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?
Definintely not too old. Actually, most of the second career RN's are in their 40's... if not older! That's what I was told by the career counselor at the community college because I was concerned I was too old in my late 30's. Nope, not at all.
I see your point, but I don't really agree with this. Whenever you go into a course it is never a "waste". You grow as a person and help others if nothing else. And honestly people aren't going to know if something is right for them until they go through it. I'm sorry if people can't get in to programs because others are in there that eventually won't stay in the profession, but I'm afraid that's just a fact of life. It happens with other professions also. It's just a risk you take when you go into any program.
I agree that education is never totally a "waste" and that sometimes you have to try something before you can know whether or not it is for you. But I don't think that justifies making such a big investment without doing a little research first. It makes sense to get a realistic picture of what the profession of nursing (or any career) is like and to think through whether or not it might be right for you before going to nursing school.
A little research and a little self-assessment would save a lot people heartache and help them find a good fit earlier in their lives -- instead of jumping from field to field hoping to land "by accident" on one that works for them. I don't think the original poster is doing that ... It sounds like she is trying to think it through in a reasonable manner.
But I stand by my original advice for ALL nursing students -- regardless of their age. Examine the job opportunities and examine yourself to determine whether or not nursing might be right for you. Don't just focus on getting through school. Also consider whether or not you will be happy with the jobs you will be able to get after you graduate. I see a lot of people who don't do enough of that and live to regret it.
^I agree with you there. It's best to have a realistic view, to have, at least a general idea, of what you are getting into. It's hard tho and I'm not sure I really knew what I was getting into with my profession, but I have stayed with it because I have a calling to it.
BabyRN2Be
1,987 Posts
Definintely not too old. Actually, most of the second career RN's are in their 40's... if not older! That's what I was told by the career counselor at the community college because I was concerned I was too old in my late 30's. Nope, not at all.
GO FOR IT!!