How old is too old to be finishing nursing school?

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Dec 27, 2016

I've got to ask where this question comes from - because we see it on here all the time, and I genuinely don't get it.

What, exactly, are your concerns regarding your age or the time it takes you to finish up your pre-requisites?

conjer · Dec 27, 2016

Right now i'm currently living at home. I have G.I. bill benefits, but i'm constantly struggling with feeling like i'm a burden to my parents. I want to move out and start my career.

In addition to this, I feel it's hard to be patient because i've been working on these classes for 3 1/2 years now. I see so many people at my campus finishing them in 2 years and i wonder if i'm taking too long to get my degree :/

FutureNurseInfo · Dec 28, 2016

Since it has taken you so long to finish the pre-reqs, why don't you take both micro and stat altogether? I mean, I do not know if there are more classes you have to take, but if stat is the only class you have to finish and you want to do so in the fall, why not to sweat in the spring and be done with all your pre-reqs, and start applying to the nursing schools for the summer/fall semester? Also, you are in your early twenties which means you graduated from high school not so long ago, I am sure you should have retained some math. Unless, you did horribly in math in high school. I will be taking the stats in the spring and I am taking the very basic, intro course, so I was told it is elementary math with some applications. So, if you want and willing to push through, I am sure you will be able to handle the stats.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Dec 28, 2016

Right now i'm currently living at home. I have G.I. bill benefits, but i'm constantly struggling with feeling like i'm a burden to my parents. I want to move out and start my career.
In addition to this, I feel it's hard to be patient because i've been working on these classes for 3 1/2 years now. I see so many people at my campus finishing them in 2 years and i wonder if i'm taking too long to get my degree :/

Okay, thanks for explaining.

If it helps, I've been working on these classes on and off since 2009. I'm finally in the home stretch to apply to nursing school. I'll graduate when I'm 40. It doesn't matter how long you take, as long as you get there.

I'd recommended taking a developmental algebra class before stats, since it's been a while. So maybe take that developmental class (just for a refresher) and microbio, then stats.

Good luck.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Dec 28, 2016

I'm 28 & my family (husband & 2 sons) live with my mom. I know you can feel like a burden but you are furthering your education so it's not like you're not doing anything with your life. I wouldn't take your last two classes together. Micro can be difficult & if you're not good at math stats can be too. It doesn't matter how long it takes you to finish your pre reqs but the grades you get in them. If I had to retake my sciences I would take them 1 at a time so I knew I would get the best grade possible. Would it take me longer? Yes. But I'd rather get As & have it take a few years than get Bs or Cs because I did more than I can handle.

Extra Pickles · Dec 29, 2016

78. I feel 78 is too old for a new grad. :)

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jan 3, 2017

78. I feel 78 is too old for a new grad. :)

Unless they're a 'young' 78.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 4, 2017

As I've stated in previous threads, you are never too old to pursue your dreams (within physical reason). I was in my mid 40s when I finished my RN. I had a classmate who was 51 when we graduated. 24 years old? You're still a puppy :) Go to school and quit thinking about your age.

Artisttia · Jan 4, 2017

I feel to old to be getting my BSN; however, I have a BS in a related field and my associates degree in nursing. I just turned 56. I worry about my age but am more concerned about finding a job when I finish. I was out of the work force due to 15 surges in the last 10 years. I am finally healthy enough to return to nursing, but will there be jobs out there for a slightly mobility impaired nurse. Will any one consider a formerly disabled nurse?

hramach · Nov 12, 2017

Yes. I wish people would explain more specifically why anything over 60 is too old to be a new nursing grad. I see many young people struggle too. So, it can't only an age thing...?