A few questions for the "older" new nurses...

Published

Jeeze, I hated to put that "older" word in there, but I have a few questions...

How old were you when you decided to go to nursing school? The reason I ask is that I am 39 right now and have decided to go back to school for nursing. There is a supposed two year wait for the school (which is more like a year once they weed out the ones that arent coming). The school will take me two years to finish. That means I could be a 43 year old recent graduate. Is this going to be a problem? My wife says it will.

She actually doesnt want me to go back to school because she says I went back once and quit and she "knows" I will just quit again. It is true that I went and didnt finish, but dammit, this is something I want to do. I WILL finish this.

Any thoughts on this from the "older" crowd?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I started nursing school at 36, graduated at 38...and I was one of the YOUNGER members of my class! My eldest classmate was 60, most of us were mid 30s-mid40s, and we had a couple of students in their 20s.

Your age will not be a problem!

Andrea

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I guess I am just being a bit depressed because my wife isnt in the game with me on this. I really cant believe that she isnt backing me, but screw it, I dont care if she doesn or not. I am doing this for her, my new daughter, and most importantly...for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

you won't be sorry you went back and finished... I am 44 also a Dad and am starting on a med /surg floor this week and I love it! GO FOR IT~!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I graduated RN school at 42. It was hard but passed quickly. You will need the support of your wife in this exhausting process. Much studying, papers to write and the stress of clinicals. For me it was a dream come true and now 5 years later I've forgotten most of the trauma. Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, ED.

Oh My God, can I relate!!!

When I told my husband, "I am going back to school for nursing" I swear, I could see the "here we go again" look on his face. I KNOW he thought, she will start(again) and quit (again) and we will be out several hundred dollars.

We spoke about it the other night, and I am proud to say I will graduate this year and could not have a prouder(is that a word) husband. It is not always the right time to go back to school, Maybe this time is "right".

I say GO FOR IT!!! By the way, I am an "old" student too!

Jen

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go for it!! I graduated from LPN school at 28 and graduated from RN school at 38 this year. I was NOT the oldest student in my class. I'm so glad I did it. It would have been a huge regret in my life if I didn't do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

I was an LPN and went back to school when I was 44 and graduated at 46. It was the best thing I've done for myself. Go for it !

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A lot of you guys went back AFTER being an LPN...Im starting from nothing here. I am a photographer by trade right now. Still think I should go for it? Im gonna! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

GO FOR IT!

I'm a 38-year old new grad who did a complete career change after being a stay-at-home mom for several years. You'll bring your life & professinal experience to this new venture, and that's a plus. Good luck! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey, I believe totally in timing. Although I could have probably already have been an RN for 20+ years, I wasn't ready. Now I am. I'm going on 41 and will be starting nursing school in 2006 which means I'll be 43 when I graduate.

Go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.

If you do not reach for the stars, you will never know the possibilites.

I am 43 and I will graduate at 44 with my LPN and another year for my RN. I am planning on taking some time off so I am sure I will be 46 or 47 when I achieve my RN. Your never to old! Good luck and go for it:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion