A bit concerned about my age beginning nursing school...

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Hi everyone,

I just recently posted a thread in the forum for my state about the demographics of the nursing school I will be attending. I recently attended a tour of the school, and every student I was introduced to was 21 years old, the oldest being 23. I didn't meet everyone, but considering that I will be 29 years old when I attend the program, I'm a bit concerned about feeling like the "odd woman out."

I may be wrong in my assumption, but I've always heard that one of the great things about nursing is that people begin their careers at all ages. It is one of those fields where no one can say, "you're too old to pursue that," if that makes sense (not that I personally feel that there is any field one would be too old to pursue). I assumed that I would come across people in nursing school who were around my age group and even older, but this tour is making me think I may be wrong about that.

Is this a stupid concern? I won't be deterred by it, but I'm not loving the idea.

For students who are "older" like myself, how was/is your experience?

Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Hospice.

29! You will not be an oddball, trust me. Me, now I'm an oddball. However, in my program, though I am the oldest at 50, there are several in their 40s. My best NS buds are in their mid 20s. You become like family. I haven't had anyone say to me (at least to my face) "What the hell are you thinking?" I ask myself that quite frequently though! You, me and anyone else has just as much right to pursue their education and passion as the next person.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, mical:

Your post made me smile because you are very young. I started my prerequisites for a RN program last year after I turned 50. I know of people who started in their 60's. While I never ask a lady her age (I'm old fashion), there are a number in my class in their 30's and 40's. So, please let it sink into your heart, you are a young puppy. You are young. You are able. Go for it.

Thank you.

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I graduated when I was 35... my step-mom was 53 when she graduated. You are a youngin, just because you met young people doesn't mean the entire class will be.

I was actually told that one of the reasons I got my job was because I had a respectable job history.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I'm 34 and graduating. You'd be right in the middle in our class. That said, there is a local private university where there is only ONE mom in the entire class (of I think about 50 students), and yes, she feels very old among all of the 20 years olds whose parents are paying their way!

Consider that 30-somethings don't have time to go on school tours. Same goes for the extracurriculars- if you judged based on our nursing club, you'd think everyone was 22-26. 30-somethings are probably working and raising kids and balancing all of this with spouses, etc. Two of my closest friends in my class are 48 and 50. So if they ARE in your class, they probably won't make an appearance until the first day.

Try not to stress! :)

One thing I recommend is starting a Facebook page for your class, so you can all communicate. We have found this is the best way to get news to everyone, and we can post links to things we mentioned in class or ask if anyone can clarify an assignment or whatever. But this will also help you to connect with other people in your class, and you can get a sense of who they will be.

Good luck with your program!

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

That is how I felt going back to community college for my pre-reqs. I am 37 years old and once I got back into it, it was not big deal. It seems some of the younger students will look to you for help and you will also encounter students your age and older. I have seen some of the applicants for the nursing program and while the majority are younger there is an older population too.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

My class had a mix of ages from 19 to 50's. Men, women, married with children, single with 6 children etc.. Point being, if you want it don't let any thing, age included stop you..hints the reason I mentioned the single mom with 6 kids :)

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Do not be concerned about your age, this is coming from a 21 year old nursing student. In my program , most people tend to be your age or older. I actually find older to be the most hardworking and dedicated. I knew of a 70 year old woman attending a nursing program, so if she can do it then you can do it as well. The average age of new nurses is around 30 years old. When you start the nursing program, age would be the least of your worries.

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29! You will not be an oddball, trust me. Me, now I'm an oddball. However, in my program, though I am the oldest at 50, there are several in their 40s. My best NS buds are in their mid 20s. You become like family. I haven't had anyone say to me (at least to my face) "What the hell are you thinking?" I ask myself that quite frequently though! You, me and anyone else has just as much right to pursue their education and passion as the next person.

Thanks for your response! it's not that I would be deterred by being surrounded by people who are so much younger than me, it just wouldn't be anything I was particularly thrilled about. Best of luck to you in your program! :)

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That is how I felt going back to community college for my pre-reqs. I am 37 years old and once I got back into it, it was not big deal. It seems some of the younger students will look to you for help and you will also encounter students your age and older. I have seen some of the applicants for the nursing program and while the majority are younger there is an older population too.

It's actually funny because it is the exact opposite for me. I'm currently at a community college and the people who are planning on attending the nursing program at that school are all my age or older, but the university I'm transferring to is where all the younger people are. Your post is very reassuring though, the age issue really hadn't even dawned on me until my tour of the school and then I wasn't sure how I felt, lol.

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