At what age did you decide on nursing?

[Wan2BRN]

I am still young, 25, but need some stories of encouragment. I have a 2 yo son and am due with my 2nd little one in December. I am registered for fall classes at my local college and will continue to take my pre-req's until I am done. I always kick myself in the butt though for not getting right in after high school graduation and taking my classes seriously; I was definately a slacker and can't afford to be that anymore. I have always wanted to be a nurse and can't imagine myself anywhere else.

So I am curious to know the stories, as I am sure they will be encouraging, at what age did you decide to start taking classes to become an RN? Did you have children? etc.

Thank you.

[orangeroom]

i was in my mid 20's when i decided that nursing was for me. we planned to wait until our youngest child was in school full time for me to return to school. i ended up having a third child, so school was delayed until i was 36 years old. i did take non nursing courses (one a semester) before the core nursing classes. good luck.

[julopy]

Good for you. I think it is great that you have decided to go to nursing school good luck.:)

[suddenlyseeking]

I am 38 years old, a single parent of a middle schooler and I started nursing school 6 months ago. I've never been happier! I feel like I finally know what I want to do with my life. I honestly feel like I have a calling for nursing so I'm not letting the nay sayers get in my way.

[mage.or]

I started when I was 24. Its my second degree.

I think that you'll find it challenging but the rewards later will be worth it.

I got some classmates who have children.. Its quite a juggle in terms of schedules but they breezed through it just the same.

Good luck and welcome to our world!

[Goodthoughts79]

I am 31, and am doing my pre reqs right now. This is my career change and a 3rd degree. It's hard, takes courage and requires a lot of support and motivation. But kudos to everyone here who has taken this decision and done it ! :)

[julopy]

I am 33 and decided right after my 32 b-day to go to school. I was surfing the web late one night and decided to apply to college. After a year of prerequisites I have just begun the nursing program. I express to my children on a daily basis the importance of an education. So I figured if I am going to talk the talk I should walk the walk.

[amandakay]

I was 21 when I decided that nursing was my calling. Two kids later I am just now entering into a nursing program for the Fall at the age of 28 (29 when I start). I don't think it anyone is ever too old to start their dream.

[merrywhiterose]

I will be 53 when I complete my last year of the RN program. I have never been in the health care field before now. There are several others in my class of various ages that have never been in the health care field, also. It's NEVER too late!

[NCHarleychic]

I was a bartender the first half of my life. Graduated LPN school @ 42 and then went back for my RN. Just passed my boards for that this past Sept, 2009. I turned 52 in May.

[creoleprincess]

i am 19 years old and i have a 4 month old son. i will be 20 when the fall semester starts and even i kick myself in the butt for not starting nursing school sooner!so dont't be too hard on yourself, maybe this is the perfect time and you wouldnt have been ready younger who knows just do what you can now you are still young:)

[psme63]

i started when i was still 15 when i entered nursing school....it was difficult coping with the situation but fortunately, after all those years, i already graduated and is about to take the licensure exam....

by the way, i'm 19 now...and is going to have a baby boy this october...:)

[caribgal]

I was 40 when I started nursing school.