I am 42 years old and have been out of school for over 22 years. I have spent those years working to put my dh through seminary, raise 2 kids, and get them through college. I am just now at a point in my life where I can finally do something for me. I plan on starting at our junior college in January and will apply to the 2 year nursing program in March.
I have no idea what my chances are of being accepted. Although my GPA is very good (4.0 the last time I went to college), it is also 22 years old!
I am working through an ACT test book and have ordered some math books since this is my weakest area. If I can learn the math, I am confident that my ACT score will be high enough.
Though I am extremely excited about going to college and learning, I am wondering it they'll think I'm too old. Will being over 40 make it less likely to get into nursing school? Is age a factor when they decided who will be accepted into a program?
How many of you are over 40 or are going to school with students my age?
I'm 42 with 4 kids .. I graduated with my B.Ed. in 1985 and am feeling a little nervous (and rusty, squeak squeak) about going back. I don't think it's too old .. it seems to be very common. Besides, do what will make you happy and fulfilled .. you have spent a lot of your life supporting others which is great .. I also have had my life somewhat on hold for my family and the timing seems right now.
I started this NS venture after the age of 40 - 2 elem. kids and dh at home, too.
Best thing I ever did! While I was nervous in the beginning, I found that I loved being back in school (would have bet that going back NEVER would have happened) and did well at it also. While I have not enjoyed every prof., most of the classes have been great. (and most profs, too.)
It never dawned on me to question that I was too old to go back to school. I did, however, ask what the school thought... and all the schools I spoke w/ - nursing and P.A. - told me they loved having "non-traditional" students (read OLDER) as they are in class, take learning seriously, serve as role models for the younger students.
I am a bit impatient when the prof gives out the incorrect information, but that is a whole other thread.
Nursing offers so many choices once you have graduated - it is a wonderful career path.
Good luck to all "non-traditionals" that are returning to school!!!
You might feel less intimidated if you look at going to nursing school as preparing for a second career. You haven't been sitting around vegging for the last two decades. You've been helping to support and raise a family and acquiring a ton of life skills along the way.
Lots of people decide to change careers in their forties. Granted, it doesn't sound like you are planning to "resign" from your previous situation, but your family's needs are changing and your role will likewise adapt.
I'm 35 and because of circumstances right now I probably won't start my pre-reqs until a year or two from now. As long as you have the dream in you you're not too old!
I started nursing school at age 45. Mature nurses have just as much cognitive intelligence as younger nurses, and many have MORE emotional intelligence. The ability to work with all types of people in all types of stressful situations is a real plus for a nurse. Maturity may be a positive factor.
I'm 40 and starting an ADN program in a couple of weeks (yippee) and I bet the class age average is probably right around 40--some younger, some older--but alot of people come into this field after raising families and doing other things with their lives. Don't worry, you'll fit right in :).
I am appreciating this thread! I also feel that we older students/nurses can bring SO much to the job and to the people whose lives will intersect with ours. It's so great to see there are many others out there who are also starting later and also many who will truly value the maturity we can offer.
I don't think I am old .. it sure doesn't feel that way .. and there are so many people who, like someone said, begin a second career at any age!
Anyway, just wanted to post again and say it's great to have a pep talk about starting after 40. I work with a bunch of teens during the summer and it does get trying for me at times (esp. when one of them sticks their head into a room and says, "Where is everyone?" and I reply, "We're here," and they say, "No, not the old people." UMMMMMMMMMMM noooooooo).
ETA: P.S. I was going to also say that there was a huge mix of ages at my small orientation in June .. that was only a small portion of the students .. so I am guessing that the average age will be somewhere in the 30's at least!
I'm a "non-traditional" student as well, just turned 36. By the time I get finished with prereqs and actually start NS I will be 40 or over. My cousin (30+ years as an RN) told me that one of her nieces just graduated form NS with a 23 year old *and* her 50-something mother! I think it's just a great story.
I'm 35. I've been going to school for the last 2 years and just got into nursing school for the fall. I think the average nursing student is 30 something plus. You will fit right in. Don't even worry about that. In fact, my friend has a man in her nursing school class who is well into his 60's. You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. Age certainly isn't a factor. Go for it!! Good luck!!
As an experienced nurse who has worked extenisively with new grad orientees on the job ... I agree that the "non-traditional" students and "older" new grads have a lot to offer and often succeed in nursing. If it is what you truly want, then go for it.
However, I do have a word of caution. Be sure to research the job market in your area. Find out what job opportunities for new grads in your particular area. I have worked with several "non-traditional" new grads, 2nd career nursese, etc. who made it through school just fine -- but who were totally unprepared for the world of professional nursing after graduation. They had very unrealistic visions of what their careers would be like, couldn't cope with the realities of the work world, and left nursing within the first year or two. Please don't set yourself up to be one of those people.
Nursing can be physically and emotionally more draining than people anticipate. I have seen many people (not only older new grads, but definitely more than a few older new grads) say, "I just don't want to put myself through this at this point of my life. I've got kids that need me, aging parents that need me ... etc. etc. etc. and I don't want a job that involves rotating shifts and weekends and holidays and is phyisically demanding etc. etc. etc."
When that sort of thing happens, it's a shame -- a sad situation for everyone involved. The person has made a huge investment of time, energy, and money that hasn't paid off. The school has "used" a precious space in its nursing class for someone who doesn't actually maintain a nursing career. Potential nursng students are stuck on waiting lists for schools whose classes are filled. etc. etc. Nobody wins.
So ... I strongly encourage ALL nursing students (of ALL ages) to look closely at the jobs available in their local communities for new graduates of the programs they plan to attend. What do those jobs entail? Is that the type of job you want? If "yes," then by all means go to nursing school and be a nurse. We need you and would be happy to have you join our ranks regardless of your age.
But if you are not interested in those "beginner level nursing jobs" and you are only interested in those jobs that require a few years of experience and/or a graduate degree, etc. -- and are not willing to spend a few years working as a "beginner level nurse" then please re-think your situation. Get a realistic picture of the job market and make realistic plans for a career before you make the big investment that nursing school requires.
Good luck to everybody,
llg -- who is 50 years old and has the bad knees and bad hip that comes to most people with age.
kayel
686 Posts
I'm 42 with 4 kids .. I graduated with my B.Ed. in 1985 and am feeling a little nervous (and rusty, squeak squeak) about going back. I don't think it's too old .. it seems to be very common. Besides, do what will make you happy and fulfilled .. you have spent a lot of your life supporting others which is great .. I also have had my life somewhat on hold for my family and the timing seems right now.
Hope to talk to you more soon!!