Am I to old???

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Hi, I would like your thoughts, I am 49, have been a paramedic for the past 25 years, I want to take the ADN program at a local collage, 2 year course. I am really getting burned out with EMS and feel I need a change. Its not the money so much I make more in EMS after 25 years than I would starting out as a nurse. But I really would love to be an RN. Yesterday I was in the OR doing intubations, I hadn't had a field arrest in a while and the Command Doc, wanted me to go. I was very impressed with the nurses. I can't get in to a class until next fall but am looking for advice, I don't think I can continue in EMS much longer but feel I still love taking care of the sick and injuried. Now my wife may try to talk me out of going to nursing school, (she is an RN) but I will still need to work for 15 more years. I think nursing is more secure and my wife and I could go any where and work, what do you think should I try it or apply at Wal-Mary? Thanks Paul

I want to think that most nurses would welcome your experiences. The learning can go both ways--how good is that??? When I wasn't sure, I followed my heart, and I'm glad I did. I guess that's all I can say....follow your heart.

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You know what? You're still going to be 49 whether you start

your ADN program now or not. And you'll still be 52 in three

years, whether you decide to do this or not.

This is totally true.

If nursing will make you happy, what is age but a number? Pursuing and achieving our goals is what makes getting out of bed every day worthwhile.

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I have an Aunt who is late 70's still doing some home visits. She got her ADN in her 50's and never regretted it. I say go for it!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
I have an Aunt who is late 70's still doing some home visits...

Wow! Cool!

Please pass along my / our best!

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I had been working for over 25 years in a field that I did not like. At age 46, I became a registered nurse (7 years ago). Never regretted going back to school. I LOVE NURSING! Go for it!

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no, it is not too late.

i'm 57 and will begin my lst semester for bsn. i'll be 60 when i graduate.

no you're not too old. i figure i'll be able to relate well to the agede population and the youngin's as a grandma.

plus, i don't plan on playing bingo or cards in my future years!!

i want to contribute more to my surrounding world as long as the lord

let's me.

i'm the oldest in my class and fit in nicely . we are all there for the same goal

oh, also, there are two classmates (male) who are over 50 too!!!!

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Paulclark911... No you are not too old!!! I wanted you to know about the excelsior program that a few of the nurses where I work are going thru. If you are a paramedic you can do the course all on line except for the clinicals, you will have to check out their website for more info.

Good luck!!

Trish :balloons:

Hi, I would like your thoughts, I am 49, have been a paramedic for the past 25 years, I want to take the ADN program at a local collage, 2 year course. I am really getting burned out with EMS and feel I need a change. Its not the money so much I make more in EMS after 25 years than I would starting out as a nurse. But I really would love to be an RN. Yesterday I was in the OR doing intubations, I hadn't had a field arrest in a while and the Command Doc, wanted me to go. I was very impressed with the nurses. I can't get in to a class until next fall but am looking for advice, I don't think I can continue in EMS much longer but feel I still love taking care of the sick and injuried. Now my wife may try to talk me out of going to nursing school, (she is an RN) but I will still need to work for 15 more years. I think nursing is more secure and my wife and I could go any where and work, what do you think should I try it or apply at Wal-Mary? Thanks Paul
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