Am I too old?

Nursing Students SRNA

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Hi, I was wondering if anyone here could answer a question I have. I'm going back to school for my BSN, which I will graduate with in two years at the age of thirty. My eventual goal is to become a CRNA, but I know that I'd want to have at least two years of ICU experience before going to CRNA school. In that time frame, I'll be at least 34 by the time I graduate from school and start practicing as a CRNA. This is something I really want to do for my career as I have a MDA uncle and he really loves his job and I'm very facinated administering anesthesia as well.

However, I'll be in my mid thirties by the time I achive this goal, and I'm not sure how this is regarded for someone who would be just starting out.

What do you guys/gals think? Am I just being paranoid about the whole age thing or what? Any and all feedback would be appreciated... Thanks!

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU, L&D.

the range of CRNA students across the board run between 25 to 45 so you are not too old. get your degree, get your experience and get yourdegree again. youu are never too old. HTH

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I'm almost 50 and hoping to pursue CRNA in a year or two, if I can figure out how to do it financially because I won't be working at same time. If you are too old, then I am ANCIENT...[but that's not going to stop me!]

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I obtained my ADN at the age of 35, BSN at 40, and now I just started anesthesia school at the ripe old age of 48. You are never too old. I am the oldest in my class and some are young enough to be my kids. I just laugh it off. What I lack in youth I make up for in life and clinical experience. Go for it and don't let anyone tell you that you can't. My husband is also a nurse and is 100% behind me. I do suggest at least 2 years of ICU. Absorb all you can and never stop learning. As for the money to pay for it, just talk to your schools financial aid office. There are many options out there.

Hang in there

wvccrn

CAMC class of 2008

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I just turned 50 and am applying for 2007. At least one school told me they don't consider age when evaluating candidates. I've got to be the tail of the bell curve, so I guess I'll find out if that's generally true.

Working full time it's been a long road to get to this point, but I'm excited and ready.

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My aunt is 89 years old and healthy as a horse. If you live as long as her you are not even in the prime of your life. This is what I am telling myself and I am returning to school at 45 years old!!!!

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The easier way to look at it is this: you won't retire until you are in your 60's, so that leaves you with roughly 30 years of worlking left in your life. Would you rather do it as a CRNA or an RN?

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Specializes in L&D.

Sorry--I had to laugh. I saw your title--"am I too old?" and then saw your age...I hope you're not too old b/c I am a few years older than you and I didn't think I was old yet!!! :roll :roll

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Funny that you should ask this question. This is the same question I have been wondering for the last year. I younger than you by just a few months. This year I just completed my lpn program at the age of 27 and am starting a lpn-bsn program that will last 2 years. My ultimate goal is to be a crna. Alot of people have put the answer to me this way when I ask the same question. In four years you will be 30 would you rather be 30 and still be a lpn or be 30 and have your bsn? Then same for crna would you rather be around 35 and be a crna or would you rather still be a bsn. Not that there is anything wrong with being a lpn so please no one beat me up for this thinking but its just that I entered nursing with the ultimate goal or crna so that is what I want to achieve.

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Specializes in SRNA.

Yes! You are too old!!! Forget about nursing and find yourself a good cemetary plot.

I'm kidding, of course.

If you were 20 years older you still wouldn't be too old. You're only too old for something when you can't physically do it anymore, right? Until then, I say live life and don't worry about your age.

-S

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Too Old?????? :nono: ....If you think being only 28 is too old...my gosh...I am 38 so I have 10 years on you missy! I say you are NEVER too old to learn.....

It has taken me 7 years to get my ADN,( from pre reqs to actual nursing classes); which by the grace of God I WILL have by this December (10 credits to go & in my final semester now)........I have taken 2 classes per semester with the exception of the nursing classes themselves, plus family illnesses/crisis that come up thrown into the pot.....heck I even transferred to another nursing school after completeing a year already...and had to start the nursing classes from scratch all over again because my school I am at now told me my former school was non accredited.................so how do you think I felt when I was given that news????? But you know what?? I made it & that's all that matters....... And like you I want to eventually do CRNA program.....and I will be about 41-44 range...IF I even get into the program, hey I may not even be smart enough for it as I hear it's tough..and rightly so, I would want someone who knows what they're doing putting me out, not someone who "just made it through" as you obviously can kill someone or do irreversible damage, ..... So who knows.....I still have to get my BSN & do ICU for 1-2 yrs before I even can apply.................so NO you are not too old!!!! Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!You only have one life..and it's not a dress rehearsal.........you will regret it later down the road if you want it badly and didn't do it............Good Luck!!!!

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I am so glad to here a few others talk about becoming a crna in their 30's, right now I am a MA and I am getting ready to go back to school for my BSN-RN, my ultimate goal to is to become a CRNA. I think from what I've read we are going to be at the prime age for our goals. Good luck to everyone

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