Am i too old to start aiming for a nursing career

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2009

I've known people who have successfully completed nursing programs at 50+ years of age. You say you are 34 years old, which is still young in my book. It is never too late to accomplish a feat such as education.

Stop the negative self-talk and follow your dreams. Good luck to you!

carluvscats · Oct 8, 2009

No no no, a thousand times no, you are NOT too old to go back to school! If you are financially able, a BSN would probably be your best bet, but you can always go back for that after you pass boards with an ADN. Community colleges are typically very good bargains. I would check out the ones in your area and start your prereq's next semester. If you are nervous, just take one or two classes at a time; many times there is a waiting list to get into the actual nursing program anyway.

I graduated (ADN) from a community college at age 41. There are many here who went back even later in life. You will get older no matter what, so you might as well follow your dreams!

pbirdy · Oct 8, 2009

Hey there. Your never too old!!! 34 is still young! I was a nurse for 15 years.....burned out...sailed professionally for 13 years and now....at a young age of 53 I am back into nursing after taking a refresher course. Now stop making excuses and get out there girl!! We need you. :yeah:

RN2B-2011 · Oct 8, 2009

Wow!! This is the same situation that I am in. I have 3 children as well. I started with prereqs last August and have finished them all. I can tell you that it is a challenge. I chose a small school in my area to go to. I can't give you any advice on nursing school until I get in but I can say as an older student I am more focused and I am actually enjoying it. Everything is seen differently when you chose to go back. Hopefully some of the older (30+) students will see this post and give some feedback. I am anxious to hear.

LinzyRN · Oct 8, 2009

No, your not too old. A lady who graduated with me was 54 or 55. You would first have to start with researching nursing programs in your area. Some may require more pre-req's than others, be cheaper etc. Then go talk to a college counselor. All colleges, even community have a basic entrance exam to determine where your at educational wise. I had to take a remedial math class before I could take college algebra because I didn't score high enough. Then you go from there. Since you have kids, some online courses may fit your life better. I took classes like english and history online, and then the science classes I had lecture.

rompril · Oct 8, 2009

WOW i am so relieved at your responses!! i have been fighting with this decision for months!! thank you all so much for your encouragement :) its even better to hear there are others doing the same thing!...i am very nervous, therefore think i will start my prereq's next semester maybe as one of u said just 2 classes to start..im glad i posted this..it truly help make up my mind :)

pbirdy · Oct 8, 2009

Cool! Get all your courses out of the way first and then you can concentrate on the full time nursing. I wish you luck. I'm glad you made the right decision!! :loveya:

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Oct 8, 2009

I'm very happy that you made the decision you did!!! Too old? Don't ever say that again!!! I graduated this past May at the ripe old age of 51... If I can do it, you can do it.

So, do it!

And I wish you much good luck and success.

rompril · Oct 8, 2009

thanks again guys! im so glad even stumbled upon this website :)

timetrialsc · Oct 8, 2009

I am 42 years old. I worked in the construction industry for the first half of my life. I am now just a few weeks away from graduation. I started with a GED! It is not an easy road but if you really want it you can do it. Just start hammering away at those pre-reqs!

AZ_LPN_8_26_13 · Oct 8, 2009

I am a 34 yr old mother of 3...my 3 children are finally all in school now...i would like to go to school to become a nurse..AM I out of my mind? and too old..i have zero prerequisites..and only a high school diploma...what are your thought on this? and if any did say go for it...what would be my first step?? any help and opinions are welcome :)

I get a kick out of people in their thirtie's asking if they are "too old" to do this or that...... IMO anyone under 40 is still a "punk kid" LOL

Guess what?? I am male, 56 years old, and I have been in school now for a little over two and a half years taking my prerequisites for nursing school. Started this when I was 54. I have been accepted into nursing school and am just waiting for placement (estimated time: fall 2010) I also just completed a CNA course through the hospital where I work (still have to take the state boards) and am interviewing for CNA/NA jobs right now. It probably won't be easy trying to talk someone into hiring a 56 year old male to be a nursing assistant (I am the only one I know doing it - rest are young twenty-something girls) but I'm going to give it my best shot anyway. No, you are by no means too old. Your first step? Look around and see what's out there and compare. See what sort of financial aid you could qualify for and what sort of scholarships and grants you could get. And decide what exactly you want to do. If you have the time and money you might as well go for the BSN right off the bat because that is what everyone is gravitating toward. The hospital where I work is phasing out LPNs over a three year period - that's to give them time to upgrade to RN. I am taking the ADN route to RN but only because the hospital (my employer) is paying for it. I already have a BS degree (non-nursing) and plan on going RN to MSN someday after I become a nurse. But since you are starting from scratch, my advice to you is to just go for your BSN and be done with it. Best of luck to you and I hope that you can get started soon - the sooner the better. Sometimes I wish that I had not waited until I was in my mid-fifties to start this - should have done this fifteen or twenty years ago. But I'm doing it now and that's what counts.