Am I too old to become a nurse?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello there!

I'm a 43 (almost 44) year old pre-nursing student. I would LOVE to become a nurse but worry I'm too old. I've done really well in prereqs so far (4.0) and will be able to apply to programs in a year. For what it's worth, I'm in good shape physically and (usually lol) mentally. ANY input would be much appreciated! Happy Holidays to everyone out there!

I don’t think that’s too old at all! I’m 33 now and I still have some pre reqs to finish up before I can apply. After 15 years at my current job, I’m ready for a change. I’m at a way different point in my life than I was right after high school and feel ready to really take this on. Good luck to you!

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Im 51 about to be 52 in nursing school! You can do it age is just a number! One thing I’ve learned about life, you don’t want to leave this earth with regrets! Go for it!

5 Votes
Specializes in Mental Health.
On 11/11/2019 at 4:15 PM, TbistheMc said:

and (usually lol) mentally.

Don’t worry nursing school will take care of that ?

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Specializes in Adult/Pediatric/Hospice.

You are absolutely NOT TOO OLD to become a NURSE!!!! I got my LPN license at 39, twelve (12) years ago ... wow, can't believe it's been that long ?. I'm in nursing school now at 51, with a mother who has progressive memory loss, and who I am POA, sole caregiver and the list goes on'. I work with an amazing little girl, who I've been with since she was 2 yrs old, who is a healthy robust 7yr old, in spite of her being in palliative care.

So once again to answer your question - NOOOO you are not too old for nursing school or anything else you desire to do. When I left my second job a co-worker made me a poster board with hot air balloons soaring in the sky, and in the bottom right hand corner she wrote "Let your dreams take flight" and I say the same to you ... all the very best to you and thank you for the opportunity to encourage you to pursue your dreams.

Take care - all the best!!!

2 Votes
Specializes in Coding.

I'm 47 and just about to finish my BSN prerequisites. Keep pushing.

2 Votes
Specializes in Community health.
On 11/11/2019 at 5:15 PM, TbistheMc said:

Hello there!

I'm a 43 (almost 44) year old pre-nursing student. I would LOVE to become a nurse but worry I'm too old. I've done really well in prereqs so far (4.0) and will be able to apply to programs in a year. For what it's worth, I'm in good shape physically and (usually lol) mentally. ANY input would be much appreciated! Happy Holidays to everyone out there!

I did an accelerated BSN last year. I was 35 and there were SEVERAL students older than me, up into the 50s. The college-aged kids did lump us all together and call all of us Cathy (only one of us was actually named that...) but the whole class had a good dynamic so nobody cared who was young and who was old. I actually think my transition into practice has been easier. People (patients and coworkers) tend to assume I have 10 years experience, rather than immediately identifying me as a new nurse.

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Specializes in NICU.

looks like no one cares about age anymore,I saw a airline stewardess old enough to be my grandmother the other day.

Glad you are in good financial shape because school can get very expensive.Make sure youre all paid up by retirement age which would be 68 for your generation ,I think.

Carry plenty ,look at what happened to those nurses after Katrina.Do not risk your future retirement,you will need it after nursing gets through with you.

Best of luck for your success.

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Specializes in Home care, assisted living.

Well, I'm considering nursing school as an option myself and I'm 42. Part of me thinks this path is insane, given all the obstacles I would have to overcome. But I did get accepted into nursing school 20+ years ago. Maybe I can do it again!

OP, it sounds like you're in good shape to move forward on this. You're healthy, your grades sound excellent. Yes, as we get older our bodies slow down. But I've met women (including a nurse) in their 70's and 80's who could literally run circles around me. Good luck!

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

Nope, not at all....I graduated when I was 36!

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Specializes in Nursery.

I am 37 and tackling an ABSN... I think as long as you have some retirement funds saved up thus far you should be fine... I, unfortunately, did not give this much thought and have recently come to the realization I may be in a pickle when the time comes... ?

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Specializes in Trauma/Burn ICU.

Not too old at all! I live by the mantra, “do what you can’t”. People will always tell you you can’t do something for one reason or another. I do it anyway. Good luck!

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Specializes in Dialysis.
On 11/11/2019 at 6:34 PM, TbistheMc said:

I would like to get my CNA after my prereqs (maybe earlier, still undecided about this one) in case I don't get into nursing school the first time.

Very smart move. Some people believe that they want to be a nurse, or get into healthcare. Once they get there and see the reality beyond the school work, they find its not for them, so this is a great way to see if this is truly a good fit for you.

Where are you located? Some areas have an oversaturation of nurses, but the propaganda continues of huge shortages. There are many on this board who post of not being able to find jobs. Some hospitals hire BSN only or with a time requirement for BSN, do look to see what is being hired in your area. And if you're not wanting in the hospital, remember that some jobs require you to have 1-2 yrs minimum acute (hospital) experience.

Most likely, you will start on nights (usually, but occasionally not), and holidays are often worked.

I'm not trying to dissuade you, but trying to show reality before you hop in. So many go in with unrealistic expectations. Good luck on your journey!

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