Going Back To Nursing School at 42

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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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.

WOW! What a response....I'm just finishing my last prereq and by the time I get into a program(waiting lists!!!) and graduate I will be well over 50. My youngest child is in HS and hopefully we will graduate together, LOL.

Do not listen to your husband. It is sad that he is not encouraging, but you really need to do this for yourself. Men think of things differently than we do. They really do start slowing down in midlife, while we are energized because we no longer have child bearing/rearing responsibilities and hormones taking control of our lives. With older kids, you will still have enough time for him, even with school. Reassure him about this, encourage him to find a hobby or do something that he wanted to but never did. You may find that school is still a point of contention, but don't listen to any negativity from him. You may find that his problem is not really with school but something else and have to drag him off to marriage counseling....I had to resort to that and it did work to an extent.

Remember that 40 is the new 20 and you still have at least 20 years to work...GO BACK TO SCHOOL!!

ps. someone should start a club....Nursing students over 40!

This thread is amazing!

First off, Congratulations for all of you going back to school.

Im in my 20s and in college for nursing. And i just have to say you ladies/& men going back to college 40+ that is great. And im very happy for you all. There should never be a problem with what age you are. Its great you all are going back to school and going for ur dream!!! That said..

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

i just had to say this.:balloons:

GOOD FOR YOU Javertech !! So glad to read your post.

I also just started Pre-nursing program at my community college. I am taking A&P I this semester & applying for nursing program in Feb. I am 37 years old with 2 children also but mine are both under the age of 4... I am ready for the challenge.

My family is not supportive but my husband has been great. Just have to figure how to live on one salary while in nursing during the day...

Best of luck !! No regrets !!

Tell your husband that Iam 42, married for almost 20yrs and I have 5 kids. i am going to school full time and I work part time along with taking care of my family. If I can do it anyone can. By the way my husband and family are very supportive. My kids ages are 19,16,15,12,and a 9 yr old with many learning disabilities.:lol2:

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.

Hi I am 42 and decided to go to nursing school full time, work part time and take care of my husband and 5 kids. by the way all of them are very supportive.:lol2:

Specializes in ICU, SDU, OR, RR, Ortho, Hospice RN.

Go for it, do it for YOU.

Hubby is 51yrs old and is in the Nursing Program and is LOVING IT.

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