Age question

Hotflashn · Apr 18, 2008

Go for it. With both your previous health care and life experience you will have something important to offer. I think in many ways there are advantages to schooling, career changes and what you can bring to nursing at this stage in life. Why limit yourself? I am right there with ya, age wise and sometimes I wonder if it is a good move - the time and money for school, whether it is for me, if I can pull it off, and very much about how my age factors in. But then I think, I am not trying to be a supermodel or a professional athlete or anything that really depends on youth. My age probably only helps me, and you too. Do it!

Bath · Apr 18, 2008

You aren't too old!! I'll be 43 next week and I'm finishing the last of my prereqs this semester. I'm hoping to start NS this coming fall, and if I do I'll be 45 when I graduate. I don't think I'm too old at all!!!!

HopefulRN007 · Apr 19, 2008

I had to take my age and stage of life into consideration too. I'm just starting my pre-reqs. I graduated college the first time years ago, and never really found a career with that degree. Now I'm an adult, and a mom and a wife, and I feel like I'll take school more seriously this time. I want a career, not just a job. I want something I can be proud of, that makes me feel like I'm doing some good for the world. I am so excited about this career change, and even if it takes me 4 years to get there, I'll still be excited then.

Good luck to you, its going to be great!

NurseJeanB · Apr 19, 2008

Ditto, I am 40 and by the time I graduate I will be... gulp 42. This is my second career, but I am loving it. I am a much better student now.

And the people who are teaching are all older than I am, and really are very supportive of us more "seasoned" students.

:chuckle

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Apr 19, 2008

i am 44 yrs old and planning on going to nursing school. i am an ex-paramedic so i have a real good idea of what i getting into.
i just wondering is this a little too late in life to start over in a demanding carreer field?
thanks for the imput
sandy

i was 46 y/o. don't sweat it...go for it!

Music in My Heart · Apr 19, 2008

I am 44 yrs old and planning on going to nursing school. I am an ex-paramedic so I have a real good idea of what I getting into.
I just wondering is this a little too late in life to start over in a demanding carreer field?
Thanks for the imput
Sandy

Why do you think it might be too late?

I'm in my first semester at the age of 43. I have classmates aged 42, 45, and 52. We all seem to be doing very well.

WVlpn2b · Apr 19, 2008

I'm 43 and just finishing my pre-reqs -- will be 44 (if LPN) or 45 (if RN) when I graduate, and I'm not even the oldest in my class.

Yay for us 40-somethings (and beyond)!:heartbeat

Hootnhollern · Apr 21, 2008

Sandy,

I was just accepted to a nursing program for Fall 2008. I'm proud to say that I will be turning 43 next week.

:twocents: :yelclap: :cheers: :balloons: :monkeydance:

vanurse08 · Apr 22, 2008

44 is not to old. My mom is 47 and I have been begging her to go back to school for nursing. If your passionate about it go for it. Best of luck.

Sandy_dfw · Apr 23, 2008

Thanks so much for the info and support. I feel like I am in the majority instead of the minority now.

Sandy

Bormio · Apr 23, 2008

I am 47 and am applying to nursing school! I will be 50 when I finish. (I turn 48 in a month). I think nursing is a career that really rewards maturity. I think my life experience will really enable me to handle patient and family interactions much better than younger students. Also, I think you are better able to handle stressful situations as you get older. Actually, there are lots of reasons why we, as older women, will make better nurses.

The only thing I'm concerned about is not being able to see to put in iv's! I need to get some magnifying glasses!

Hotflashn · Apr 23, 2008

I am 47 and am applying to nursing school! I will be 50 when I finish. (I turn 48 in a month). I think nursing is a career that really rewards maturity. I think my life experience will really enable me to handle patient and family interactions much better than younger students. Also, I think you are better able to handle stressful situations as you get older. Actually, there are lots of reasons why we, as older women, will make better nurses.
The only thing I'm concerned about is not being able to see to put in iv's! I need to get some magnifying glasses!

You had some good points, and I tend to agree. I do worry that I am less physically capable than I would have been 20 years ago, in terms of being able to help patients move around, etc. There is no getting around the fact that I am not as strong now.

As for the IVs, much foe that is actually more by feel, rather than sight, so take that off your list! I know what you mean though - my trouble is going to be reading the fine print. Though I just got some no-line bifocals (oldie-focals!) - look out!