Am I too old to start this?

AlwaysLearning247, BSN · Nov 11, 2016

You're never too old! By the time you're done you will be 33-35 at the oldest. You probably won't retire until you are 65-70. That's a good 32-35 years in nursing. When I was in school there were many people who were in their 30's and 40's. I say go for it!!

VegGal, BSN, RN · Nov 11, 2016

...
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?
Help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
-mightyaphrodite

I'll try to be brief but I really want to share my experience with you, with the hopes that you will decide to become a nurse. So first off, NO, you're not too old. I'm 44 and have only been an RN for a little under 2 years now. I was an LPN for several years prior to returning to RN school, but several LPN classmates and other friends and family said that I should be content as an LPN as I made "enough" money for a comfortable life, and don't have children (strange how people think they know us well enough to know what we have and if it's enough).

To make matters worse, the first RN school I attended said that they'd be accredited before we (my class) graduated. We foolishly believed them, and about 6 months before graduation I realized that they weren't going to be accredited and chose to transfer to another school in another state. Before I became an LPN I was in real estate, and even then people told me that I should remain in real estate as I was doing well. Thankfully I left real estate to become a nurse because over 2008 - 2010 as we all know, the real estate market collapsed.

I took a risk 2 times (well, many times, but as far as nursing it was 2 times) and both times, they were the best decisions I made - becoming an LPN and then returning to school for my RN education. If you have the option to go straight into an RN program (ADN / Diploma program) consider doing that instead of the LPN program because then all that you'd have remaining would be the BSN program, if you chose to do that later. However, if you choose to become an LPN instead, that would be a wonderful choice as well, and a great stepping stone if your goal is to get your RN.

Good luck!

ladysyrah · Nov 11, 2016

So I am 34 and just about to graduate LPN section this December. I will graduate with my RN next December. You are not too old. In fact, I think those who come into nursing later sometimes have a different perspective that can be quite valuable to a nursing team. We will all have our experiences that will help us be better in some areas, and there will be areas that is not our strongest aspects. This is ok! It allows us to work as a team. Your previous experiences will apply even if you don't see how right now.

If it a matter of money, you should be able to pay off any school loans in a reasonable time frame. If it is your passion do it. If it is not your passion though... I would recommend spending some time volunteering and shadowing or working as a CNA so that way you know what you are getting yourself into.

blackberry74 · Nov 12, 2016

42 and on my final stretch in nursing school. You can do anything you want to. Don't let anyone decide your fate for you

BrownG · Nov 12, 2016

I am 51 and about to go back to school for nursing. I have a degree in business that had been useless to me for the last 6 years. I do not want to go back to school but there is no real paying jobs in Chicago. I always wanted to be a nurse but was afraid and insecure about completing the program, All I ever heard was how difficult it was and I was afraid of failure. Now life has given me no other options. Any suggestions on how to work and get through this program?

Vermont RN774 · Nov 12, 2016

Of course you can do it. I started at 42.

Take2inRI · Nov 12, 2016

In my first semester now at 44! I'm old enough to be the mom to most of my cohort, but it doesn't feel that way. And I'm not the oldest either. It took me 2 1/2 years to take my pre-reqs one at a time while I worked full time, then I quit my job and jumped. Time is going to pass anyway, where would you RATHER be in a few years? Go for it! Good luck!

friendlylark · Nov 13, 2016

LOL. You are definitely not too old to start a career in nursing. I got my RN at the age of 36. If I work to the age of 65, that means I will have 29 years as a nurse, by the time I retire. :-) That works for me! And we may end up working longer, who knows how things will go with Social Security. I had a nursing instructor who was 71!!!

furiousjellybean · Nov 13, 2016

I'm 41 and have had 2 different careers. I know people in my cohort who are much older. If it's something you really want, go for it!

vanessaem, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2016

Lol...I graduated nursing school at age 35 and my classmate and friend graduated at age 52. So are you too old for nursing school? One word...No. Frankly, I find it a little offensive that you think being 34 is old. :sarcastic: :)

Nursing is my second career after being in the IT industry for over 10 years and I basically had to start all over again. My preceptor at my first real nursing job was ten years younger than I was...lol. That didn't matter though because I was there to learn and she had a wealth of knowledge and experience for her young years. I'm currently 38 years old, a practicing RN, and I have a great career now. Please don't think you should not follow your dreams because you feel that you're "too old". If you want to be an RN, go for it! :)

Amigone · Nov 14, 2016

Im 32 with a psych degree entering a fast BN program in 2 months from now. No way are we too old! Work hard, and get it done!

uscgwife17 · Nov 14, 2016

I'm also 31 starting to pursue a nursing career! So no, I do not think you're too old, lol!