considering nursing school at 45 yo

peggy2624 · Dec 4, 2008

I started a long-postponed nursing education at the age of 42; my youngest started high school at the same time and we graduated together. I've never regreted the "late" start....the older student brings a maturity and level of empathy only earned with life experience...My opinion was strengthened by my experience as a preceptor and mentor of students fron high school age, through nursing school and new orientees....the mature student has much to contribute.....go for it!!!! :yeah:

c_white1 · Dec 5, 2008

Yes! I'm 43 and hope to start in an accelerated program this spring. You can do it!

Brand new RN · Dec 5, 2008

Has anyone else starting nursing school at the age of 45 or so? My youngest will be a senior in high school next year and my other two in college. I have waited a long time to go back to school. I wanted to know if others have gone back in mid life.

I started back about 3 years ago...at age 51, a yr of generals, got accepted immediately for my community college program, completed LPN classes & licensure last yr, and am currently a second yr student, planning to take RN licensure in June, 2009 (at age 55). I also want to continue on to the BSN and a masters in nursing. I got caught grumbling that I'll be about 59 when I complete all this...an instructor asked me how old I'd be if I "didn't do it". Hey I'd still be 59 and her comment was, "Well, there you have it."

I say go for it--no matter your age. If it's your heart's desire like it was mine...it will propel you forward and you'll accomplish your goals. I'm not saying it's easy, but it's do-able and I'm loving it.:typing

Brand new RN · Dec 5, 2008

I take the NCLEX-RN tomorrow. I'm 55.

Hey there, You absolutely rock!

I turn 55 in March, 2009 and will sit for RN-NCLEX in June, 2009

Plan to pursue a BSN and on to a masters degree.

I'd like to specialize in geri-psych

The standing joke in my household is that by the time I get all this done (age 59, we think) I'll be about ready to utilize my own services! :jester: :yeah:

AZ_LPN_8_26_13 · Dec 5, 2008

It's really great to read all of these stories everyone has to tell about going back to school for nursing and being in their 40's and 50's. My heartfelt thanks to everyone for posting these. It has really given me a boost.....

Right now I'm a student at Phoenix College in Phoenix, AZ - will be finished with all my prerecs and corecs after next semester (spring 09). I'm told there will be about a year and a half wait before I can actually get into the nursing school here, my advisor told me I can apply now and finish up my corec classes while I wait. I'm 55, but the way I feel, I feel like I still have a lot of very good and exciting years ahead of me.

Thanks again everyone - you are an amazing bunch :-)

auntie em rn · Dec 5, 2008

Answer to your question, if this something you desire, then I say go for it. I started nursing school at age 45 and I have 3 children, my youngest is 6, yes I had a child at age 42. I took boards in July 08 and passed. It was challenging but the rewards are far greater. I hope you decide to do it. I send you my blessings. One last thing, please find a good support team, bond with a few other students, because you will be spending a lot of time with them, get a good study group, and study. Good Luck , Auntie Em RN

darrell · Dec 5, 2008

HI
I just had a daughter turn 45-I'm 64 and started nursing school last Feb.-I'll be close to 65 when I take the NCLEX-PN-Do I think your too old-never-I shock people with my age-It's so rewarding and -
Go for it

That is amazing and all us younger kids in the 40's and 50's crowd are cheering.

D

Mookie427 · Dec 5, 2008

I had a great career as a systems analyst until Sept 11, 2001. All the computer jobs went overseas where the threat of terrorists and cheaper labor prevailed. I had a masters in biology. After 2 years of floundering as a Real Estate paralegal, my cousin suggested i go to nursing school, at 48 years of age. Not only did i go to nursing school, i did the Accelerated BSN program. It was tough, but i would recommend it.

And in this economy, is always having a job a bad thing??

GO FOT IT!

nancy324 · Dec 5, 2008

I was 53 when I started school and have been a RN for the past 3 years. It was hard but worth it. I'm very happy with my career choice. I'm just finishing up my first travel assignment and look forward to traveling again.

grandmamaryof7 · Dec 5, 2008

I went back to school to become a nurse at 35. Something I wanted to do right after high school, but at that time you could not be married the 1st year in nursing. I was in love and wanted to marry my high school sweetheart. I thought I would never fulfill my dream. As the kids got older my husband began to encourage me to go back to school and fulfill my dream.

Was I scared you betcha after being out of school so long I had no idea how to study,could I possibly pass the courses.Ihad never taken the ACT or SAT test, which was needed to get into nursing. I actually scored high enough on the test to be accepted.

With the encouragment of my parents, husband and children I graduated at 40 with high honors and passed the boards in the top 10 of my graduating class.

I'll never forget the look in my parents eyes as I walked out of the church that day in my white uniform and nursing cap, finally my dream came true.

I have been working in OB for the last 23 years. The only regret I have now that I'm reaching retirement age is that I only had 20+ years in this most fulfilling vocation.

Go for it and Good Luck. :yeah: you can do it :up: GrandmaMaryof7

fellowshipofthecat · Dec 5, 2008

Hi, all! I'm 45 and just finished my first semester of pre-reqs. I feel so young! I am more committed now as an older adult than I was in my twenties. Besides, I got tired of all that stay-at-home mom thing. My youngest is 16 1\2. :yeah:

lincolncontinchk · Dec 5, 2008

Yea do it! A majority of the people in my class are around that age. I'm one of the youngest (23). It's never to late, plus it's a great job! =)