To late to start?

Bumex, DNP, NP · Sep 7, 2017

No way man. Like everyone else said, age is a number, not an ability. Good luck! Nursing school is a powerful experience. The nursing profession as a whole is vast and rewarding.

Cowboyardee · Sep 8, 2017

Not too old at all. I've seen many successful new entries to the field much older than you.

The only caveat: many areas of nursing are pretty physical - lots of walking and standing, lifting and moving heavy patients, holding in one position or another for an uncomfortably long time, etc. As a man, you might find that you are often asked to assist in the physical aspects of care for other nurses, as well. You didn't specify what kind of injury took you out of the fire academy, but just be aware that some injuries might also affect a career in nursing.

FDBMath, ADN, RN · Sep 10, 2017

As others have said, 35 is not too old. I am 43 and just started (about to start my 3rd week).

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Sep 15, 2017

I finished my RN program at 40. The median age in my class was 35, and two of my classmates were in their mid 50s when they finished. If it's what you want, go for it. Good luck to you.

quasneinc · Nov 6, 2017

I am 38 and just started my prereqs this semester. I'll be over 40 by the time I am an RN. If I can do it anyone can.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Nov 9, 2017

I graduated with my ASN at 48.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 9, 2017

How's it going everybody.
My name is Manuel and I'm 35 years old, married with two awesome kids. I've been working in the diesel mechanic field for 17 years, part time EMT-B for the past 6 years and been a volunteer firefighter for the past 3 1/2 years. I love the medical side of the fire service but it's been 8 years trying to get in. But I finally landed the job in 2016, but got a injury that took me out of the fire academy. My question is this. Is it to late for someone like me to become a RN? I would love to become a ER Nurse one day. It goes hand in hand with my past work experience. Just don't know if it's a little to late to get into the game at this point. I don't see many guy nurse out there so I don't know if it's the right choice. Any advice would help out. Thanks. Laterz âœŒðŸ¼

Since you've posted this, I'm going to assume that you are not actually dead. Dead is too old. I started nursing school at 37. I've been an ED RN for 3 years now and I really love the work! Yes, I'm a guy. Where I work around 1/3 of the staff in the ED is male. In my case, I actually started doing the prerequisite courses and refreshers (because I've taken many of the courses before) at around 33 years old. The work schedule pretty much dictated that I spend only a certain amount of time taking courses. Then I spent roughly 4 years applying.

Unless you have some kind of physical injury/limitation that is completely incompatible with nursing school's requirements, go for it. Just remember that you should keep a completely open mind about nursing as there are many fields and you'll be exposed to some of them. You might find that you are drawn to something other than the ED.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Nov 9, 2017

Since you've posted this, I'm going to assume that you are not actually dead. Dead is too old. I started nursing school at 37. I've been an ED RN for 3 years now and I really love the work! Yes, I'm a guy. Where I work around 1/3 of the staff in the ED is male. In my case, I actually started doing the prerequisite courses and refreshers (because I've taken many of the courses before) at around 33 years old. The work schedule pretty much dictated that I spend only a certain amount of time taking courses. Then I spent roughly 4 years applying.
Unless you have some kind of physical injury/limitation that is completely incompatible with nursing school's requirements, go for it. Just remember that you should keep a completely open mind about nursing as there are many fields and you'll be exposed to some of them. You might find that you are drawn to something other than the ED.

Well...there's all dead, and there's mostly dead. Mostly dead still isn't too late. Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya...

RNBlondie26 · Nov 9, 2017

As many have said before me, GO FOR IT! It's never too late. I just graduated from an ADN program in August, and at the age of 29, i was one of the youngest in my program. You have many years of work left in you, plus you have relevant experience (life and work). I'm sure you will be a great nurse some day.

VanRoy · Nov 17, 2017

Well, gosh, I hope not. Because I'm 47 and I just landed my first nursing job as a CNA, with plans to pursue ASN/BSN over the next several years. This after 25 years as a journalist in daily small town newspapers. It's good to learn new things as an old dog.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Nov 17, 2017

Well, gosh, I hope not. Because I'm 47 and I just landed my first nursing job as a CNA, with plans to pursue ASN/BSN over the next several years. This after 25 years as a journalist in daily small town newspapers. It's good to learn new things as an old dog.

It is, indeed, good to learn new things. For the 25 years spent doing home improvements, nursing was the farthest thing from my mind. Now it's a very important part of my life. Plus, my co-workers got a lot better looking.

When I got my ASN, at 48 years old, that was the average age for an RN in the US. Of course, most of them had a lot more experience. So I began my career with a bunch of young women who were as scared as I was, women my age who knew their stuff, and some guys. One way or another, I could relate to about everyone I worked with.

Reizen · Jan 6, 2018

Hi Manuel...Definitely not too late my friend. And gender does not matter. I know a lot of great male nurses. I'm sure you will be one someday. Go for it!!!