How old is too old?

[MSJ2007]

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"?

[madink]

I never thought of myself as old until I started nursing school. I will be 52 in April and will graduate in June from a 2yr. college. My 29 y.o.daughter will be graduating from nursing school as well (different school). Nursing was a profession I always wanted to pursue but family obligations made it difficult to go back. My nest is empty and I can (and need to) put as much time into studying as necessary. I'm glad I didn't talk myself out of it or give in to my fears.

[Kiringat]

I'd say 80% of the people in my class are 35 or over. Its nice. I have several adopted moms :). (I'm the youngest in the class)

[donsterRN, ASN, BSN]

I'll be 51 at graduation. I plan to continue my education beyond that. I'd like to work as long as I am able. There's no such thing as too old!

[happynewLPN]

I'm 38 years old, and there are plenty of new nursing students 'our age'...the more the merrier. :)

[Ingrid m]

45 years old and almost finished my first year. It's only just begun!

It is NEVER too old.

Good luck to you

ingrid:nurse:

[thomk]

I graduated NS with my BSN, passed the NCLEX recently and I can not wait to work. Did I mention I am 52 years old.

[MSJ2007]

Thanks again for all your posts!

I'm really amazed at how many individuals choose nursing as a second career, or later in life after raising children (a career in itself). I certainly won't be alone come May.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Nope, not at all. I started NS at 32, got my LPN at 34, my ADN at 36, BSN at 46, MSN at 47 and post-MSN at 48. And...yes, I do plan to work until I'm 70 because I have lots of student loans to pay off - lol.

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

I just turned 51 and am in the middle of my second semester....there's a few gals the same age as I am, and at least one that's older....I'd say the average age in our class is 30-35. The class that's a semester ahead of us has a couple who look to be late 50's at least.

Physically, I haven't found anything too demanding....mentally, lol...sometimes I wonder!!

You'll do GREAT!! There's lots of threads on this "age" subject....you are not alone!!

[Sheri257]

I just graduated at 45 so ... I hope I'm not too old.

[Annabelle07]

I am 53 and after many years in Nursing, I am back in school for my BSN. Age is a state of mind.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

My father used to say that you get too old when they pull the lid over your head.

A bit morbid, maybe, but I happen to think he was right!