Am I too old?

Nursing Students SRNA

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I am 33 years old and I would love to be a nurse anesthetist. I am still waiting to hear if I got into the nursing program. I know that I have a long way to go, but I am worried that I waited too long to start to school. Has anyone else started school late in life?

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Specializes in Open Heart.

lots of student anesthetists are in their 40s.....but you need to figure out if you like ICU nursing before you can be sure that you want to do anesthesia

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Specializes in Anesthesia, CCRN, SRNA.

You're a young whippersnapper as the old folks around my neighborhood would say! I'm almost 40 and hope to start anesthesia school next year. In nursing school I ran circles around many of the younger 20 somethings in clinicals. I started taking prereqs at age 36 and finished nursing school at age 39. You are totally as young as you feel. Age is just a number. Eat well, work out and get your 8 hours of sleep. You'll be fine.

One my good friends is getting ready to start anesthesia school in January. He is 54. You're never too old to start school. Hang in there!:coollook:

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Oh my gosh! You are makingme feel really old! I am 45 and just applying.:yeah: The program director told me he likes to have older students in the class so I would not worry too much.

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Specializes in NICU, CVICU.

I started my ADN nursing program right before I turned 33. I finished my BSN last month (at age 38). Sending applications in now for CRNA programs - so I'll have to say I certainly don't think you are too old!!!

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I actually graduated from BSN in 1996, but I am just now thinking of going back for CRNA. I might not apply 'til next year. I will then be 37. If I get in I won't start 'til I'm 38. If I don't get in then I'll reapply 'til I get in. Just figure, retirement age is 62. You'll be fine. If you start CRNA school @ the same age as me, you could still retire early after a rewarding career as a CRNA. Now to answer your question, "No you're not too old". I just recently took are of an 83 yr old women who retired from ED nursing@ the young age of 80. AMAZING!!!!!

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Specializes in CCU,MICU,SICU,CTICU,Renal, Recovery.

I hope you are not too old either. I am 40 and applying to CRNA school this fall. I have been an ICU nurse for 18 years and I finally decided to press on. So you will not be alone. One of my coworkers just Graduated CRNA and he is 46.

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Specializes in OR, ICU, CRNA.

I am 37, finished BSN @ 35 (after some LPN years --10-- and ADN years--4)...I just started University of Cincinnati CRNA program and will graduate a few days shy of my 40th birthday. You have plenty of time. Just make your grades, get into a good ICU ASAP after graduating, take a GRE prep class, line up your references, research the posts on this website, research the application/admission criteria for as many schools as your care to look into, and you will be well on your way.

Good luck!

Bryan

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I am 39 and still trying to get into a 2nd degree nursing program. I'm counting on being at least 45 before I would actually be a CRNA. It hasn't even crossed my mind I might be too old! Set your goals and move ahead. Who cares what your age is.

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Well....IF I get in for fall 2009, I will be the grand old age of 49 when I graduate. Age is a matter of the mind. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Of course my 46 year old body tells me different!:chuckle

dog1

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Specializes in SICU,CCU,MICU,CVICU.

You are in the same boat I was in. I started school for my second career as an RN when I was 32, graduated with my BSN at 35, started in the ICU, just turned 36 and I am now applying to CRNA school for fall 2009 which will put me @ 37. I don't think I'm too old. I'm just affraid that I might miss part of my kid's lives during the 2 1/2 years in school. I figure there is a light at the end of the tunnel, which is why I press on. Best of luck

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Specializes in ICU, MICU, SICU+openheart.

I have classmates from 23 to 52 and some in the middle like me at 34. Everyone is doing just fine so far. I have 10 years exp. and feel very comfortable in clinical so far but evertything will be new to you no matter your exp. You'll do silly things like put on BP cuffs inside-out and forget up from down..hey it can be stressful when everyone in the OR know you are the student with the patient's life in your hands and is watching you very closely. You just want to look smooth.

Some schools I know of do not like students over 40 saying they are slower and have a more difficult time learning, tire-out from the 60hr week blah blah blah but I know that's BS for a motivated individual. Someone on an admissions committee told me this info x2 different schools. So go for it but do look at the school's student body to make sure there are some older folks. I don't want you wasting your time. I know of this guy age 52 or 54 that had excellent scores but was rejected for 4yrs in a row. He brought his lawyer to the interview and was accepted. I bet he has a harder time at that school than if he woud have went to a school more accepting of older students.

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