Hi all. Just curious as to how many people went into nursing later in life. I am getting ready to start A&P I Tuesday and will hopefully be getting into nursing school next fall. This will be a second career for me. I graduated with a BS in 1999 and worked as a social worker before having kids. Now, three kids later and 5 years have passed since I quit my job to be a sahm, I am getting ready to go back to school. I was just wondering if I am going to be the only old one in my classes. I am sort of nervous about going back to school after 9 years, but also so excited as it has been a dream of mine for a long time to become a nurse. I am excited that I am taking steps towards that.
Anyways, just curious about your story, that's all. :)
I'm new to this community. Right now I'm taking general classes, but hope to take/pass my NET before end of 2009. I'm aiming to begin nursing classes in 2010.
My classmates ages are quite varied. I must say that I too was worried about being the only 'older' person in the mix. Fortunately that was not the case, and I'm 42 years old.
My niece recently graduated Nursing school, and was also recently diagnosed with having breast cancer at the young age of 28; however, that hasn't stopped her from fullfilling her dreams. She went on to take her boards testing two months later and passed. Now Beth can expect to be at home for a year or so due to treatments before attempting work again. I told her that she's an inspiration to me.
I'm just going with the flow, making new friends along the way, and praying for the best outcome!
Specializes in med-surg 5 years geriatrics 12 years.
I am a late bloomer too. Went back at 38 years old and got my BSN at 42. When I graduated [ 1992 ] there were 5-6 older than me and we had a 55 year old woman who was a freshman. Age is just a number and mine doesn't slow me down a bit.
Specializes in long term care Alzheimers Patients.
I worked in the medical field for the past thirty years as a cna and administrator of a level 4 rest home. Graduated from nursing school with an LPN at the age of 49.I was not the oldest in my class one lady was 57. Late 20's - mid 30's was the average .One girl was 18 just out of high school, we were in the same clinical group and were very close.
I just turned 38-been home 9 years, youngest kid is 2 1/2. He is the reason I decided to become a nurse. Lots of health problems from birth on.
I always say that I wish I had done this straight out of high school, but straight out of high school the "yuck" factor would have done me in! After being a mom, plus suctioning a trach and changing g-tubes, I'm so over it!:barf01:
Well, not really OLD per se, 32 next month. I just envision myself being with a bunch of recent hs graduates. Then I would feel old, lol.
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I feel a similar way about being in school with recent HS grads...not that I'm worried about being the oldest but I tend to be (read: I am) Type A. I don't want to be in a group project with an 18 y/o who recently discovered appletinis or some other such useful study tool.
Not that all 18 y/os are that way but I am assuming some of them are going to be taking advantage of the whole "college experience" thing. My first degree came from a college named one of the driest in the U.S. so this will be a new experience to me.
Thank you to all who replied. It is very interesting to see so many of us who went into nursing later in life. Honestly I thought about nursing when I was in my 3rd year of college, but at that point I was so far into my major, that there was no going back. Like many of you, I have little kids too (5 and 3 year old twins), so this is very exciting for me to be going back to school to do something for me (for once).
Thanks again for all your advice. I appreciate it!
I was the oldest student in my class, It did not bother me at all. I started when i was 45 as a CNA working nights and going to school days... That was because of insurance!! did my LPN in 3 semesters and graduated July 27th recieved my ATT aug 4th and took and Passed the NCLEX on aug 5th. and started right in on my RN. Did all my Pre-req's and Co-reqs so when I did get into winter Quarter all I had was 1 class a week and my clinicals.
My youngest sister starts her LPN a week from today... she is 46 I know she will do well as well.
I am sort of nervous about going back to school after 9 years, but also so excited as it has been a dream of mine for a long time to become a nurse. I am excited that I am taking steps towards that. 
ANurseWannaB
32 Posts
Hello Everyone
I'm new to this community. Right now I'm taking general classes, but hope to take/pass my NET before end of 2009. I'm aiming to begin nursing classes in 2010.
My classmates ages are quite varied. I must say that I too was worried about being the only 'older' person in the mix. Fortunately that was not the case, and I'm 42 years old.
My niece recently graduated Nursing school, and was also recently diagnosed with having breast cancer at the young age of 28; however, that hasn't stopped her from fullfilling her dreams. She went on to take her boards testing two months later and passed. Now Beth can expect to be at home for a year or so due to treatments before attempting work again. I told her that she's an inspiration to me.
I'm just going with the flow, making new friends along the way, and praying for the best outcome!
~blessings to you!