How old is too old?!?!?

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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?

Specializes in NICU, Crisis Response.

I was 37, working for 18 years, managing different departments in car dealerships when I left the comforts of a 6 figure income to go back to school. It took 6.5 years to finish (just under the 7 year time limit for the University here), a divorce, and a few moves to lower rent costs, but I did finish. I now work in a Level 2 NICU. I will agree that it sometimes takes me longer to pickup somethings; however, I find that because I am older than some of my compatriates (or maybe because I am the only guy working bedside), I have an advantage with the parents and the social side of care. I look back at the last few years, and yes, there are times I feel like I know nothing in relation to the people I work with who are in the same age catagory as I am; however, I am at least on par with those I graduated with. I am treated with as much respect as my co-workers and there are things that I can add to the parent's experience as a father myself.

This was been a very challenging change in careers, but I would not change things in the least (especially now that the car business is where it is). As hard as the about face in careers has been - I love what I do and I am making a difference!

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Go for it!!! Even if it takes you 4 years to finish you still have at least 15 years of working :nurse: You might as well enjoy what you are doing! Good luck!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Definitely go for it! My graduating class had students from 19 to 56 years old, and most of us were in our 30's. I was 32 when I went back to school and have never regretted it.

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I am 34 years in the class of 36 I was about the middle of the age range the youngest was in the 20s and over a third were in their 40's and 50's

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Go for it Girl, you are never too old, and in this economy you're going to need a good job.

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

You are never too old to realize your dream sweetie. I started nursing school in an accelerated program when I was 54. I don't understand why you lost your credits though. I kept my English 101 credits when I took it in a local community college back in the 60s. Anyway, I graduated when I was 55 with a 95% average for the year, and a perfect attendance record (in spite of receiving 2 different injuries) for which I received an award.

So go for it dear, or you will always wonder if or why. :redbeathe

Fran who knows 4 certain

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I'm a firm believer in you are as old as you feel. I waited until my children finished school before returning at 46....I graduated from nursing school at 50 and started working as an RN just 2 months ago. I do worry how long I can do this physically and plan to possibly go into teaching eventually. But I have to say, I see many RN's in their 60's on the floor doing wonderfully. Older students tend to bring more patience and maturity to their practice...many of my patience are completely surprised when I inform them that I'm not only new to the hospital where I work, but new to nursing!

You go girl....you're never too old unless you feel too old!

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Hi, I am 56 and back in school to finish what I started in 1993 and at times I feel people think I am wrong to do this at my age but I am following my dreams and hope it pays off.

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Hi all,

I am 46 and will graduate from nursing school on June 18, 2009. It has been a long hard road but I'm so glad I didn't let that negative little voice talk me out of achieving my dream because of my age. I agree with the others who say you are as young as you feel. We had students of all ages. Some of my closest friendships were with the youngest students. I refuse to let my age dictate how I live my life and you shouldn't either. Get out there and live your dream!!!!!:yeah:

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46 is not too old. I went to LPN school in 1981, worked a couple years then raised a family. Renewed my license in 1999 and went back to work until recently when the research company I worked with called it quits. I got a divorce and went back to school to fulfill the dream I had been harboring for 30 years. I just graduated and am now studying for the NCLEX. I just got a job today working in the hospital on the Ortho floor. It is never too late if that is what you want to do. A person can achieve whatever it is they want if they truly want it. Make it yours!

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Specializes in acute.

I will be 50 next month and have just micro left. then on to nursing school! never to old. I take my classes seriously because I have too!! I love learning my passion.

Go for it!:redbeathe

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you are never too old for anything :eek: imagine being old and wondering if i had only followed my dream ???? where/ what would you be??? i'll tell you, you'd be just left wondering!!!!!! i am 51 and i will be 52 in july taking my last class to be an rn sometime in september i will be taking the nclex/ later i will be following a dream to achieve a masters to teach nursing. am i too old?? heck no. go for the gusto girl

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