[erenamonichka]

Hi, I am 46 and am going to LPN school soon, that was my dream 12 years ago, i was working in Norsing home that time as CNA, after that i gradualte AA dergee in Computer and got sick an tired sitting on computer all days, I am back to LPN. Never is too later if you still can learn, Good luck
erena

[MimisMomLVN]

You can do it! I am 50, got my LVN at 47 and just passed the TEAS at 85.9% so starting the RN program June, 2008. I will embrace 50 being the new 30. You go girls!!!!!!!

[SoundofMusic]

Yes, started nursing school at 42 or so (can't remember how old I am sometimes); and graduated at 44. I'll be 45 now starting on a floor. Since I had many years at home w/ my kids and was able to take care of myself, I don't really look my age YET, or so many say.

In some ways it's an advantage. I notice the techs sort of pick on the younger new nurses, but they don't seem to look crossways at me -- I think they respect my age and station in life w/ three older kids, married 20 years, etc. I can also make great conversations w/ pts and understand their life experiences so much more at my age.

The physical part is hard. I get tired, but so does everyone else. It's tough sometimes to take direction and criticism (and be treated like a child) but "management" who may be 10 years younger than I am -- but that's the ropes. They did their time and they deserve the respect.

I'm happy I did it. I loved my former career, but got tired of cubicle life and full time hours, little significance in what I did. I know as a nurse I make a huge difference and effect people's lives everyday. Many will never forget me as their nurse . . . I'm also psyched for the future and all the options I have -- I can relax and be traveler, move w/ my husband, or get more edcuation and move into different specialities. It's great I think, once I get the hang of it all ...which I'm still working on!

Plus, if you DON'T go, all you'll be is 5, 10, 15 years older ANYWAY -- might as well go!

Heck, we had 60 year olds in our nursing class!

[donster]

I'm going into my last year of school, and, at the age of 50, I am happy to announce that I am NOT the oldest person in my class!

[savingangels]

I am 44 a single mom with three kids 20, 17 and 5. I will graduate 8/1 with a BSN from the fast track program in 15 months. It has been the greatest experience and I would not change a thing. Not am I older but wiser. The fist time I went to school I didn't appreciate the experience. I have found joy in learning. I have a new found respect for myself and actually now feel that I am intelligent. I can't wait to get started in my new found career. Way to go on following your dreams guys.

[denise0815]

Hi..I am a single mom, with 2 kids and at 37 was not sure if it is possible to start over. I have been considering doing this for many years because I am tired of cubicle life also. I love to read these stories, they really are the encouragement I have been looking for. I need to know that it can be done, and how to balance school and kids..any suggestions?

[walkingon]

I am 42 and in my first quarter of prereqs. Expect to be 44 or 45 when I graduate, and look forward to hopefully 20 or so good working years. Although I wish I'd have done it at a younger age, I wouldn't trade back the life knowledge gained along the way!

[MimisMomLVN]

Hi guys, I graduated from the LVN program at 47, have worked med/surg for over 2 years now while completing my prereqs. I just passed the TEAS with 85% at 50 years old and will start the LVN to RN bridge on June 16. So when I graduate with my RN next year I will be 51 years young. My goal was to complete my RN by 50, but that's ok I'm not that far off. I also have a 24 year old who is a new RN. Ya, it's tough sometimes and physically exhausting, but would I want to go back to my desk job pushing paper, with no real meaning to my 8 hours each day, no way. Now I feel like my life has meaning, helping others, touching a life, some days more than others. If you don't make a difference in this life, then what's the point. God bless us older nurses, the ones who worked so hard to get here and didn't give up. You are all my heros. I agree with what many have said, we have life experiences and wisdom that the younger, inexperienced ones can't have yet. It's funny though how when patients see that you're older they think you have been a nurse for ever (little do they know I'm still a rookie!). And yes, there are alot of older students now days. In my daughter's class there were several in 50s and 60s. You go guys!!!!!!!

[KimieKRMA]

I'm a 45 year young Registered Medical Assistant for 11 years with a husband of 20 years and 3 fabulous children ages 17, 14, and 11. I start my LPN program in July 2008 and from there I will continue towards my RN which will make me around 48 when I finish but that's fine with me. I agree with the other posters. I have so much more to offer now that I'm older and wiser. Follow your dreams and NEVER let anyone tell you you're too old to do anything!!!

[Flame_07]

I am going back to school after being an LPN for a long time I am now 43, I'm a lot more focused and ready to devote the time and my family require less physical attention. I have tried to go back before by answering to some of these do it at home at your own pace deals. Does anyone know about these programs? My program at a traditional college starts in Jan 09, but others are telling me to go that route so I don't have to repeat all my biology classes. I would love some input on anyone that has been thru a program such as this. Example (Excelcior)