Am I too old?

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Hi! I am new here. I just wanted to see if there is anyone else out there that is feeling the way that I do. For most of my life I have loved helping people. I have had jobs where I have worked in nursing homes taking care of the elderly, and I have worked in a job taking care of 3 retarted and physically disabled men. I loved taking care of these people. I am not a nurse, or a CNA. I am signed up to take college classes at a state college that offers nursing. I begin in January of 03. I am 41 years old right now, and am thinking about going for RN. They tell me that I won't actually get to take any nursing classes until fall of 04, that is, if I pass the NET test, and get accepted into nursing. I guess I am just wondering if anyone else started out for nursing as late as I am. I feel sometimes that maybe I am too old to go into this career. Please, if anyone else is out there that started off late like me, please reply. I feel alone. :eek:

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chrissy6496, don't feel alone, there are lots of us out there. I'm 39 and will be graduating in May 2003. I went into this nursing school cold, no hands on experience at all. The only medical experience I had was from being a medical assistant which does not compare to going to nursing school! If this is something you want to do, go ahead and do it. If it makes you happy go for it! By the way, lots of people in my class are older than me!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

NO WAY...if you have the drive and energy, go for it!

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There was a girl in my class that was in her mid 50's. You are never too old if you want it. Matter of fact, it seems like most of my class was in their mid 30's and up. And at least half of them are going to continue on for their RN.

I say. . . GO FOR IT!!!!!

Leigh

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Don't let a number decide for you! We have TONS of 40+ students in my class, and they generally do better than the young ones. As we age, we get the maturity and drive required to make it! My favorite student....44 years old, 7 (yes, 7!) kids, hubby is OTR semi driver (gone all week), getting a 4.0 since 01/01!!! If she can do it, so can you!!!!

Kristy

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Don't worry, you will not walk in the a classroom and find yourself the only person over 25. More than half the people in the room will be your age.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

Howdy yall

from deep in the heart of texas

What is somebody as young as you fussing about. You gotta long ways to go young lady.

doo wah ditty

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Welcome!

Chrissy, go to class and study hard. You'll do great and you most definitely won't be the oldest in class. :)

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I am so happy that there is so much support here. I want to thank you for all of the uplifting comments. You all just don't know what it means to me to know that I am not alone. I can hardly wait to get started on my new future career.

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No way are you too old. I am 47 and will be starting in spring 03

I wish us all 'Boomers' good luuck.

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The way I look at it, in 5 five, you're still gonna be 5 years older, so you might as well do what you enjoy and have something that makes you happy in the mean time!!!! GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!

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Hey, when I was in nursing school, there was a fellow student who was 65! (this was early 1980's) I seem to remember a couple who were in their 60's in Florida in the late 1980's who went to nursing school together.

You go girl, and dont look back!

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