Is 26 too old to go back to school?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, I'm currently working on obtaining my BSN in nursing. Before this degree, I pursued a BA in education. I thought that I wanted to be a teacher. After all it was something that I'd wanted to do since childhood. However, once midway through college something inside of me clicked. I didn't really want to be a teacher, but because I was halway through the program, and had taken loans I decided to go through with it anyway. I took my test for my credentials and once I found myself in the classroom setting, I realized that it was not what I wanted to do and should have trusted my gut instinct instead.

I was always drawn to nursing. Especially when in my junior year of college I went to my doctor and he misdiagnosed my symptoms of being the result of stress. I went to the school NP, and she ran test and found out it was more than stress. (I was SEVERELY anemic)

I was impressed and wanted to make a career change before I started my career as a teacher but was to scared to do so.

To make a long story shorter, everyone in my extended family keeps asking me why am I still in school. The one that really bugs me is everyone saying that I'm simple to old to go back to school. Should I be offended? Has anyone else heard someone say they were to old?

Specializes in OB.
Wife started nursing school in August.... RN school. She has never been a nurse of any kind. She is 42. I no longer have a dining room table.

LOL LOL LOL ! Ohmygosh- you should see ours. It is covered- cuz I have a test on Monday I slide it off to the side at dinner time!:D

and for the record, I am 40. Went back to school with absoultely NO nursing experience, no college classes at age 38. will graduate in May, I will turn 41 in September. 26 is FAR from being to old!

Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.
LOL LOL LOL ! Ohmygosh- you should see ours. It is covered- cuz I have a test on Monday I slide it off to the side at dinner time!:D

and for the record, I am 40. Went back to school with absoultely NO nursing experience, no college classes at age 38. will graduate in May, I will turn 41 in September. 26 is FAR from being to old!

that's how I got a whole new dining room set. The old set was old, nasty; I was using it for my nursing stuff then we took the old table, moved it up into the small bedroom and I used it as my desk. Had to replace the dining room table (with 6 chairs + china cabinet + secretary desk) :wink2: :wink2:

God NO ! 26 is not too old , are you kidding!!!!???

I am going back at 34 , married for 10 years and 2 children later !

I do regret not going to nursing the first time I went to college and got a Marketing degree instead.(live and learn)

But this time around I have a ton more life experiences and maturity to bring with me this time!

Go for it!

Specializes in Psych, DD, SNF, DOU/Tele.

Oh good golly. How ignorant people can be. I just graduated from nursing school this past May and now 1 class at a time, I'm working on my BSN. My oldest son will be 20 on Tuesday and will have his BS in engineering in 2 years. Who cares what anyone says. Perhaps they're just jealous.

I've been an RN since 1979 and I am currently 49 years old and going back to school for my RN-MSN. Too old????? GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't wait!!!!

LOL!! Try 46! I had to switch from an RN program to an LPN program way back in 1979 due to my daughter being diagnosed with ALL. Through the ensuing years I took classes working towards an RN degree while working full time and raising two children. When it came time to cut back on my hours and finish up with clinicals, my husband said no. This after both children had finished college, one with a BSN! So I thought, hm husband, finish up school. Well one divorce and a semester later - RN!!!!!!!!!

It's never too late. Am working on my peds certification now. Who knows where it will end.

Specializes in Med-surg, homehealth, and hospice.

26 is not to old. I got my AA in nursing, and my oldest son was taking some of the same college classes I was. Then after being a nurse for 14 years my son and husband encouraged me to go back to get my BSN. I am still looking for classes to further my education. I say go for it!:nurse:

Specializes in Family Practice Clinic.

Received LPN lic. at 32 and RN at 39 GO FOR IT :mortarboard:

LOL I hope not because I'm 36 & just started my prereq for my RN & will be 40 when I graduate. Age does not matter. We need nurses desperatly & go for your RN or you'll be in the same boat I'm in. A College Student at 36:penguin:

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Hi, I'm currently working on obtaining my BSN in nursing. Before this degree, I pursued a BA in education. I thought that I wanted to be a teacher. After all it was something that I'd wanted to do since childhood. However, once midway through college something inside of me clicked. I didn't really want to be a teacher, but because I was halway through the program, and had taken loans I decided to go through with it anyway. I took my test for my credentials and once I found myself in the classroom setting, I realized that it was not what I wanted to do and should have trusted my gut instinct instead.

I was always drawn to nursing. Especially when in my junior year of college I went to my doctor and he misdiagnosed my symptoms of being the result of stress. I went to the school NP, and she ran test and found out it was more than stress. (I was SEVERELY anemic)

I was impressed and wanted to make a career change before I started my career as a teacher but was to scared to do so.

To make a long story shorter, everyone in my extended family keeps asking me why am I still in school. The one that really bugs me is everyone saying that I'm simple to old to go back to school. Should I be offended? Has anyone else heard someone say they were to old?

I'm always offended when people feel so comfortable to make comments on my scholastic, career and personal choices that do not affect their personal lives, so, maybe I am not an objective person. But, to answer your question, I don't think you are too old...heck, I completed nursing school at 42 years old and I have seen older students than me...in their middle 50's. Do what is right for you.

Specializes in Emergency.

I was 25 when I started, ALOT of students older than me......you've got plenty of time!!! :)

I don't find any problem with age in going to school, as long as you are interested of doing it.26 is still young to pursue with another degree like nursing. KEEP IT UP!

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