I'm 39 and want to become a nurse.

Hi Chris - Yes I'm brand spanking new to nursing - May 09 grad and yes again very intuitive of you to notice that I still do not regret my decision. I absolutely love taking care of people. It's emotion and heartbreaking sometimes but I know God ordered my steps and placed me just exactly where He wanted me. This knowledge gets me through the tough daysand with God in control every day is an adventure! You can private messenger me about anything you'd like to know in particular anytime!

Do it. If you know there are sacrifices to be made and you're comfortable with that, then don't let that hold you back.

I can't really comment on how facilities may or may not discriminate with regard to age, but I can say probably half of my peers in the program I was in were over 30. We even had 2 that were over 50.

I'm 37 and started this when I was 33. I had to go BSN because I couldn't get financial assistance to go to my local community college. Luckily there was a university nearby. I came out of the property and casualty insurance industry which I hated. My family and I had to make tremendous sacrifices but it's been worth it because I feel really at home in this, even though I haven't found my first job yet. I took a job as a nursing assistant a year before I graduated and that helped me get really comfortable in the hospital environment. It's humbling work and I love it. I would recommend it to anybody that's looking for something more than a paycheck.

Good luck!

I'm 52 and am just entering an accelerated Bachelors program. My program is 16 months; most others seem to be near that give or take a couple of months. The direct-entry Masters programs generally take about three years.

I chose the accelerated program because the class demographics more closely matched my own. It seemed crafted for people like me. I sat through an information session for a direct-entry Masters program I was accepted into and was easily twice the mean age and the only male. I don't have a huge problem with that, but of course would prefer a wider range of ages and gender distribution. The accelerated program seemed to attract more career changers--in fact, I'm not even the oldest student!

Oops. Thought I was answering an unanswered question and didn't realize there were three more pages of posts! Anyhow, good luck.

Hi
I was 38 when I went back...got the RN at 43. 16 years later, still loving it. Got my dream job (tht the LVN I had wouldn't do) as nurse for Deaf/Blind kids..
You are YOUNG and won't need to woryy about employment, I gather.
Good Luck!!

Definitely do it! I went back in 2007 at the age of 34 and graduated in 2008 at 35. And I would do it again! I have my BSN through an accelerated program. I can't imagine being anything else. I love being a nurse. I work at a veteran's hospital and love taking care of our guys, most of whom have given so much!

Hi there, I am 40, single mom, no support to speak of and just starting my nursing program in Sept. I've worked for years as a Massage Therapist. The accelerated BSN is so worth the drive.. you could use the time to listen to lectures you recorded, etc. The 3 or 4 accelerated BSN programs that i've looked into on the East coast are 1 intense year, no working..and hard studying... You can do anything for a year. Then you'll be back at work earning $$,,, and work part time on your MSN. Or if you are inclined/prepared now to spend 3 yrs you could jump into the MSN...

Good Luck.. you'll never be sorry for following your heart (gut) I know one man who was in the 6 figure income range in computers..and just dropped it all to go to school for Acupuncture. He is so HAPPY!!! He said that there are moments he's not making the cash he was, over all he's doing just fine, and he's so fulfilled from following his heart that it's worth all the money in the world to have that sense of self.

I went to nursing school at 38 having been a teacher, writer, traveler, nurse aid, grave digger, and orderly.
The job has gotten harder with my institution adopted a poorly-designed software package that is central to my practice. Hopefully, your place will have a decent computer software.

If you need to do something important, then nursing will do it for you.

But, be aware, that although you will know that you are the backbone of a place, you will always be considered a financial burden and, as such, will always be subject to micromanagment of practice and cost cutting that will affect the end care you provide. In essence, it will preclude you from doing the type of job you want to do to all patients at all times. And it is that frustration of the reality of in-the-trench nursing that you will have to reconcile with yourself.

Good luck!

I left a high paying financial career after 27 years to go back to school full-time to be the nurse that I always wanted to be. It was the best decision I have ever made. No job is worth it if you are not happy doing it. A lot of people may disagree, but money is not everything, but being happy is. Life is too short. I was 45 when I started school. I finished all prereqs in 18 mos and was accepted to the College of Nursing for this Fall and could not be happier or more excited. When I told my family and my mom that I was going back to school they were and are all very supportive. If you don't do it now, when will you do it. You are only getting older. I wish I would have done it years ago, but the time was not right. Now it is. You will make sacrifices, but they will be more than worth it in the long run. Go for you dream. Good luck.

I have spent 43 years in nursing and I am still working. I have worked with nurses from all genders and backgrounds. Some of the most intutive (can't spell) and thoughtful nurses (LPN and RN) were male (sorry ladies) but all of the very good nurses loved what they do and knew they were in the right field for reasons of heart. Nursing has given me many opportunities, friends, and life expanding experiences. By the way, 40+ years ago, my interests were either nursing or law! I haven't regretted my decision. Go for it!!!