careers when I felt stagnant and unfulfilled. I went to nursing school at 48. I am about to graduate no at age 51. When I was in school getting my Engineering degree I thought that was hard. Little did I know, Nursing is harder. And at my age, going back to school and re-learn things and adapt to the campus life is way off the chart. However, I feel a sense of fulfillment now and I have learned to love nursing.