How old is too old?

Nursing Students General Students

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I will be starting the MN program in May (yeah!) and it's been a long time coming! Marriage, children, divorce, and marriage again has finally afforded me the opportunity to complete my degree. I'm now 40. I was 26 when I first dreamed of being a nurse. I certainly don't feel old, and I expect to work into my 60's. Is this unrealistic considering the demands placed on a nurse?

Are there any others undertaking this challenge that are "old"? :rolleyes:

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I just started an ADN program in January and about 1/2 of the people in my class (90 students) are over 35.

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I'm in the oldies group too! I'm not a nurse yet--just two years into my BSN--but I can tell you that going back to school was one of the best decisions I've made!

Good luck to you!

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When you're dead.

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Specializes in geriatric, hospice, med/surg.

You go, WOMAN! Woot! A great big pat on the back and hugs for the future! Like above post said, no age is too old.

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I hope not, because I'm 43 and in my second month of nursing school.

And I'm not the oldest in my class, either.

I worry that I might not be the best nurse on the floor, as far as experience, but at least I won't be burned out, and I'll be there for the right reasons : because I care.

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You are not too old!!!

I'm 45 and in my second semester of a four semester ADN program. I'll be 46 when I finish, hope to work for a year then go onto my BSN completion program. God knows how old I'll be when I finally get my masters!

My daughters are all very proud of their Mom! They realize that doing something that makes you happy is what is most important! I am really enjoying school and can't wait to be a full-fledged nurse!

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

Hi, MSJ2007!

40 is not old! My mother went to nursing school when she was 51 years old! She worked until she was 68. They had to practically drag her out the doors of the hospital. Haven't they raised the age of retirement (at least to collect Medicare) to 68 starting sometime in 20teens?

Enjoy fulfilling your dream. Have fun in nursing school. See you on the forums!

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Specializes in OBGYN, Neonatal.

I know we have a few students over 50 in my class! I think its great! Keep it up and do what you want. You are never to old to learn!

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Hey, I am 60 and in my second semester of NS and having the time of my life! You will love the experience! Best of luck to you.

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Thank you so much for your replies.

I hope I'm like Daytonite's mother and the drag me kicking and screaming through the hospital doors when I'm 70! :lol2:

After 20+ years of trying to force a square peg into a round hole through ill-fitted jobs, I'm finally here. I'm glad to know there are others willing to reinvent themselves later in life. Way to go, all!

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I start LPN school in March..turn 38 in April. Nope..don't think your old at all. I plan on moving on to my RN too..so I'll be even "older" when I get that.

Hey, I figure I can't collect full Social Security benefits (IF its even there by that time) until I am 70! I figure I'll have around 32 years in nursing by that time LOL..could be even more, they'll probably up the age for full bene's again before I hit 70..GRRR!!

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