Is 26 too old to go back to school?

luvmy3kids · Oct 5, 2006

I'm 32, I have 3 children, a husband, and I stay at home. It's a bit more challenging at this age (with everything else going on), but I feel like I appreciate it more. I'm more interested in the coursework, I'm more motivated to do well, and I feel a sense of accomplishment... (something that has been lacking in my life I guess)

If this is what you have always wanted to do, it's better late than never! And you are only 26! You have your whole life ahead of you!

Best of luck!

West_Coast_Ken, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2006

...everyone in my extended family keeps asking me why am I still in school. The one that really bugs me is everyone saying that I'm simple to old to go back to school. Should I be offended? Has anyone else heard someone say they were to old?

I don't think the real question is are you too old, but rather why does "everyone in my extended family keep asking me why am I still in school"?

Didn't they get the message from you loud and clear you made a mistake by going for something else and you have since changed your mind? That is why you are still in school. You changed career choices. Maybe they don't think you are serious about this either and see you as wandering. Just a thought...

I wish I had known what I wanted to do when I was 26. Of course 26 is not too old for school. That doesn't seem to be the issue though (to me...)

Regards and best of luck in nursing,

Ken

quinnila · Oct 5, 2006

I'm 47 and in my first semester of nursing. I'll be 49 when I graduate. I was going to be 49 anyway, so ....

I am 45 and grad in May,started my first job in Aug. I agree I was going to be 45 anyway and I do not want any regrets!

Go for it!:mortarboard:

jo272wv · Oct 5, 2006

I just graduated in may from a four year BSN program at age 48 along with 6 other students over the age of 40. Doing well in the hospital I work in so to answer your question, Its never to late to go to school and become a nurse.

OhioMTCRN07 · Oct 5, 2006

I read that "is 26 year old . . " and thought "you've got to be kidding me." I thought, what a silly question but here goes -- I'll be 42 when I finish my RN and have 2 other college degrees. You are only as old as you feel and can do what you want, whatever your age.

PS - Great job Case manager 1947 on your continuing education. MSN at age 57! You go!! You inspire me!!

Aradien · Oct 5, 2006

Well, just to add my nickel here. I thought 41 was too old (my age). But just about everyone here and out there (off this board) said go for it. Now I want to say that to you. Go for it. If you don't, you will regret it.

I went to nursing school for the first time in 1993, the second time in 1994. I regret not having the maturity to do what I was called to do. Now I am finally going to finish and it is truly one of the best moves I have ever made.

One of my good friends is 60 and will be 62 when the program is finished. She might even go get her BSN! BTW I am in an ADN RN program.

Please don't postpone or let your dream die.

Best of luck.

P.S. Would you mind letting us know what you decide?

AlabamaBelle · Oct 5, 2006

:twocents: FWIW - I was 46 when I started nursing school, scared spitless I'd be the oldest in my class! Not by a long shot....the oldest person was 63 - he'd been successful in the IT field, but got downsized. Several people were in their late 40's to mid 50's. My sisters were both in their 30's (the youngest just got her BSN!)

Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!

Cindy, RN

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Oct 5, 2006

Heck no! I was 26 when returning back for my ADN and I'm going to go on to my Masters eventually. I even had a classmate who was a grandmother and she did very well.

mamason · Oct 5, 2006

Hi, I'm currently working on obtaining my BSN in nursing. Before this degree, I pursued a BA in education. I thought that I wanted to be a teacher. After all it was something that I'd wanted to do since childhood. However, once midway through college something inside of me clicked. I didn't really want to be a teacher, but because I was halway through the program, and had taken loans I decided to go through with it anyway. I took my test for my credentials and once I found myself in the classroom setting, I realized that it was not what I wanted to do and should have trusted my gut instinct instead.
I was always drawn to nursing. Especially when in my junior year of college I went to my doctor and he misdiagnosed my symptoms of being the result of stress. I went to the school NP, and she ran test and found out it was more than stress. (I was SEVERELY anemic)
I was impressed and wanted to make a career change before I started my career as a teacher but was to scared to do so.
To make a long story shorter, everyone in my extended family keeps asking me why am I still in school. The one that really bugs me is everyone saying that I'm simple to old to go back to school. Should I be offended? Has anyone else heard someone say they were to old?

Shoot....NO! Your not too old. Go for it. :nurse:

P_RN, ADN, RN · Oct 5, 2006

I started a diploma prog. at 17, left got a business degree, started a BSN program at 19 left after 2 1/2 yrs to get married, and restarted Nursing school at 29 and graduated at 30. That was 32 years ago. So NO you are not too old.....

jojotoo, RN · Oct 5, 2006

Finished nursing school at 36, now 51, and have LOTS of years yet to work!

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Oct 5, 2006

LVN at 24. Started pre-reqs at 37 for RN. Probably won't get my ADN until I'm 42. May consider BSN in the future... I am a much better student than when I was younger (GPA 3.8). I about fell over when I saw my high school transcripts!