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

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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?

Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

as long as your breathing your not to old... you 'll be fine

Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I'm 44 and if you have the passion for nursing then you are never too old. I came across a post tonight of a 58 year old that has become a nurse.

Specializes in NICU Someday, I Hope.

Definitely, not too old.

I'll be 43 when I start NS in January and I've got a spouse and a kindergartner.

I finished my pre-reqs during spring semester and I was certainly one of the oldest students. I was treated differently but only because I was the most serious and best prepared student in the classes!!

Absolutely, positively -- GO FOR IT. If you tarry, you'll kick yourself later for not having done it sooner.

You can handle it. I went from a 2.8 student in my 20's to a 4.0 student in my 30's and 40's. I haven't gotten smarter, just more mature. Believe us all... your age is an asset.

i just found this site today when i was googling stethoscopes! lol

i'm hoping to start the associate degree nursing program in january, i'm 32 yrs old and i have a 5 week old little man.

hubby has convinced me to go back to school while dalton is small, and we'll be able to better provide for him in the future.

i'm really glad that i found this site!

Nope, you are not too old at all. I am 40, and started an ABSN program last semester. After I graduate, I want to continue my education and go to nurse anesthetist school (after getting some ICU expereince). So, I still have a long road ahead of me, but I'm hanging in there and keeping up with the best of them.

Specializes in ICU, SDU, OR, RR, Ortho, Hospice RN.

Never EVER too late Karen and in my experience the more mature the student the more interested their tutors are in them.

Hubby is 51yrs old and starts his NP next month so go for it.

Let me add my comments to this. I agree that either way you'll be 40 in a couple years. I'll be 38 when I graduate from NS in two lonnnnnnnnnnnng years. I feel it's Totally worth it.

Richard

Oh goodness girl...you absolutely are NOT too old to go for it!!! I am 31 years old and I am hoping to get in for the 2008 semester. Go for it!!! Follow your dreams!! I want to do something I will love and that can make me feel I am accomplishing something...I don't feel that way right now. If it's in your heart, go for it!

I start nursing school on Aug 20. During the whole process I have been treated very well by the school administrators, and my future classmates. Oh, I am 57 and male...I can't wait until school starts. The situation becomes, how important is this to you. Age has nothing to do with it....

Absolutely not! As a matter of fact, I was reading this article in the Boston Globe over the weekend and I think it sums up very nicely what you're asking about.... Go for it!

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/health_science/articles/2007/07/09/nurse_midlife/?page=2

I don't believe when you're in your 30's or 40's that it's too late. However when your in your 50's, it does matter. I will be 58 when I graduate with my RN and the opportunities will not exist. Nursing schools will tell you any-

thing to get your money. In our area there are far more nurses than there are jobs. I know some will disagree, but the only position I can get is doing

home health nursing. I graduated with my lpn license in 2007. Should have

gone in a different direction. I love what I do and I can keep up with any-

one. Sorry to sound so negative. Just feel that I mislead for all the wrong

reasons.:(:(:(:(:(:(

Specializes in Med/Surg.
I graduated 1 1/2 years ago from an ADN program, I am 45 years old now, working in the ER. It is great. Nursing school was in most ways easier for me then for my younger classmates, because I had life experience. I have three kids, and had to make some sacrifices to go to school, so I made the most of lecture and clinicals, where as some of the younger students we getting over hangovers, planning dates, showed up late for class,etc. The thing that got some older students in trouble was acting like they knew everything. My advise is to go for it!!! It will be a whole new chapter in your life.

Huachuca

That is the one thing I don't like about older students. Some of them really do act like they know it all! I happen to be one of the youngins who is completely focused.

You can certainly go to NS at your age. You have plenty of time to finish school and spend years working. Good luck to you!!!!!!!!:heartbeat

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