Is 26 too old to go back to school?

[anouk]

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?

[softstorms]

I was 32 years old when I went back to school for my LPN after 10 years of doing CNA work. Did I feel old in the class room? OH YEAH! But now at 53, I still go to classes and seminars to upgrade my skills as a nurse. I am even looking into getting my RN. Good Luck

[mlyth]

I graduated with an RN associate degree at the ripe young age of 60 and had no previous health care experience. But I did have life and work experience that served me well in school and now on the job. Best of luck.

[ded55]

I started in my LPN class this past Jan. and will graduate in Dec. and I will be 57 in Jan. Go for it Honey, you are never too old to help some one else or yourself!

[Verna127]

I became a RN at 52 years of age. Its never too late to learn something new. Where will you be by the time you would have finished school, still dreaming about becoming a nurse. go for it, good luck.

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[lamazeteacher]

I'm 67 years old, with 46 years of nursing experience. Now I want to be a Legsl Nurse Consultant. If any of you have comments about Kaplan U's couses, please respond.

Thanks

P.S. To the 26 year old who went into teaching: go, woman! You can always teach Nursing after some experience in the profession.

[AngelsRN]

I have a MA in psych --- I went back into nursing at the age of 32, graduated at 36 and am coming up on 1 year as a nurse in January ---- will I go on . . . absolutely!!! I had an ex along the way who did not support me, so that is why he is an ex --- you are NEVER too old to go to school -- you dont get any younger so do it when you want.

And there were people in their 60's in my class!!

[1st edition]

You're kidding right? I was 38 when I started my LPN training w/ out any previous college! I'm now 43 w/ 3 more pre-req's to go just to be able to apply for an RN program! Age is relative, I feel young and won't let age stop me from getting an education and living life! Follow your heart and happiness will follow. . .

[deannastaffdevelopme]

I am 44 year old and will be going back for my PhD. You are never too old to learn. Usually people that make that statement are either ignorant or just uneducated. I teach nursing and have often taught students in their 60's. Do yourself a favor and continue to learn...

[shailyn]

You are never to old to go to school. I am 52 years old and I am going for my BSN. My kids told me that I was too old, but I love school and I think this is the best thing I could have done. Sometimes a career change is what is needed in life. Just keep going

[rpangeles]

I'm 57 and in my final year in nursing school. My class has an average age of 30+ and with at least one previous college degree. GO FOR IT!

[Avery205]

Absolutely not! You're never too old to learn or try something new. Always go with your gut feelings, they will never steer you wrong. I just finished my BSN at age 33. It's my 3rd degree. Sometimes we just have to try some other things out before we figure out what we really want to do when we grow up . As some other people have mentioned, find out if there is an accelerated program in your area for people who already have degrees in other fields. That's what I did, because of my other degrees (and I still had to take prereqs for the program), I was able to complete my BSN in one year. It was a long, hard, stressful year, but was so worth it. I'm sure at some point, I will go back for my MSN, maybe when I'm in my 40's. Once you begin your program, you will find more people who are just like you going back to school for various reasons at all different ages. Do what makes you happy, when you're done, the naysayers just don't get it (perhaps they are even a bit jealous that you have the courage to go back to school to do something you've always wanted to do). Inside they are probably thinking "wow, I wish I could do that".

GO FOR IT! GOOD LUCK!

[nrsecarole]

You have got to be kidding me... 26 yrs to old to go to school? I'm 53 yrs and thinking that I want, no need to go back to school. my motto is. When you stop learning you start dying.. Hence the stacks of books by my bed and littering my home...... Go to school, you'll enjoy it more:mortarboard: