considering nursing school at 45 yo

[turtlesrus]

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.

[surggirl]

I am 47, and hope to start a "Hybrid" this spring, half online, half regular classes. I'm still waiting word. I was in nursing school the first time in my early 30's and I got to the second quarter and had to quit because I didn't do so well my second quarter( I had 4 little kids). I went through surgical technology after a couple of years trying to decide and feeling little confidence in nursing. Well, 15 years later, here I am and I'm going to take another stab at it.

Everyone guesses me at age 32, and I have really taken care of myself all these years so I don't feel almost 50! I have two in college, one through college and married, and one at home who is a sophmore. I think it will be better without all the little kid demands I had before. My little one was a newborn while I was up trying to memorize drug classifications and adverse reactions! I've been a surgical tech for 10 years so I'm hoping things will click with me better this time.

Good Luck to all of us Old Farts!!

[surggirl]

Hey Mern08!!

I'm at Columbus State!! I work with many Mt. Carmel grads!!

[canyongirl]

Turtlesrus: I'm 48 and will graduate with a BSN in two weeks! And I'm not the oldest in our class. You mention you have two kids in college and one who will be a senior in high school. Two of my kids are also in college. What fun it has been with so much in common!

And about those younger students - they have been wonderful to get to know and develop friendships with. The age difference brings diversity and different life experiences.

Go for it or risk regretting it later.

[saltlifeNurse]

Good for you! Go for it! You will do well in nursing school with an older more wise perception...

I started at 42. Im so happy I did! I wished I went to RN school when I was younger but it happened the way it was supposed to!

Good luck!

Sammi:yeah:

[julzhere]

I started prereqs at 45 and graduated at 50. Best thing I ever did for myself and glad I didn't think I was "too old." Go for it - you'll do great and you won't regret it.

[PSchmidt68]

I'm glad I'm not the only one...I have been considering NS for four years and I am 40. I am a medical assistant and have been on maternity leave for five years now! I am having a difficult time deciding on a two year school. I am concerned about the cost, scholoarships, financial aid, and going to school with four children at home and doing a program that runs 8-5 during the day. I have three children: 16,14, and 5 and a foster daughter who is 6 weeks old. I also have a husband who is very supportive but he has a demanding job. I am afraid to get going and then get frustrated with managing both the home and school. Is there anyone out there who has or had the same dilemma who can give me some ideas, or words of wisdom? I really want to pursue a career in nursing.

[Candyheart]

I was 47 when I went back to school. It was hard, I'm not going to lie. Things have changed alot since I was in school. But now I have a job in long term care that I love. I feel I make a difference every day. I learn something new everyday. That is how you stay young. I'm working on my RN now, still eager to learn. You're going to be 50,55 etc. anyway, you should be doing something you love.

[james_lankford]

mern08,

thanks for posting the name of your school

and I'm obviously being a pain, (again)

but please, when you reply to something like this would you mind also saying what school you're attending?

it would be helpful to me because I'm sure some schools probably don't accept applicants over a certain age, even though they would never admit that's the reason

so it would be helpful to have a list of schools that are known do accept us older folks

I'm currently 46, turning 47 in a week, plan on applying next year

[sassykolee]

I think that you should just go for it. I started school last year and I am 56 now. You are never too old. I was concerned will there be a job for me at my age.

Good luck!!!!!!

[delaney1]

Go for it. I did it, and graduated when I was 46, and even better I was so focused I was the only Summa Cum Laude in my graduating class. I was one of the oldest, but it has been the best career choice I ever made. Good luck, and keep focused!

[suzimaree]

Go for it...:-)....I started working as a PCA (personal care attendant) in nursing homes then I started back at uni to do a nursing degree here in Australia, which takes three years to complete, which I have completed and are now working and I will be 50 next June. I thougt that I would be to old amongst all the students, but there were others that were division 2 nurses up grading to division 1 nurses and also a lot of mature aged students doing a nursing degree..............

So go for it, :yeah::yeah:I had three children at primary school when I started and was so worried that I would not be able to do all the homework, assignments and home duties but they all just fell into place. I am so glad that I went back to uni and did it, you are never to old to do anything once you have you mind set to it......GO FOR IT....

[gemma07874]

I started at age 49, I will be graduating in less than 2 weeks at the age of 51. My youngest graduates from high school this year so I know where you are at. You are never too old. It is not easy but very doable. I also work full time and attend school 5 nights a week so you need to be motivated. I am so glad I did it.