Is 32 too old to start nursing school?

sixes · Mar 16, 2003

Hi Jason

Go for it. 32 and single whoa boy are ou old or what:chuckle

I was 31 and and a single mom when I went to school. While getting my RNA I worked as a HCA which is probable the same as a CNA. I was worried that with little ones and a job I would never cut the RN course. To make a long story short graduated RNA 1991. Graduated RN 1992. I am the proud mom of 5 Teenage boys ages 12-18 and I am way over the hill at 42. I am going back to school in Sept. to take surgical and phsyc nursing. I will probable need to take a refresher course. My dream is to be a paramedic but I would never pass the physical fitness test. Although I'm going to look into it further. But being 5' and 125lbs I don't think I could manage the lifting part of the test.

Follow your dreams and your heart.

Good Luck

Chiaramonte · Mar 16, 2003

Jason,

Never too old to pursue your dreams.Starting at such an "old age" will make you appreciate all you learn even more.

There are a lot of nursing programs that geer their classes for the working/older student.

Follow your dreams!!

Anagray, BSN · Mar 16, 2003

I didn't read all the posts, I'm sure people encouraged you to go and do it and they are right :)

I also think if u like the ER, why not go and work there while u go to school?

In the hospital where I work u have to work only 8 hours a week to be aligible for tuition assistance and scholarships.

Working in the ER will also give you a good feel for what u will be working with as a graduate.

What I learned being a patient care tech is helping me quite a bit in nursing school. I am certified in telemetry and phlebotomy and they pay the techs here very well also.

Track people ( 7 p - 7 a) make up to 18$/hour.

Go to school! I have 50something people as well as teenagers in my class.

Ariko · Mar 16, 2003

I'm a guy, and I got my RN two months short of 55. I used to teach Physics labs to surly undergraduates at an eastern college.

I do peds, and I love it.

RyanRN · Mar 16, 2003

If 32 was 'too old to start' then you's lose a good proportion of working nurses!

justjenn · Mar 16, 2003

Gosh, I hope not! I am turning 33 next month & will not start my real nursing classes until Aug.

I used to feel I was too old, but when I see the other people in my general classes who are going for nursing, I do not feel so bad.

What I find really sad is most of them have $$ signs in their eyes:eek: , that has me worried. Yes, the money is nice, but you should have your heart in it too.

Best of luck.

sixes · Mar 16, 2003

Originally posted by justjenn
Gosh, I hope not! I am turning 33 next month & will not start my real nursing classes until Aug.

I used to feel I was too old, but when I see the other people in my general classes who are going for nursing, I do not feel so bad.

What I find really sad is most of them have $$ signs in their eyes:eek: , that has me worried. Yes, the money is nice, but you should have your heart in it too.

Best of luck.

:chuckle I hope they aren't in it for the money. What money Here in Ontario, you start at around 17.85 and can probalbe earn 25 in 5 years and a little more after that.

Our town garbage men make $17.00

You have to love nursing to be a good nurse not the money

AmyLiz · Mar 16, 2003

I hope 32 isn't too old...I'll turn 33 the end of May & I'll be starting classes in 2 weeks! :eek:

I think you should definately go for it. Here in Ohio you have to be a CNA before you begin your actual nursing classes, so I'm going to be taking that class this summer. I think Cali is the same way.

(You could always work as an aide in an ER while you work...that would give you some additional experience)

Good luck! :cool:

momrn50 · Mar 17, 2003

Go for it Hon!!! I was 40 with 3 kids under 10 and I did it..God bless and good luck!!

LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN · Mar 17, 2003

We had a guy in our class who had just retired from being a teacher. He was 63 and one of my study partners was 58. I think I was one of the younger ones in my class at 23 years old. This was an LPN program, very short. I think if you went full time at our local community college you graduated in less then 2 years. In my current RN program you take a couple of years in pre-requisites then hit the program for 2 years. EMT might be a fun way to go, you get more insight to the ER world. But I think the training time would be equivalent to the LPN program and then you can be working as a nurse while getting your RN. Just a thought. :cool:

Good luck. I have found that most guys are very good nurses, even though they are few.:)

prenurse · Mar 17, 2003

Hi Jason

I am from Virginia and I started college at age 30. I will be 32 this summer and I am awaiting right now to see if I am accepted for the nursing program this fall. I have completed almost all of my pre-reqs. and just have the nursing classes to do. If I am lucky I will graduate in May 2005! So I will be 34 when I finish!

So no! :rolleyes: It is never too late. I have ladies and MEN in my A & P Class that are much older than me ---40's and 50's, so go for it and good luck!

Don't let age be a factor in your decision to go or not! I am loving school and can't wait to get into some real nursing stuff!!

so get you some :zzzzz now, b/c the one that I can tell you is: IT IS HARD, LOTS OF TIME CONSUMING but it is fun, and even if you don't become a nurse, you will learn new and amazing things about your body and how it works.

Good Luck!

Love-A-Nurse · Mar 17, 2003

quote by jason

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is 32 too old to start nursing school? post #1

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no, it is not too old! much continued success to you.