Im 24 and I want to be a nurse badly but my age discourages me!

[M.C.P]

Guys, I'm new to this site....

So here is my story, I'm 24 years old. I'm attending a 4 year college and I'm in my Junior year. I'm completing my pre-reqs so that I can get into the program at my school.

Here's the thing...

I have come very far, yes I know, but I can't help but get mad at myself! I should have been a nurse 2 years ago, but when I graduated from H.S...I took a year off, got lazy, and when I decided to go to Community school I didn't take it serious enough.

Now that I'm older and watch the people of my H.S. class already integrated in their field of choice I just can't help but feel discouraged, All I can think about is that I'll be so old by the time I have my FIRST bachelors degree ... Sometimes I cry to sleep thinking I'll never get there. I dont want to give up, and I know I should move forward and not dwell on the past and let go of the "what if's"... I'm just venting ... I know what I want, and I want to become a nurse. I just hope I can make it there.

[MN-Nurse, ASN, RN]

I received my nursing degree at age 44.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Unless you plan to retire at age 30 your age is insignificant. I STARTED nursing school at age 45, and three degrees later, am still working. You have years ahead of you - use them wisely

[Aspirational Beauty, CNA, LPN]

I know exactly how you feel! I am 26 and just started my prereqs for nursing. But in the end it will be worth it. I have a one year old and she keeps me focused on my goal. This is a career I have always wanted. You are still young. Like the above posters have said you have the time so use it wisely. They are older and still sought out their goal. Just focus on the outcome of completing your goal rather than thinking how you should have done this or that before.

[M.C.P]

I received my nursing degree at age 44.

That's amazing! I know in the end age does not matter. I just sometimes feel discouraged when I hear people say "you're still in school and don't have not one degree yet?" but to hell with them right?!

[CupcakeMonster]

I was going to say... I'm almost 30 and still a pre-nursing student!!! There is nothing EVER wrong with starting a degree later, and you're not even that old! I know of people in their late 40's and early 50's doing what I'm doing, right now. Take a deep breath, you're fine :)

[M.C.P]

I know exactly how you feel! I am 26 and just started my prereqs for nursing. But in the end it will be worth it. I have a one year old and she keeps me focused on my goal. This is a career I have always wanted. You are still young. Like the above posters have said you have the time so use it wisely. They are older and still sought out their goal. Just focus on the outcome of completing your goal rather than thinking how you should have done this or that before.

I feel the same way, nursing is what I've always wanted, like I said to MN-Nurse, I just feel discouraged sometimes. Even my own mother throws it in my face that I should have been a nurse a long time ago and goes on to tell me about the nurses in her job who are younger than me...I do plan on using my time wisely because time is something I can never get back as we can see lol. I think that your one year old is definitely such a positve aspect of your life and such a great reason to be motivated! Good luck to you and thanks for taking time to answer!

[CupcakeMonster]

I received my nursing degree at age 44.

Where did you go to school and what is your specialty? I'm so curious! I live in MN :) Trying everywhere I can pretty much. It's discouraging, reading about people that have been waiting for 2+ years!

:) Sarah

[M.C.P]

I was going to say... I'm almost 30 and still a pre-nursing student!!! There is nothing EVER wrong with starting a degree later, and you're not even that old! I know of people in their late 40's and early 50's doing what I'm doing, right now. Take a deep breath, you're fine :)

Thank you for that, I needed to vent. Thank u all

[M.C.P]

I just saw your from Westchester County, I am too , where are you from?

[carlad22]

WOW!! 24!?!?! that's sooooo old......NOT I'm 33 and have recently told my husband I was going to nursing school!!! you have PLENTY of time to complete nursing school. I know a someone that started pre-reqs for nursing at 52. Don't get discouraged.The plan for your life isn't based on anyone else but YOU!!!

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

So how old will you be if you don't go to nursing school for the next two years and where will you be in that case.