How old is too old?!?!?

[Amy Married to Art]

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?

[jcadriel]

No I didn't back out my first day of school is July 7th, a day after I turn 47:)

[dixiedo]

Defininately go for it, I am 57, soon 58 and thinking about going back for my NP!!! I am energetic at this age, love nursing, just returned to it after 28 years in family business that went bankrupt.............I plan to work, G-d willing into my 70's. You are a young woman yet at 46!!!

[Pamebick]

Hi ,I'm pretty happy reading your post,because I'm in the same case ,40 en my last nursing studies was 1991 they said it's too old and I have to start from 0 ,anyway I'm going to check in University of Phoenix and see what happenned because it is almost 60 credits ,and I don't want to lose them.Congratulations about your decision!!,you'll be doing great!!

[dlyr75]

You are NEVER TOO OLD! As one very wise RN told me several years ago(I was 32, just starting nursing school), when I complained about graduating at 34 for RN and had plans of continuing on to ARNP..she told me, you are going to be 34 anyway, so why not be 34 with a degree or 3? I took the long way around, having worked in the medical field for some time, doing various things. I watched all my friends attend and graduate nursing school, and thought that it was "my time". I am happy to report that: I finished nursing school 2.5 weeks ago, got a great job, graduated with my husband, also a nurse and JUST PASSED THE NCLEX!!! So, my advice to you: do not be frightened of being in class with people half your age; do not forget that there are some things "experienced/mature people" are better at; and you have learned the art of juggling and prioritizing! I felt the hardest part of nursing was not the work, it was giving up on life for the 2 years prior to nursing and the 2 years during nursing! I rarely got to see family and friends. If my husband had not been doing clinicals at the same site, I wouldn't have seen him either! Chin up! You have a ways to go, BUT, you will soon be celebrating, as I am! If you never get started, you will never finish! Good luck and stay strong!

[harleyridingirl]

I will be graduating in December at almost 52. I think some of nursing is easier due to my age and experience of being in the work force and raising a family already. I don't see how the younger ones with young children find the time it takes to study and pass. That is harder than being older with the kids grown any day. Also, pre-reqs are hard but nursing school is much harder but you can do it if you find out what works for you. I believe in other books besides school books to help explain things. I also use the cd's with the books and the website. Evolve is great.

[merrywhiterose]

I started the Nursing RN Program at 50. I had a biased clinical instructor that didn't like anyone older than her (40) in her clinical group. She gave me a hard time, and was very unprofessional. However, my first year is done now and so I'll get a different instructor (yeahhhhhhhh!) Anyway, don't let anything or anyone get in your way! Go for it!!!

[tandi]

Amy..I am 53 and graduated from nursing school May 19. I graduated high school in 1973 and did not go to college at that time even though I thought about nursing, I chose to get married. I took the pre-req to make sure my brain still functioned and made it through. You are definitely not to old!!! I have a job at the hospital I externed with in the Cardiac step-down unit. If it is something you want, there is no stopping you. GOOD LUCK!!!

[atmak]

I'm 50 and also doing it! So think of how far ahead you'll be by the time you are 50 when you start to feel discouraged.

[sg2629]

I'm 51 and just finished my first year as an RN. I too had that life-long dream of doing this. Whether you chase this goal or not, we still continue to get older. For me, I didn't want any what if's, should have's, etc. Please do not let your age influence your decision.

[CTPCTstudent]

Good Luck!!!!

[CTPCTstudent]

Wow, sounds if we followed the same life path! I hope to start LPN school in January and am doing the preqs now!

[quinnie50]

i just graduated in december and just got home from my second day of the floor of my new job...i am 49.....the nurses on my floor couldn't be nicer or more accomodating...good luck to you....where there is a will there is a way:coollook: