Alright, I am very new to this so please bare with me. I have gone back and forth for years now about going into nursing. Finally, after driving my family and boyfriend crazy about what I want to do with my life, I decided to finish my pre-reqs for the program this year and apply next fall. I have worked in the corporate world, real estate, a restaurant early on, and have always felt very unfulfilled with my jobs. I have always been drawn to nursing because I am a true mush ball and love helping, caring, :heartbeat being sensitive, and working hard. I am 26 now and will be 27 in June. After doing a lot of research about acceptance into programs, experiences, etc, I realize it is something I REALLY would love to get into. My question to anyone is do you think I am too old to JUST be starting pre-reqs? Seriously, I can't apply until Feb 15th, 2010 only to begin the program the next session. I'll be 30 by the time I'm done . And that is assuming I am not put on an insanely long waiting list. Anyone else starting at my age or older? If so how did it go? Pros/Cons?
I went into the nursing program right after I turned 40. Fully a third of my class was also over 40. It was the best thing I ever did. I had worked as a nurses aid for 23 years making no money (but loving the work).
You are going to be 30 one of these days anyway!!!! You just as well be 30 and doing something you can do for another 30 years!!! Go for it!!!!!:wink2:
Specializes in ER - trauma/cardiac/burns. IV start spec.
Roxyo628
You are just a baby compared to when I started. Your are most definately not too old. I was 39 when I started school, had 4 children and a husband that never :argue:and I repeat never helped.
I was 42 when I graduated and began work from day 1 in the ER :redbeathe:redbeatheand stayed until latex forced me out. 9 years, 3 months and 9 days.
If you really want it you will do fine.
But --- Beware of what you wish, you just might get it!
All nurses are very special people - yes even the slightly crazy and demented ones (they usually work nights in an ER).
haha, that's funny. I just turned 24 in November, and I thought I was too old too! I'm taking my prereqs this semester, and then two more classes in the summer. Hopefully I'll get in for the fall! What school are you applying to?
Not at all - I am just now getting my second bachelor's in Nursing - I am 27 and have a wife and 5 month old son. I feel old; however, I am priveledged to know and work with another fellow student who is 54 and gradutating - you're never too old to pursure ANYTHING, especially nursing. I wish someone woudl have counseled me to pursue my dream of nursing; unfortunately, I took a leave of absence for 3 years, got another bachelor's, and now am back - it has been the best thing I ever have done. And - be you mind, I am leaving a profession (willingly) where I make about $150K per year - I know that is far more than nursing, but money is not everything...seeing my son smile and knowing my wife is happy with me at home is worth more than any amount of money.
Well, you are only as old as you feel, in body and mind. I was 60 when I graduated (3 yrs ago). The only regret I have is that I did not go into nursing sooner.
Without reading all the responses.. it seems to me that there is a common theme..YOU ARE NEVER TO OLD for education. I'm 35, in my last semester, and starting a new career.. I'm so glad i didn't let my age get to me.. Most of the people in my class are my age or older..down the road you will look back and realize just how young you are right now.. going back to school has actually me feel more alive and younger than i did at my old career.. the stagnant feeling has lifted.. and i feel 27 again.. I look and feel better than i have in years.. Plus i'm happy and thinking about going forward with my degrees.. I hope you love it as much as i do..
I started nursing school in August 2004 at the age of 26 with two small children and a husband. I graduated December 2008 at the "ripe old age" of 30. :wink2: I don't think you're too old to go, infact, I think it actually helps to have some "years" of life experiences and learning on you! I pushed my way through it, and you can to. I took my boards on January 8th, and found out on the 10th that I PASSED!!!!!
I will be 39 when I finish. Not as old as many who've already replied. It's certainly not too late, and your age gives you two advantages for school: first, you know what you don't want to do with the rest of your life. Second, you have a sense of urgency. When you're in school and you look around at some of your younger fellow-students, I expect you'll see that these are two valuable attributes.
Well, you are only as old as you feel, in body and mind. I was 60 when I graduated (3 yrs ago). The only regret I have is that I did not go into nursing sooner.
Wow, you are one of the two people I have found on here who are actually older than me when going into nursing. You know it is funny that I didn't think that much about age when I first went into nursing, just that I was too old for med school, but have come to realize that we are a bit of an exception, but oh well, I have never been regular, wouldn't know what to do if I was, LOL!
:wink2:
csw5048
21 Posts
I went into the nursing program right after I turned 40. Fully a third of my class was also over 40. It was the best thing I ever did. I had worked as a nurses aid for 23 years making no money (but loving the work).