Is 26 too old to go back to school?

Nurses General Nursing

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LilRedRN1973

1,062 Posts

Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

You're NEVER to old to keep learning. I went back to school to become a nurse and earned my BSN in 2005. I am very happy I did this--it was quite an accomplishment for me with all the obstacles I endured. I am now back to taking a few classes towards a Master's--I love my RN in the ICU job, but this hospital doesn't pay well. I think autonomy at an NP would be exciting and plan on pursuing my goals/dreams.

Good luck!!

seotsi

3 Posts

I started my degre at 35 am finishing at 38 and bring a world of life experience to nursing as opposed to knowing nothing other than nursing.

Good luck

pp

nr3c

6 Posts

The question you ask "Is 26 too old to go back to school?" almost sounds like the one I have heard: "Are you a professional student?" In either case, when people say these things, they are saying that they wouldn't go back to school and somehow feel you shouldn't because maybe, just maybe, you will end up being better than they are! Well, this is one way of looking at it!

I went through my undergrad years the traditional way. After graduation, I start to work on my Master's/PhD. I found it hard and it took me 4 years to get the Master's. Never did get the PhD. After getting my MA, I couldn't find a job. So I went into teaching, which required me to return to school for over another year for certification. I then got a job teaching, and did that for 4 years. Well, politics came in and I was out of a job. I did some teaching at a trade school for a year; then subbed for 3 years. Finally I got another teaching job for 3 years. It again, ended in politics.

At that point I took a couple years off to regroup from it all, working part-time for a priest-friend at a National Shrine. Eventually, I decided to go back to school to get my Master's in Medical Physics. I was 42 at the time. Now that I finished that degree (at age 43), I am finding it hard to secure a job. You know the deal: You need to have a job so you can get a job!

Well, I'm considering fine tuning things and possibly going back to school for nursing, radiologic technology, or even med school. So if I am not too old to go back to school at my age (and with my past experience and degrees), I should say you are not too old at all at 26. I bet if I asked you out (assuming you are a girl), you would say I'm too old and could be your dad. True. So if I'm not too old for school, CLEARLY, you are not. I would be glad to be 26 again and have what I have now. Things would seem so much easier. But I'm a generation older than you. So stop worrying about those other people and what they are saying. They don't have to live your life! You do! So go ahead and live it! Enjoy your new profession!! And good luck in your studies!

P.S. - I bet I'll eventually get a doctorate someday, in something. (If I live long enough, that is!)

biomedsam

3 Posts

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.

telluride58

1 Post

I had just began a 14-month Accelerated BSN program when I turned 46. Last week I completed my first year as an RN, working as a new grad nurse at a large teaching hospital. It was hard, but it was great! When I decided to go back to school, people (my mom and mother-in-law) thought I was nuts for walking away from a 20+ year career in the software/computer business (and with a MBA 10 years prior). Nursing is a calling and you must follow your heart. And in nursing, the nurse who continually learns and grows is truly valued. Lastly, any one who would discourage you from further growth and development likely has their own issues to deal with.

:nurse:

saphira

16 Posts

Specializes in Med-surg, LTC, learning Psych.

Nope. I went back to school at 33 after having gotten a BA in Romance Languages and an MA in Comparative Literature. I taught for a few years in my 20s, did some other things after I realized I hated teaching, then said "Ok, I'm going to do it." My husband was wonderful and supportive.

My class had students in their mid-50s in it.

Pilotboy

8 Posts

I am in the same shoes as you, however, I did become a teacher for twelve years. I have a degree in government and was a high school math teacher. I am 34 years old and I just left the teaching field last November. I have one more science prereq and then I will start my one year BSN program in January and will be finished with my BSN in December of next year. The BSN program I am going into is for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree. You can finish in one year because all of your other courses were completed with your previous bachelors. You have to have a good GPA, however, because entry into these programs is very competitive. I made sure to get straight A's in all my science prereqs, including the labs that went with them. If you can pull this off, it would be much quicker than going through a two year associate's RN program, and you would have your BSN as well.

Balder_LPN, LPN

458 Posts

Specializes in Urgent Care.

What? Thats a joke, right? right?

I'm in school now and I'll be 40 in a week or so. Why didnt someone tell me I was too old for this?

:lol2:

I'm not the oldest in my class either.

pyrolady

81 Posts

OK - Career advise here....First of all, as someone so wisely stated before - you are too old to go to school when you are DEAD !!!! Other than that you need to go for it. However, you might want to consider down the road, after you have received a BSN and moved on in your life that you can combine your teaching and nursing degrees quite nicely and perhaps go into education in the health field of some sort. Teaching, hospital educator, all kinds of options. Keep it in mind for the future and for goodness sake don't listen to people who are offering opinions. You know what they say about options.....

swatch007

112 Posts

Just Do it! Don't over think because you'll find a thousand of reasons not

to go back to school while deep inside you have a nagging feeling that wanting to go for your dream. So just TAKE ACTION AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR AGE!

anouk

25 Posts

Hi, I hope this is not to much off topic, but a lot of people who have answered my post have degrees from accerlerated BSN programs. I like to thank everyone who replied to my post who mentioned accerlerated nursing programs.There are only four accerlerated nursing programs (that I know of) in my state. I plan on applying to the two programs that are closest to me. Thanks for the heads up!!!!

Pyrolady thanks for the career info. I would like to find a way to use my teaching degree in the nursing field.

helenrnurse

4 Posts

Yes, sorry, you're too old. ONLY IF YOU THINK YOU ARE!!!!! I graduated in 1999 at the age of 51. I'm returning for an ICU Critical care course this month. (I'm working in ICU now & they are paying for the course & my hourly wage while going)

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