I'm turning 25 soon and I want to be a nurse, am I kidding myself?

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I'm turning 25 soon and I want to be a RN, am I kidding myself? I only have a few general Ed courses taken and well I'm pretty much starting out from the bottom. I've taken breaks between schools and did not take it seriously from the beginning. I get discouraged because everyone tells me that the programs are wait listed and it takes like 4years to get 2 year degree. Anyone out there in my shoes?

I could have written this post! Except I plan on doing a 2 year lpn program (all that is available locally:yawn: and then bridging to rn, so it'll take me a little longer!!)

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I didn't want to be a nurse until I had children, as strange as that sounds. I never considered myself a nurturing, poop cleaning, blood dealing with type person until them. I'm 27, will be 30 when I graduate with my BSN

Oops! I meant to quote this!

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Its never too late! I will be 32 in August and I just graduated from LVN and passed Nclex on Wednesday! On to my RN, BSN, and MSN! Go for it!! I wish I'd started when I was 25!

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Specializes in Certified Wound Care Nurse.
I’m turning 25 soon and I want to be a RN, am I kidding myself? I only have a few general Ed courses taken and well I’m pretty much starting out from the bottom. I've taken breaks between schools and did not take it seriously from the beginning. I get discouraged because everyone tells me that the programs are wait listed and it takes like 4years to get 2 year degree. Anyone out there in my shoes?

All I can say is, I wore those "shoes" when I turned 40... If you want it, go get it. Another "word of advice" from the peanut gallery - take care of your back (think Yoga), your feet (always by the best shoes - 2 pair and rotate them), and your down time - don't let anyone guilt you into working more overtime hours than you *want*. I learned really quickly where the "off" button was on my cell.

Best wishes,

Rivernurse

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Specializes in Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

Oh please, there are people on this board who are literally TWICE your age and are in it for the long haul like you. If they can do it, surely someone half their age can.

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I will be 27 this August and I'm currently in my first year of nursing school, and in all honesty I wouldn't have been able to hack it if I were a younger student. Based on my own personal experiences academically, I feel that being more mature has proven to be more beneficial for me as a nursing student. I'm more grounded, better able to cope with the workload, and certainly more focused on what I need to do and getting it done (i.e., I certainly don't procrastinate as much as I used to!). At your age, you certainly aren't kidding yourself. In fact, you are probably at the perfect age to get the ball rolling and getting started! If you are seriously considering going into nursing, my advice to you would be this:

Start NOW - Don't think about the "what ifs". Just do it.

Look at every available nursing program in your area - Seriously, you will be surprised by what is available if you do some research. There are so many different programs out there. See what the requirements are for their program, compile a list of questions and talk to an academic adviser, compare the programs that you are most interested in and let that be your guide to helping you get your prereqs done.

And finally, don't feel discouraged about the waiting list deal. Yes, it's competitive to get into a program, that's no lie, but if you plan accordingly ahead of time (i.e., researching programs, their requirements, etc) then you can create a game plan (that will more than likely change, but it's good to have a starting point).

Just work hard, stay committed, and start NOW.

Good luck :)

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Specializes in Family Medicine.

We had a grandpa in our program and I don't think he was kidding himself.

25 is not too old to start.

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Nope, you're too old, for nursing school. Just kidding. I say go for it!!!! It will be worth it!

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Definitely not kidding yourself! Its never ever too late to follow your dreams!! I'm 28 and just started... I just got my CNA and am working on prereqs. There were students much older than myself in my CNA class who were working on getting their RN. Just know its a little harder when you're older.... not so much the course work, but nursing school is a lot of work... its not easy to work and find the time to go to school and do all the necessary studying. Its hard work but definitely worth it in the end!

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I started my pre-reqs at age 21. Took me 5 years to finish them. Was 26 when I ended all my pre-reqs. I'm 27 and will start my ADN program in the fall. If all goes well I will be 29 when I become a nurse :) I have 5 kids and work part time.

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I think thats what was also discouraging because it seems like why can I not finish my prereqs!!!!! but its just that its hard to get the classes you need sometimes but im going to give it my all and be patient!!!!! Everyones comments are so encouraging you guys are amazing !

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WOW!!!! I feel a little foolish saying am I kidding myself !!!!! I dont have kids, I have "kids" two dogs and a cat lol. So if single moms, moms of 5 , and people twice or three times my age can then im crazy to doubt myself !!!!! You guys are truly amazing !!!!! Im ready now and when I was younger I dont think I would have taken it seriously. Its taken living life on my own and stuggling to try to make it to see that I want something better for myself !!!!! I have wonderful parents and an amazing boyfriend that are a great support system Its time I do something to better myself and follow my dream !!!!!! Thank you all for your kind words !!!!!! :)!!!!!!!

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