Going to RN program at age 40--crazy?

Nurses General Nursing

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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!!

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.

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.

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

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!

45 Here and I will be close to 50 at graduation

Good luck

Sandy

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!

Specializes in Cardiac Care.

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

Specializes in orthopaedics.

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

wicked

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.

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!!

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

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