Going Back To Nursing School at 42

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Specializes in Emergency Room, ICU, CHF Clinic.

I am a married mother of two who has decided to go back to nursing school. I have attended one year of college in 1987 and actually was admitted to the nursing program then but had a car accident and had to withdraw.

Since my car accident I obtained my C.N.A. Certification. I presently work in an Intensive Care Unit as a Unit Secretary/Monitor Technician/Phlebotomist/C.N.A. The hospital I work at has trained me to do EKG's and I went through the IV Therapy Class because I am trained as an Emergency Room Technician. I decided to go back for my R.N. because I am already doing a lot of the things that the R.N.'s do I just don't get paid for it.

My husband is not supportive of me going back to school because he says I am too old and he is discouraging me. What he does not understand is that this is something I have wanted to do for 20 years and I have not been able to go because I had a family to take care of.

My children are 18 and 23. One is in college and the other one is preparing for college. Is there anyone out there who has every been in a situation like mine? It would be nice to get encouraged to better myself.

I also had this same problem with him when I was going to school before. He fought me on it because he knows it will take time away from me spending time with him.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I went back to nursing school at the age of 32, graduated with my LPN at 32 and my RN at 36. I don't think 42 is all that old (I'm pushing 50!) I say go for it. Its time your husband either got on board or jumped ship IMHO. You stayed home to raise the kids, they are gone now...its time for you.

I was very fortunate that my husband was very supportive (our boys were 5 and 10 when I started back to school). I would think it would be easier with your kids raised for the most part. Have you explained the financial rewards too? For instance, being able to have a stronger retirement plan, able to take nicer vacations, free up some money for charitable donations?

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

I certainly don't think you're too old. And now that your children are grown you have more time to pursue this.

It may not be easy on your husband, which is maybe why he's opposed to this.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I totally agree with the above. I don't have children, but I do have a partner who has been incredibly (and thankfully) behind me 100%. I'm 49, and a freshman in my program. I've been working on prereqs for the last two years, and finally am in the nursing portion of the program. I'll graduate at 51. And I can tell you that I am not the oldest person in my program.

I say go for it!

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Don't you dare listen to him. My mother is a dialysis patient and she will be graduating in Dec. with her degree in education. Don't tell me it can't be done. My ex-husband beat the crap out of me and made me feel like the lowest person in the world. After going through, I still came out and am back in school raising my two kids with an amazing new husband!! You can do it and we are help and to encourage you!! Good luck and go for it!!!!

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Welcome aboard! I'm 40 myself and, like you, this has long been my dream. I'm currently working full-time and start back this semester to continue working on knocking out those pre-requisites. My 11yo daughter is supportive. My husband was never supportive but things work out in the end as we're now separated so his opinion no longer matters. lol

My point is not that you should separate from your husband :chuckle but that you are definitely not too old to do what you've always dreamt of doing. I'm learning that life is too short to worry about what others think!

Best of luck to you and be sure to keep active here on this board. More support for this dream you'll never find :)

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Specializes in Accepted...Master's Entry Program, 2008!.

He's not being supportive for a reason other than your age. I'm 38 and entering in January....

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Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

I say go for it!!! youll always regret if you dont.And It seems there are a lot of older persons going back to school for various reasons.Good luck!(And you are only going to get older.)

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I went back at 38 and graduated at 40. My youngest was in 1st grade.

I'm now 50 and going back for my BSN.

Age is nothing but a number. You said it yourself - your husband doesn't like the time it takes away from him.

I'd make a couple of appts with a marriage counselor to get a 3rd party to help you both communicate so that both of your needs can be met.

Good luck.

steph

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Specializes in med/surg.

I'm 42, I'm finishing my prereqs this year, hopefully to start a 2yr nursing program next fall. I have two children 17 & 22. I hate to say this, but your husband is abusing you, psychologically! You are not too old to go to school. You are never too old to learn. There is something bothering him about you going to school, and its not - your age; it may be that you'll become self-sufficient, your self-esteem will rise, and you will be able to see through his selfishness. Talk with him about HIS fears, and then do what is best for YOU!

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I say go for it, you are never to old to go back to school. I am 31 and have two boys and my husband is very supportive and tells me all the time to go fo it and that I am not too old. Talk with your husband and tell him how much becoming a nurse means to you and that it's selfish to not support you. I hope that everything works out, hang in there you can do thiskeep us posted ok!!!

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Specializes in DOU.

I'm 41, and in my second semester of nursing school. There are several women my age, and a couple who are closer to 50.

Tell your husband you will be a couple of years older whether or not you go to nursing school, so you might as well go.

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