going back to school

beth66335, BSN, RN · May 26, 2009

Well, it is official, I am going back to school. I have been out almost 11 years and just don't know if I am doing the right thing or not. I have been an LPN for 10 years and have been in this line of work my entire life, literally. My mom worked in a LTC facility from the time I was 2 until age 18. Did alot of volunteer work at the LTC. Now, I am going back for my RN. Not sure how other states do it but we have an LPN to RN bridge program where I can get my RN in about a year. Let me know that I am doing the right thing!!!!! Am I too old to go back or just too worried?!

I'm not sure how old you are, but I am getting my RN and I will be 43 when I'm done. If you want to be an RN then you are doing the right thing in my opinion!

Ms.RN · May 26, 2009

I went back to school after 2 years as a LPN. A year and half passed really fast for my LPN to LPN bridge program and there were times I was very overwhelmed but it at the end it was so worth going through it. I gained more knowledge and i have more job options.

allnurses Guide · May 26, 2009

I went back to school after being out more than 20 years, rough at first but quite doable! Only did one class a semester, took 5 years but got my masters last Sat! Turning 50 soon.

Bormio · May 26, 2009

You are so young! Of course you are not too old. I just applied to nursing school and I turn 48 next week!

chicookie, BSN, RN · May 26, 2009

I still haven't met a person too old to go to nursing school. I don't there is an age limit. So I am sure that person is not you. ^_^

nminodob · May 26, 2009

Do it. I graduated in 2008 at age 54! I am now working in a hospital. And, I am thinking about getting a masters next. Having a goal keeps us young...

msmaximus · May 26, 2009

You are doing the right thing. Many hospitals are requiring LPNs to get their RN degree in order to stay, my hospital is one of them, they are no longer hiring LPNs (unless they work as patient care technitions), the bridge program is only one year, and it will go quickly.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 26, 2009

you are never too old to go back to school and 35 is not old. where do you guys get these ideas that 35 is old? good luck with school. there is all kinds of information that you will find helpful on the sticky threads of the nursing student assistance forum. please check it out. also, you will want to specifically check out the information on these two stickys:

https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/study-strategies-254733.html - study strategies
https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/looking-test-taking-224581.html - looking for test taking strategies

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 26, 2009

You are never too old to chase your dreams!

StudentInTexas66 · May 26, 2009

Hi,

I just wanted to say I have the same thoughts going through my head - returning to school after 13 years for a second degree. I'm 43 so I will be 45 when I obtain my ADN. Geez, I wish I was younger!!! One way I stop myself from thinking about being 'too old' is I will be 45 in two years regardless if I stayed in my former career or pursued nursing. We might as well pursue the dream we have now or have rekindled from our past because time marches on...

Take care

calif-me · May 27, 2009

Hi,

I'm going to turn 44 in August. I graduated from the vocational nursing program this past December and just got hired at the local hospital. Life is good!!!! I plan to continue my education and earn my RN degree, i'll probably be 47 or 48 by the time i'm done, and i'm o.k. with that. I was an elementary school teacher for many years before deciding to go back to school. School was hard, but I loved the challenge. I say, go for your dream. Make sure you love to learn, because there will be a never ending supply of it!