I feel like I'm too old for this

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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Hi, I'm a 23 year old who has just decided to become an LPN after a long period of uncertainty. I struggled with depression for years and even through I love working with people, you just don't want to bring your personal problems to work or school. So I took a little break from school to fully work on myself. Five years later, I'm back at and now I'm feel like I'm too old to be a LPN-RN student even through I have some prerequisites completed from my previous major. I just wanted to know if there are other ladies or males who started late like me and how has it been for you? And how did you get a entry level position in the healthcare field? Thanks!

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Oh my goodness! You think you are old at 23? Just shoot me now! lol I was 38 when I started school.

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I graduated with my bsn at 38. :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

It's funny. I can relate to this but I can tell you, you aren't too late. For me it wasn't my age but so much that my family and friends were graduating, enjoying their careers and I felt left behind. However, I looked at my older cousins in their 30's and 40's who only received their LPN and RN in the last couple of years. I tried being a nurse since I was 16. Life got in the way, started pre-reqs and completed them but got intimidated. Tried to continue and the many trials came. I am turning 28 next month and I am pretty sure when I go back to school this year to finally continue, there will be students much older than myself starting like me. And I am pretty sure I will learn from them. And I am doing this working full time as a single parent.

My Mom, before she passed, was in her 60's and speaking to her older sister for them to start college together. You are never too old for your education. It's your willingness to stick through and how bad you want it. God bless.

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Funny. My mom went back to school at 70 and got her CNA. We are always creating our lives, and education is a big part of it. When you educate yourself you are not only gaining skills, but hopefully knowledge so you can survive better. To lifelong learners.

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23 is far from old child!!! I became an LPN at 27 after being in the Military for 9 years. I am now 31 and sometimes feel that way now that I want to become an RN but I know plenty of people who are older than me going to school and earning degrees you are never too old for an education. I know sometimes having to learn things all over again after being out of school for a long time is tough and it can make you feel old, I feel like that about algebra which is one of the things I have to work through because its keeping me from going back to school. Keep your head up and press on you will be fine. Be your biggest cheer leader!!

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Specializes in ICU.

BSN at 37.

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I am 24, I kinda know what you mean (i haven't even passed my TEAs yet lol) Only it's not , "oh man I'm old" it's more like... oh man, I'm already 24... I wasted six years where I could have already done this. :( and it makes me feel "old", but not in a wrinkled kind of way lol Does that make any sense??

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Hey! I just started school Monday and I'm 23 with an 8 month old kid also I haven't been in school in 5 years and have anxiety it's not that bad and the average age of my class is 27 but there are people 40 to 50 in there too and only like two people who just got out of high school so no way are you to old your never to old to go to school!!! You got this

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Specializes in Wound Care.

23 and old?????? Are you crazy lol. I am 32 turning 33 and I feel old and even I was not the oldest in my class. We had one lady that was 52. Our teachers told us that a few years ago they had a lady that started the program that was 51...that lady is now 57 and a practicing NP...she went all the way and said she plans to work until shes 70 in primary care.

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I am 24, I kinda know what you mean (i haven't even passed my TEAs yet lol) Only it's not , "oh man I'm old" it's more like... oh man, I'm already 24... I wasted six years where I could have already done this. :( and it makes me feel "old", but not in a wrinkled kind of way lol Does that make any sense??

Yes that's exactly how I feel lol

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I understand. Some people that went to school right away do have careers. You will have one soon too. Keep it up. One step at a time.

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Specializes in retina, GYN, robotics.

23? You're still wet behind the ears!! My brother-in-law started med school in his 40s. I'm 40 and I know many that are older than myself going to school as well!! Us oldies only dream of being that young going through a nursing program!!!

I wish I could understand what you're going through but I can't.

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