So here is my dilemma. I'm 31 and graduated a while ago with a BA in Psychology. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a job in my field (and after working at a mentally draining job for 5 years) I've decided to pursue nursing.
I'm excited about this new start but I still have some hurdles to overcome. I need to retake some parts of the HESI and IF I get into the ASN program of my choice I won't graduate until 34.
Am I too old to try and start nursing? Would I be better off doing a shorter program and get an LPN instead?
Have you thought about becoming a psychologist? I think that you will need a masters degree. It seems you already have your bachelors. For some people nursing can be mentally and physically draining. It is a job where you service people and you may not always have the help you need. I am not telling you not to do it. I am just saying that you should really look into making this job switch because in your post you mentioned the job being draining.
I'm 38 years old and I am starting a nursing program in January 2017! I will be 40 when I'm done. You are not too old to pursue your dreams. I have a child and a husband child but I won't be deterred.
No. I'm 32 and on a wait list for nursing school. I could almost be offended 31 is considered too old to start another career path. We ain't dead yet....
I'm 38 and in my first semester of nursing school, and I'm not even the oldest student in my program! Some of my fellow cohorts were born the year I graduated from high school and I get a kick out of that. :) Some people don't figure out what they want to do in life until later and that's just fine. I'm sure you'll do well whatever route you choose. Might be more cost effective to go the ADN route and to a bridge program for the BSN.
I started the prerequisites of RN school at age 50, and completed them in a year. I started RN school almost two years ago; and Jesus willing, I will graduate this coming December. While there has and continues to be challenges along the way, it is very doable.
Hi! You are never too old! I became an LPN in 2009 at 28 and was planning to become an RN shortly afterward. But life got in the way and I decided I wanted be a mom too. I still decided to pursue RN and whatever happened, happened. I had just started about a month after my 30th birthday and soon became pregnant. I decided to stick it out and go one. Long story short, I had my son in 2012 and failed out of my program. It took me 2 years and I got back in and finished my ADN in June 2015 at 34. I just passed the NCLEX-RN Oct 7th. So I am an RN at 35, I am not much older than you. You can do it, you just have to be motivated and not let others defer you away if it's something you really want. Good luck!
I was in a VERY similar situation. Was nervous a heck to start at my age (37). Closed my eyes, jumped in, and did it anyway. LOVED IT!!! I was far from th oldest in my class (oldest was 65) and I got along great with all of my classmates (ages ranged from 20-65). You'll do fine. Pick the program that's right for you and go for it! If you're 40 (or whatever age when you finish) at least you'll be finished. You're going to turn 40 at some point anyway! Congrats and good luck. I'm truly happy for you.
Workitinurfava, BSN, RN
1,160 Posts
Have you thought about becoming a psychologist? I think that you will need a masters degree. It seems you already have your bachelors. For some people nursing can be mentally and physically draining. It is a job where you service people and you may not always have the help you need. I am not telling you not to do it. I am just saying that you should really look into making this job switch because in your post you mentioned the job being draining.