How old is too old?!?!?

davebigs · May 14, 2009

You are as old as you feel. I went to nursing school when I was 30, I had people who were in their 50s and some who were 18 in my class. Its all up to you, chase your dreams........

Amy Married to Art · May 14, 2009

Thanks. I feel pretty young...most days. :jester: I can hike the Colorado 14ters right along with the rest of the crowd. I agree with you about chasing dreams. I think sometimes I let negative people hang around in my space too long who are bitter about everything they haven't accomplished in life...so they aren't about to high-five anyone else. At any rate, I'm moving forward for summer semester with my Child Psych and BIO 111. I should have all of my pre-reqs. finished by the end of Fall semester. Have a great day!

sparky99 · May 14, 2009

Hi Amy!

I'm in your bracket. If you're too old, then I'm too old, and I refuse to be too old!:pumpiron:

Seriously though, I have some worries. I worry about being able to physically keep up with the demands of nursing. I worried a lot about absorbing tons of material in subjects I've never tried before, with a 40-something yr old brain instead of a 20 yr old brain. I've just finished A&P 1 & 2 with an A, and now feel like my concentration is slowly improving. That gives me hope that this old dog can actually run with the little dogs.

What classes are you taking now or soon for your program? I'd love to hear how things go with you.

surviveslu · May 14, 2009

I think if this is one of your dreams, then dont let it slip through your fingers again. This is 2009 and you're asking the question if you should finish what you started in 1984. In 2034 and looking back to 2009, you'll be asking the same question again. It will be tougher then for you to live out your dreams at 71 years of age.

Deb Laf111 · May 14, 2009

I am also 46 and was just accepted into nursing school. I also worry about how my age will affect things like being accepted among the younger crowd and getting hired after I am done, but obviously, I would say go for it.

You are smart enough to ace your classes and just maybe more focused on acheiving your goals than a lot (not all) of the younger crowd. Good luck, it's very exciting to get that acceptance letter.

waitingforthedream · May 14, 2009

Just graduated at 46, started working right out of school. Yes I get tired, but does'nt everyone? Go for it, I have been chasing this dream for over 20 years. Notice my screen name! I feel complete now!

Trauma Columnist · May 14, 2009

I'm older than you and I'm back in school!

Don't worry - you will do fine!

GeekGirl · May 14, 2009

Go for it! :yeah:

Everyone brings something unique to the table as a nursing student and future nurse. Young students *may* have an advantage in terms of physical endurance but think of everything you have to offer in terms of life experience and maturity. Nursing is a large, varied profession with plenty of options and opportunities for compassionate, dedicated individuals of every age and background.

Plus what would the world become if we started putting an expiration date on our dreams? :specs:

MassED, BSN, RN · May 14, 2009

Hi everyone. I am 46 years old (or young, however you want to look at it) and decided last year that it was time to go back and finish something I started back in 1984. Now, none of my credits are any good so I'm truly starting over. I was all excited last fall and took my Psych 101 - aced it. Then chickened out and decided I was too old for nursing school. I still went ahead and took a full load this semester - aced all four classes. This has been a dream I've buried for a long time. Any thoughts on older students getting accepted to a program and then even being able to find a job after graduation? Or just any encouragement...discouragement?

no way, you go for it. When I started NS, I was 27 - one of the youngest in the class, there were more than a few women in their 40's - about 4 of them, out of 13 in my class. It'll be easier for you - less drama, less will ruffle your feathers. You have the advantage, my friend.

BeeJayCeeYa · May 14, 2009

Hmm, how old IS too old? :thnkg: 48 -- definitely 48. And I'll be 49 when I start nursing school in August! :omy:

Go for it anyway! I listened to a lecture recently where the oldest student in the instructor's class was 62. :up:

Krystin · May 14, 2009

I will be 31 by the time i'm finished with school and hold a BSN (provided all goes according to plan, of course!)

The way I see it, I'll be 31 in 3 years no matter what. Either I'll be 31 embarking on my career in Nursing wielding a license or, I'll be 31 thinking to myself "maybe I should have gone back to school 3 years ago..."

Just do it.