Am I too old to just be starting?

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Alright, I am very new to this so please bare with me. I have gone back and forth for years now about going into nursing. Finally, after driving my family and boyfriend crazy about what I want to do with my life, I decided to finish my pre-reqs for the program this year and apply next fall. I have worked in the corporate world, real estate, a restaurant early on, and have always felt very unfulfilled with my jobs. I have always been drawn to nursing because I am a true mush ball and love helping, caring, :heartbeat being sensitive, and working hard. I am 26 now and will be 27 in June. After doing a lot of research about acceptance into programs, experiences, etc, I realize it is something I REALLY would love to get into. My question to anyone is do you think I am too old to JUST be starting pre-reqs? Seriously, I can't apply until Feb 15th, 2010 only to begin the program the next session. I'll be 30 by the time I'm done :confused:. And that is assuming I am not put on an insanely long waiting list. Anyone else starting at my age or older? If so how did it go? Pros/Cons?

Thanks,

XOXO

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I'll graduate from my 2 year ADN on May 16 or so. I'm currently 40 years old. No, you're not too old.

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Thanks. How is the program so far? Have you decided what you want to specialize in? Arey ou in class with a lot of younger students? I initially wanted to do the ASN program at a community college but the program is so small that people with 4.0s and all pre-reqs are being put on the waiting lists. That is why I thought the BSN at a university might be easier. It will take me a solid 3 to 4 years. My daughter wil be 8 by the time I am done! Hopefully I will get into the ASN program :wink2:.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

It's been a great experience, with the typical amount of frustration and wanting to pull my hair out, mixed in with experiences that could potentially change your life (or your career path). I initially planned to focus on some "man" thing, like ER or OR, and never imagined I'd like pediatrics or babies. Well, so much for that reasoning...I loved the kids, and even more, the babies, and plan to work in NICU or newborn nursery, if at all possible.

My daughter will be 25 when I finish. ;)

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Search the forum for "old" LOL! There are a TON of women in their 40s....I am 46, will be 47 in March and 48 when I am done with NS. My DD is 23 and when she gets out of the Army in May, she will be going to NS as well. I have 4 other children I birthed and 4 step-children.

You are NEVER too old! When I turned in my NS app yesterday, the gal behind the desk told me about a 70+ yo guy in her LPN program! :D

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Yeah, you are very young compared with many of us! It might depend on your program, my program is a community college and maybe that naturally attracts older people because we aren't "going away" to college since many of us are working or taking care of children (or both!) . . . but in any case I would say at least half of the students in my class are over 30. I will be 40 a couple of weeks after graduation and I'd say in most situations (clinicals, lab & whatnot) I am NOT the oldest person there. So I was very worried but am extremely comfortable now. Many people pursue nursing as a second career.

And besides all that, it doesn't matter. Do what YOU want to do, age really is a number.

Best of luck!

Kelly

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Specializes in Starting dialysis.

I will be 51 when I graduate nursing school and that is if I get in this Fall, which I am expected to. Plus, I was not the olderst person in my pre-req. classes that was planning on going into nursing. I still have many good years left and I have always wanted to be a nurse.

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Specializes in Triage, MedSurg, MomBaby, Peds, HH.

Well, I turn 44 the week before my May 9, 2010 graduation date. I intend to go on to grad school in order to get my NP. So, my answer would be a resounding NO, you're not too old!

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I started when I was 27 as well and I will be 30 when I graduate next May.... I wouldn't say I was too old, I'm actually one of the younger minority in my class. :-)

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I will be 27 in May and am hopefully starting my program in August... NO, you are not too old! More power & Good Luck to you!

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Since when was 26 old? I'm 28 and- if I get accepted this fall- I'll be 30 when I graduate. A few months later I'll be 31!

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exact same position...except I'm in my second semester of Nursing School and I'm 28. I'll be 30 1/2 when I finish. Is it too old? I think not. It's a common age to come to this decision for second career people (or people who never quite got into their first career). :0)

30 is the new 20, missy! Love it! Do it!

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