Is 32 too old to start nursing school?

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Mar 15, 2003

If it's something you want, it's never too late. I started at 49 yoa..just finished this year at 53. Why? Because it's something I've always wanted to do. You only have one life. Make it count.

As for EMT/CNA.. I had done both in the past. Why not do both?

Both would give you insight and learning opportunities while you persue your education. You've got to be able to handle the "scud work" either way. Get a taste of it, my friend, because nursing is full of it, whether you'ra a CNA, LPN, or RN/BSN... Ya gotta take the good with the bad in real life. It will also enable you to appreciate more those who assist you in your nursing career.. the unsung heroes.

EMT is more acute and you only have very brief contact with your patient.. CNA/PCT gives you a truer feel for the day in day out of continuous care and observation and learning.

Just my opinion. If you can swing both, do it !

Godd luck to you in your endeavors.

Jnette

gizzy76 · Mar 15, 2003

Hi Jason!

Being a new graduate RN I would suggest going into your Nursing program first. Then you can nurse and learn everything you need to know. My personal opinion is that if you take your EMT course, you will learn a lot of information and skills that you will end up learning again once you are in nursing school.

I did my final practicum in an ER and from what I saw, they would like you to have some previous experience working before they will hire you on, but the one I was in had hired some new graduates because they needed the staff and had no other choice, so this might work out well for you. Besides, you will be surprised how quickly the time will go (even if you have to work for a year after graduating).

Best of luck to you!

gizzy76 · Mar 15, 2003

Also Jason, (I forgot) 32 is definitely not too old to start nursing school! One fellow in my class was in his mid forties when he started. He opted out at diploma level and is now going to write his MCAT this summer in order to enter medical school. Follow your dreams!

JasonC · Mar 15, 2003

Thanks for the replies...this is great advice.

Katnip, RN · Mar 15, 2003

You are NOT too old. I'm 46 going to be graduating this may. There's a thread in the student section you might want to look at about being too old for this. A lot of us "oldies but goodies" put our two cents in.

karoline · Mar 15, 2003

Go for it!!! I used to teach pediatrics at a community college and had many students who were in 40's and 50s. One student was a retired fireman/paramedic and was in his late fifties when he graduated. He and his wife were retiring to Florida and he wanted to work part-time in an emergency room. It is never to late to go after what you really want in life.

Good Luck!!!

SingingNurse2 · Mar 15, 2003

I sure hope not! I'll be 36 when I start next fall after all my pre-reqs. :eek:

MishlB · Mar 15, 2003

EMT and nursing, although sometimes similar, are very different. Nurses have more of an opportunity to develop a closer relationship to their patients, where an EMT is more a fix 'em up and go get another. (Please correct me if I am wrong) Yes CNA's seem to get dumped on occasionally, but they are a big part of the nursing team also. I think you would get a better feel for nursing if you went the CNA route, but maybe it's a male thing? Probably more male EMT's than CNA's. I'm not being much help!

Trauma Columnist · Mar 15, 2003

Go for it Jason. I was 34 when I graduated with my LPN, 36 when I graduated with RN and I'll be 46 when I get my masters. Age is nothing.

J.Cro · Mar 15, 2003

Go for your dream, you will never regret it. Most people in my classes were over 30 and one woman was 50. They did great and are all working in various fields now. You won't regret it and all that life experience will help you all throughout your career. We need nurses!!!

allnurses Guide · Mar 15, 2003

I started school when I was 38 . . . . took an EMT class at night after I graduated and was working. I'm about to start working as an ER nurse. Go for it!!