am I to old to start?

caliotter3 · Apr 20, 2008

I was not the only person in my 40s when in nursing school the second time around. I really don't know the age of our oldest, but one of us wasn't keeping up with coloring her hair! Our older students, for the most part, were not having trouble with nursing school. That should tell you something. You might want to try to contact some people who are currently attending the programs that you are considering to get some realistic figures about costs. Hope you decide that this is doable for you and find ns and nursing to be rewarding.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2008

I regretted not becoming a nurse in my 20s. I turned 30 and again felt like I wish I would have become a nurse. I did not want to have that same feeling when I turned 40. I started nursing school 3 weeks before my 32nd birthday. I had 4 little ones at home. I was surly not the oldest student in my graduating class, I graduated with Grandmothers and one Mother/Daughter combo.

It was one of the hardest things I did as well as the most rewarding.

I not only feel proud to be a nurse, I feel lucky. It was a hard road and one that I could have easily turned off of.

My only suggestion to you, is go for your RN. If your going to do it, do it big right!!!

Best of luck on your exciting future.

StrwbryblndRN · Apr 20, 2008

I just read your first sentence in your post. And did not bother seeing how old you are.

You are never too old! Simple as that.

Good luck. Enjoy the ride.

MikeyJ, RN · Apr 20, 2008

40? Puleeze! :) You are still young -- 40 is the new 30 right?

There is no one in my class that is 40 (I think 34 is the oldest) but there are plenty of 40+ nursing students in the other classes.

Even if it takes you 4 years to complete all of your pre-req's and nursing school, you still have another 20 years to practice as a nurse.

I say go for it! :up:

vwsrmyfave · Apr 20, 2008

Hi I just have to say that no way are you too old! I am currently in a two-year RN program. There are 60 people in my class and I would have to say that at least half the class is in their 40's and 50's. We even have someone who is 65. Which is so awesome. It really is never too late. Good luck!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2008

Take a look at this. Good luck! https://allnurses.com/forums/f200/anyone-start-their-career-late-life-125963.html

HM2VikingRN, RN · Apr 20, 2008

Hi I am wondering if I am to old to start a nursing career? I am 40. I was a CNA in 1988 for 3 months but thats it. I was always a stay at home mom and now im wanting to work and nursing is what my intrest is but I want to be a LPN not a CNA. I also want to know on average as I know it differs from one school to the other how long it will take and how much money will it cost me to go to school.

Go for it......The only way to sort out costs etc is to look at the schools and start the applications process.

If you can find a school that has an LPN then RN option I would check it out. In MN the LPN programs through the state technical colleges now have a 2 phase school system. Phase 1 is LPN training with licensure. Phase 2 takes you on to the RN and licensure.

(Check out Ridgewater CC in Willmar MN for an example) at http://www.ridgewater.mnscu.edu/Future-Students/Academics/Technical-Education.cfm?ProgramName=Nursing .

P_RN, ADN, RN · Apr 20, 2008

Never too old.

Shenanigans, RN · Apr 20, 2008

There was a lady who was in the year ahead of me at school, who was 65 when she started.

And there are lots of other "mature" students in my school.

Go for it.

MisMatch, LPN · Apr 20, 2008

I am 51 y/o, attending a community college, currently in my LPN clinicals, will finish LPN in December (at 52 y/0), then bridge to RN. You're never too old!

I stayed home full time for 20+ years raising a family; my youngest will graduate HS next month.

Go for it!

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2008

I did LPN school in my early 30's with 3 little kids. I then went back for the Rn and finished the year the oldest graduated from high school which was about 42 for me. Go for it, you wont be sorry.