Am I Too Old?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello everyone,

I am 48 and just graduated less than a week ago with as B.S. in Public Health. My goal was to finish that degree and apply to a Post Bac Nursing Program, but now I'm worried that I may be too old. I will 49 in a few months which means I would be 50 when I graduate from Nursing school. (that is if I'm accepted right away) This is what I have wanted for so long, but wondering if I should just let it go. What are some of your views on this?

Hi RNperdiem, I am in excellent health and as far as if I am an old or young 48, not too sure what that means, but I feel young and my classmates always thought I was in my early 30's (whatever that means) :) I do have a lot of energy and as far as paying for school, I do have money set aside, and will pay for school just as I did for each of my previous degrees. I have been saving money for nursing school for many years now. One reason I pursued the public health degree is because I was wait listed for NS and instead of just sitting out, I decided to use my pre-reqs which all transferred to that degree. I would love to pursue a career in public health, but as I have found, just about every public health education position I'm interested in, requires a BSN. The majority of my family members and friends are nurses and I have worked in medical facilities (dr's offices, hospitals) for the past 20 years. (12 hour night shifts because of school) Nursing school is not something I've thought about just on a whim. It has been something I have been passionate about for many years, but I put on hold because after a divorce, I raised my son and now that he has graduated from college, I feel like I can now pursue some of my dreams. I was just having some doubts about my age. Thank you so much for your input! It is appreciated!

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Hello Brandy1017,

I don't have any student loan debt and went back to school without any financial aid. I went to college right after high school and majored in Accounting and graduated (years ago) I worked in multiple dr's offices and hospitals (for over 20 years) and became interested in medical. I have been saving for NS for many years and have been blessed to be able to afford it, with many sacrifices I may add. The reason I did not pursue nursing school sooner is because after a divorce, I had to raise a son, who has now graduated from college. (no student loan debt) I had applied to NS but wait listed and decided to pursue the public health route while I waited to get into NS. I would not mind a career in public health, but most positions that I have been interested in require a BSN. As far as retirement goes, no worries, as I have been working full-time over the past 20+ years and my retirement is intact. I would not gamble with my future either. Than you so much for your input!

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Age is not a factor. 49 is not too old. I'd say chase your dreams.

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Hello Glad2baRN,

Yes, public health nursing is what I am interested in. I have looked at public health educator positions, but all require a BSN. Thank you so much for your response, it has helped me greatly!

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I am also worried about this. Members of my family have been in the hospital a lot lately and at NY Presbiterian, SKCC, I've noticed VERY young nurses. A bit worried about this...

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Specializes in Home Care.

As long as you're not paying student loans from your social security check, why not?

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Absolutely not. You are never too old to return to school. In my BSN program there is a woman who I love dearly. She is 47 years old. She is also one of the most dedicated people I have ever met. Age does not matter. If you want it go for it. How you feel about your decision will matter at the end of the day. Best of luck to you lady! :cat:

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I will graduate with my ASN at 49 and my BSN at 50-51. It has always been my goal but I raised my children first. I don't care what age I end up being, it is my dream goal.

Who cares what age you are if it something YOU want to do.

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I hope not, because I will turn 48 in 2014 and have one pre-req to go ....

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Baubo516- Wow! very similar situation. I'm glad everything is going well. You're so right about the continuous stress as a teacher. I'm looking forward to start my classes and just keep a positive attitude. I'm doing my best at work and plan on finishing the year in good terms with my district. Best of luck with your LPN boards!

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Never too old, my mother's friend just completed her BSN at 64!

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