Do you think it is too late to go into nursing?

mvanz9999, RN · Jun 20, 2007

I don't think so either. I'm 38 and entering nursing school Jan 08.

catzy5 · Jun 20, 2007

Hi All,
I am looking for honest opinions. I am turning 37 this year and seriously considering applying for nursing school for fall 2008 (I will be 38 then). DO you think that I would be too old to be successful in school? I know that there is a high dropout rate in nursing school but I'm more concerned that since I would be older than most of the students, that maybe the professors would be a little harder on me, KWIM? I am also concerned that considering my age it may not be "worth it" since employers would look at me and think "she only has 20 yrs before retirement", KWIM? I guess I am looking for people who were like me, older with little kids, spouse, all the bills, and concerned that it would be a good decision yet has the desire to do the job. Anyone out there like me?

gosh I hope its not too late lol I am just starting. I am 39 now but will start ns hopefully when I am 40 no I take that back lol I'll still be 39 until march of 08. I have 3 kids husband and now I am starting my career 20 years is a long time and I think I can make good use of that time as a nurse.

Agenyc · Jun 20, 2007

You have a lot of responses already telling you that it is NOT too late, and I agree. I have a good friend from my prereq's who is 40 and just started a PA program.

I used to feel overwhelmed myself about the amount of time this was going to take and how old I was going to be when I'll be done. Then I think to myself that I will still be 2 years older in 2 years even if I do it or not!!

I'd rather be an RN in 2 years than doing what I'm doing now!!

And, I bet you won't feel a day older when you are done than you do today.

meant4me2 · Jun 20, 2007

Im reading these posts thinking...im really not the only one who counts the years..or how old ill be when completed???:wink2:

I was told the ONLY time where AGE matters...is if you are a WINE OR CHEESE!! :wink2:

I think as women its just ingrained in us...especially if we have a bunch of rugrats...we havent learned how to put OURSELVES first....

coolpeach · Jun 20, 2007

NO...you are not too old. I am also 37, and have three boys. Since I have been taking my pre reqs I have met many woman our age, and some older. My friend, and financial Aid advisor is in her late 40's and is just about to apply to the program, and my neighbor is in her 50's and just finished.

starbabyfive · Jun 20, 2007

i'll be starting nursing school on aug. 1 of this year. (6 weeks from today)

i just turned 49!!! studies have shown that older more mature students

usually do better academically than those right outta high school. i say go for it.

stpauligirl · Jun 21, 2007

i'll be starting nursing school on aug. 1 of this year. (6 weeks from today)
i just turned 49!!! studies have shown that older more mature students
usually do better academically than those right outta high school. i say go for it.

we don't "have all day" anymore....running out of time

meant4me2 · Jun 21, 2007

Hey...the older the better!!!!!

WE ROCK!!:wink2:

stpauligirl · Jun 21, 2007

Hey...the older the better!!!!!
WE ROCK!!:wink2:

I look at it this way...I made it up the hill but no way will I go down the other side of the hill...I'll stay on top enjoying the view FOREVER

kasia2 · Jun 21, 2007

who cares about the age? You can accomplish success anytime....if you have it in you go for it. A lot of people give up thinking they arleady had a life to live and that it for them.They neglect their dreams, desires to cater to their family needs...always have the attitude' as long as I breath I can accomplish anything'

Good luck

meant4me2 · Jun 21, 2007

Too funny!!!

I figure with the way i love to spend money...i better get my degree soon!! I love working with the patients..the politics of healthcare dont scare me(anymore)..already cut my teeth.. :uhoh3:

Its time for me!! And my kids want everything under the sun...I want the means to continue to give to them! They are only little once!

I also think having the age isnt a bad thing..from what Ive learned..experience usually comes with it!! We need to be respected by our peers..i think age helps with that.

Mommycakers · Jun 21, 2007

No, you are not too old. I am 41 with 4 children (9,8,3 & 1). I am also planning on attending nursing school in Fall of 2008. I passed my Net test and I am just waiting to finish up this summer Anatomy class so I can use this professor as a reference for my nursing school application. I don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet because I didn't read all of the posts. I would recommend that you look into attending an orientation/information session at the nursing school you are planning on attending. Most nursing programs have them every few months. They will give you a packet with all the information of what is required for their specific program. The RN hospital diploma program I will be doing only requires chemistry as a prerequisite into their program. Although, they recommend that you take all of the other college course work (English,Nutrition,Psychology,Developmental Psychology,Sociology,A&P I & II, & Microbiology) before you start the nursing program. You might also want to check with the school and see if you can CLEP out of any of the prerequisites need for example psychology or sociology if they are needed for your program. That will save you some time and money. You can buy the Clep book on the subject needed at the a book store to teach yourself the subject. I will have all the college work done before I start so I can just focus on the nursing classes. Good Luck!!