Pursuing my nursing career at 37. Words of wisdom needed!

loriinmd · Jan 5, 2013

Sweetie, I turn 58 next week and I'm pursuing my dreams. If I can do it, so can you!!

marinelayer · Jan 5, 2013

These are great stories!!!

kailynnsmom · Jan 6, 2013

Hello,

This is my second go around at nursing school. I entered the ADN program at the age of 26 and didn't feel that mature enough to handle the autonomy of RN responsibilities, I was pretty much satisfying my grandparents who paid my tutition. Everyone in the program was an average age of 35, with the oldest student 58. This other girl who was 24 and I were the only two twenty somethings. I am getting ready to apply to the BSN/El-MSN program and I am 35. I'm more motiavated then I've ever been, and better prepared emotionally and academically.

mytwoboysmom · Jan 6, 2013

I started my pre-reqs at 43 and now at 45 I have sent in my application for the BSN program. I was talking with my sister who is also in college and she said, "Ang, we raised our kids, now it is our turn. Think of all the people you are in class with who have not done all that you have done in your life. We are going in with all that behind us, yet with the whole world ahead of us" I think she is a very smart lady.

anonkah · Jan 6, 2013

41 here. Raised my kids, dropped the dead weight ex after 20 years, remarried and finally have the support to pursue my dream. It took me 4 years, but I finished pre reqs and was accepted in an RN program. I'm scared to death....but I was meant to do this!

violetgirl · Jan 6, 2013

You will be just fine, really! I am 46 years and down to my last two science classes at a local Jr. College, while attending online Columbia College for my B.A. in Human Services. I am going for both... just in case! This is a mid-change for me and happy to get the ball moving forward! Heck, it's mom's turn, right? Well, in my case it's grandma's turn... HA! I really feel this time in my life it is well deserved from all the giving, all those years of hard-work for min pay, and all the kindness of my heart! It's time to move forward... I still move fast, my heart is in it, and still have a sharp mind for a gal my age. Looking back, this has always been a dream of mine too, but I was not mature enough to really handle the real life of nursing back when I was younger... Life needed to unfold it's own natural way with me! Lived it, seen it, and somewhat get it... at least most of it! HA! Many blessings to you! Stay positive, and stay away from the "dream-stealers"... they will suck you dry! Remember, this is your time! :up: Happy for you!

Tricia76 · Jan 6, 2013

I'm gonna be 37 next month and still gotta finish my prerequisites ..and its just what I'll do to get into nursing school..I'm not worried about my age..just the challenge! :)

akanini, MSN, RN · Jan 6, 2013

I always believed that you are never too old to learn and have always been in classes with students who are far older than 37. PLEASE don't let age hinder your dream!

sawms · Jan 6, 2013

You'll do great!!! I graduated and sat for NCLEX at 40. I can say that I am a more disciplined student now than I was way back when. I thought I was on the older end of the scale also, then I saw nurses returning to school to get their advanced degrees. So now, here I am at 40 attending my MSN classes and many of my classmates are older than me. My incentive are the words of a close friend who always pushed me to continue when I would say I was to old to return to school. "I was 36 when I applied to medical school." I knew if they undertook medical school at 36 I could do nursing school at 40 :-)

~Melissa~ · Jan 6, 2013

Good for you for going for it! I turned 35 this past Thursday and will start true nursing school in the fall. I have felt a little awkward that I didn't just do this when I was younger... But, frankly, I just wasn't mature enough to handle it. At least I'm doing it now, though! And so are you!!!

mswtruth · Jan 7, 2013

Welcome to the club! I'm 36, mother of a 3 yr old and pursuing nursing as a second career. Haven't been in school since '99 either! Yes its intimidating but I think we have a different type of motivation than wedo in our early twenties. I think iI have much more drive than I did when I was younger. I've got 10 prerequisite courses to complete in 2013 in order to apply to a wide selection of BSN programs in the bay area. I'm dedicated to making straight A's and getting as much experience and certifications as I can before applying to schools. We should be proud to pursue a better life for ourselves at this stage in our lives!

Nurse2b7337 · Jan 7, 2013

Ahem!!!....any more rm for an Oldie??!!! Lol! I'm 39 and I started my pre-req's a couple of years ago. I'm so excited about starting my nursing program this yr. #fingerscrossed I wanted to start college years ago. However, due to me having children I had to put my dream on hold. Now that my children are older it MY time!!! Believe me you will not be the only person in yr class that has "experienced" life. Lol!! Relax and know its yr time and its all GOOD!!!