Going to RN program at age 40--crazy?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Am I too old for this? Already have a Bachelor's degree in another field but looking for some job security for the future, and like the idea of helping people.

Specializes in School Nursing.

I just started a nursing program this year and I am 39. Many people in my class are older than me. Some are in their 50's and I even think we might have a couple in their 60's. As an age, 40 is not too old. It is more of a personal decision of where you are in your life and where do you want to be. 40 is young!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I was 45 when I started and intend to work as long as I can. Might as well be doing something you enjoy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych,maternity, ltc, clinic.

I have a BA in Psychology (useless) and was taking prereqs for nursing in my early 30's. When, at age 32 I was going to start fulltime, I whined to my dad, "I'll be 34 when I graduate". He said "And how old will you be in 2 years if you dont graduate".

Of course now, 2 months from 50 I find it hilarious that I thought 34 was so ancient:)

I've never regreted it.

Oh, and I thought I'd be the oldest in my class, I was one of the youngest.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rural Nursing = Med/Surg, ER, OB, ICU.

You are not too old! Don't they say that 40 is the new 30?(ha) Actually I just graduated last May at 48 and I have now worked as an RN for 4 months! BEST thing I have ever done....I had a wonderful time in school. Never say never and shoot for the stars. We are never too old to achieve our dreams!! I love being an RN..:heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice.

Never too old for more education!:grad: If it is something you want, go for it! I am 39...I graduated from LPN school in 2003 and decided to go back for my RN--I graduate in May! :yeah: I plan to continue on and work towards my MSN also. I will be just as old 2 years from now no matter if I aim high and try to reach my goals or not, right?? (My husband, God bless him, is very supportive--he just wishes I would have done it all at once!):banghead:

So, I say no, you are not crazy--go for it! :nurse: Best of luck and enjoy!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

45 Here and I will be close to 50 at graduation

Good luck

Sandy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm 42 and will be 43 when I graduate. I was in my late 30's when I thought about nursing school and began taking classes necessary for admission. My feeling was that I had another 25 to 30 years that I wanted to work and I wanted a job that was more inspiring than my mid-range administrative job I had been in for over 10 years.

I've enjoyed (almost) every minute of nursing school and I am looking forward to graduating and then working as a nurse. I also realize that as I age and perhaps decide that bedside nursing is too stressful on my body, I can then move into other areas of nursing. The possibilities really are endless.

Also, I am in an ADN program with a prior BA in Education. I still have school ahead of me to get to an MSN, and yet I see other student nurses my age and older who are forging ahead with a new career in nursing as well as continuing their education and working toward higher degrees. I'm excited about all I have ahead of me, which certainly beats the dread I had in the past, coming to work every day in a job that was going nowhere.

You can do it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I just turned 51. I am not the oldest in my class, and I will graduate in May.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in orthopaedics.

nope you are not crazy. go for it. we will all be here to cheer you on. best of luck.

wicked

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Your not too old or crazy. I graduated at 30 but had several costudents that were older than me. My graduating class had a wide range. Our youngest was 19 and just out of high school....and I think the oldest was Scott and he was in his 50s.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

being an older student is a state of mind. when i sat in the class room i was there for one purpose and one purpose only. it didn't matter to me if the gal in front of me snubbed me or if i were friends with so and so..... (the younger people get to caught up in all that stuff so easily!) i think as an older student i was able to set my ultimate goal and then break it down into manageable goals and stay focused.

nursing for me has been the way to make a difference. as a rn i have so much flexibility.

going back to shool is something i will never regret!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How about 18 going to nursing. Is that too young hahaha

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment