Honestly, Am I too old to become a nurse?

You have all given me hope. Iam 56 and plan to go to Nursing school. Thought maybe I was too old. Iam an CNA/LTC In nursing homes, so Ive been doing hard work for a while. Maybe being use to the long hrs and no breaks, heavy lifting, will make being a Nurse eaiser. Thanks to you all!

We had people in my nursing school class who were in their sixties. You can do it if you set your mind to it. Good luck.

My community has partnered up with a local college to offer people a chance to become an RPN (LPN). When I went to one of the information sessions I was worried that at 33 I was going to be one of the oldest ones there. To my surprise I was actually in the middle. My area has been hit hard by this recession and people are looking for a career that is going to offer job security...health care is the field to be in. There is nothing wrong with following your dreams...whatever your age. That's exactly what I wrote in my essay during the entrance test. I am showing my kids that regardless of age it is never too late to have goals for yourself. It will be interesting in September to see the age range of students that were accepted into this program.

Anyway, good luck to you!

There are definitely some good points being made here regarding age, but I think the decision has to be definitely yours -- follow your heart. I'm 50 and started back to school at 48 to begin working towards an RN degree. I went through first semester nursing and part of 2nd semester, but had to step back due to personal situation in dealing with father's cancer and dealing with my own stress level of balancing nursing school with everything else in my life. Also, depending on your learning style, going back to school as an older student can be rewarding but also may be a little more difficult academically. But, again, everyone is different in how they learn. I just know for me, it takes me longer to retain things than I did back in my 20's and 30's. I do intend to eventually get my RN degree -- it just might take me a little longer than I had originally planned. I am even considering going to an LPN program and then reapplying to nursing school in 3rd semester to help me accomplish my goal. The one drawback I have experienced since starting nursing school is that because I had no previous medical experience I find nursing school to be more challenging for me than some of the other students who are currently either CNAs or LPNs working toward their RN. They definitely have an advantage because of their work experience. Nursing School is very hard and it's a very big commitment. Just be prepared to apply yourself totally and give it 100% or more if you make the decision to go. Personally, I know I would not be able to work full time and go to nursing school. Even working part time and going to nursing school could be challenging. Best of luck in your decision.

I am 44 and graduated from nursing school last May. There were several people in my class older than me. Most of the older people were at the top of the class. I think life experience really is a plus when dealing with patients. The one thing I think that my age affects is that 12 1/2 hour (often 14-16 hour) shifts seem very long, especially when you are on your feet most of the time. I think that in a few more years I will be looking for someplace that offers 8 hour shifts or a job outside the hospital setting. Other than that, follow your dream. Working through a CNA program first will give you a good idea if you like it, and a CNA program does not require years of an investment. Best wishes to you.

If it is really what you want, go for it!!

Go for it. I am 47 and will be graduating with my BSN may 2010. I have been plugging away at this since 1999. You are never too old.

I have been having some doubts if Nursing is the right field for me. I'm 39 years old and a single parent of 2 (11 &16) I was wondering if I was to old to become a nurse. I started out when I was 18, but never finished. Now I'm determined to start school this fall, I have alot of classes I have to take to bring up my GPA. I live here in Dallas, Tx, my concern is how hard is nursing school and is the HESI exam extremely hard? Please give me some direction

No I would say you are not too old to be a nurse. Check out the student section and you will see several threads on people older than you starting their journey. If it is something you really want to do then do it and don't let people put you off. Best of luck

Oh and welcome to the site

You're never too old for anything if you really want to do it. I'm 38, mother of 3 & starting my pre-nursing classes next month.