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Discussion

Am I too old????

Hi everyone. ...this is my first time posting. I love reading all of the posts and find this site very helpful. Well I'm hoping I can get some good honest advice. I am currently 41 years old and taking my pre reqs before I apply to nursing school. Why I never thought of nursing before is a big regret for me now. At a young age, I decided to try Dental Assisting as a career. Of course in school you're told of all the great opportunities the Dental field has to offer. Well, although it paid the bills it was never enough. I decided to fulfill a lifetime dream of working in law enforcement. I did this for 6 years. I had a daughter and decided it was safer for me to return to the dental field. Well, here I am working for a dentist again and wanting to explore my options. I feel that nursing is my calling as I have always been a nurturing person. I see so much more room for growth and advancement. But I also wonder, am I too old? I just want the honest opinion of those in the field. I have actually asked a few close family members who are nurses their opinions and was told to do it!! That was very encouraging but I still wonder. Are older nurses looked down upon in this field? Just looking for some honest input. Thanks in advance.

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    I will never understand these questions.

    Do you think you're too old? That's what it boils down to. I'll be 40 when I graduate. I never questioned being too old to do something I really want to do. I'm just doing it.

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    Hi,

    I am a career changer myself. I am 30. I do not think you are TOO old to go back to school and become a nurse. If you do an accelerated nursing program, it will take 15 months at best. So, don't fret, go with your gut, conquer the world!

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    • Author
    Hi,

    I am a career changer myself. I am 30. I do not think you are TOO old to go back to school and become a nurse. If you do an accelerated nursing program, it will take 15 months at best. So, don't fret, go with your gut, conquer the world!

    Thank you so much for that encouragement. I plan on doing it without letting anything get in my way. Good luck to you too!

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    Depends on your mentality of to old. If you don't have issues standing on your feet and on the go go go 12+ hours than you should be good. ALso lifting patients and such.

    If you dont have issues with that then you're not to 'old'.

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    I just turned 30 and started my prerequisites. I do get comments "you seem just like a regular student!" but it's no big deal. I feel like waiting this long only gives you a more seasoned approach to the field. If I had started nursing school when I was right out of high school I would have fizzled out. I had no clue who I was and was not mature enough to push as hard as I am now! Your friends are right, GO FOR IT!!

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    • Author
    I just turned 30 and started my prerequisites. I do get comments "you seem just like a regular student!" but it's no big deal. I feel like waiting this long only gives you a more seasoned approach to the field. If I had started nursing school when I was right out of high school I would have fizzled out. I had no clue who I was and was not mature enough to push as hard as I am now! Your friends are right, GO FOR IT!!

    Thanks!!! And good luck to you too!

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    Just hit 35 and I graduate in 22 days. I started the program back when I was 32. I don't regret my decisions... yet, lol

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    • Author
    Just hit 35 and I graduate in 22 days. I started the program back when I was 32. I don't regret my decisions... yet, lol

    Congrats on such a great accomplishment!!

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    I think that AllNurses.com should put a permanent banner on their home page that says: "YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD, EVER" to put to rest this myth that someone is too old to become a nurse. Because that's totally untrue. If you wanted to go to med school, even you're not too old for that.

    It is society that is telling everyone--especially women--that they are washed up once they turn 30, which is total hogwash.

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    I was 39 when I started. Got my BSN 42. Now at 67 still nursing and loving it. If that is your dream go for it.

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    • Author
    I was 39 when I started. Got my BSN 42. Now at 67 still nursing and loving it. If that is your dream go for it.

    Wow you're awesome!! Truly inspiring. You give me all the hope I need. Thank you!

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    I was 39 when I got my LPN license, Now Im 43 and starting the RN program in Jan 5th...I never stopped to think if I was old...go for it

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