I am in my late 40's and have been a CNA for over 20 years. I have always had the desire to go back to school for the RN degree. I have been raising children and working part time for 28 years. I always knew that I did not want to stay working as a CNA for the long term.
Would like to hear from others who went back to school for the RN degree later in life. I am planning on obtaining the associate degree first, and then the BSN later. By that point, I will be in my mid-50's. The trend seems to be for nurses to have their BSN. Would you do it again? What are some things to consider?
I'm in my mid 40s. This is a second career for me. Not sure of the age of your kids, but it helps our daughter is over 21 and out of the home and our son is in high school. Gives me more time to focus on school :)
Depending on when I get into the LPN program I just applied to, I'll be 40 or 41 when I graduate. Eventually I'll progress to BSN and who knows beyond there. I have 5 kids ages 16 to 6 and a supportive husband who wants me to go to school. Only you can decide if it's "worth it" but I'm another believer that education and bettering yourself are never wasted.
Yes! It is worth it! Think about it...you have 30 plus years before you can retire! I was 35 when I finished my LPN, 37 my RN, 42 my BSN, and now I am 43 going back for my MSN!
I'm 45 and 2 weeks from completing second semester of nursing classes. It's been changeling and fun. I've made some very good friends in the program and most those kids are 1/2 my age :)
I agree with others, I was a single parent raising two daughters didn't have time for school. When the girls turned 18 and started college I thought why not.....I was 46, but I didn't really know I wanted to be a nurse. I was going Liberal Arts, thought of anthropology, then teaching, then I started medical billing and coding (don't remember how I actually got into it, maybe it was my med term and transcription courses) I caught on quick, took a few science classes (didn't take them super serious, darnit so now I have to take them again) BUT at that time through the billing and coding (finishing at 49) this was it....got my CNA, then got my AA in Science, took all the med classes, got certified in coding, got my PCT, and I'm off to the races for my RN - I'm 52. Of course NOW I have to retake those science classes that I didn't do well in or take seriously, but thats okay, cause now I have my heading.
At our age, life experience plays so much into what we do. I finished clinicals for PCT last week but today, God willing, I will get my first hospital job on a med surg floor at the #1 trauma teaching hospital here, I have my interview in an hour. I know my skills, I'm learning daily, and want to learn so much more. My only thing is that I have to stop going to school at sometime and work LOL, I just enjoy learning everything, plus everyone I'm in school with are old enough to be my own kids!
I start nursing school in August and will be 49 when I finish. I wish I had started sooner but it just didn't happen. Well, now I am going to make it happen and so can you. I plan to work at least another 20 years. Why not do something that I am passionate about and wisdom that comes with age is appreciated?
40 here, second career, been working on pre reqs and am starting my BSN program this fall. If you would have told me a few years ago that I was going to be going to nursing school I would have never believed. I agree with most posters that say if you have the energy, stamina to handle the stress of nursing school and the brain power... Go for it.
Maybe find a program and start off slow with pre reqs and build from there. That's what I did. I took a couple of pre reqs at first and built up from there taking on more each semester. After getting into school mode, I finally made the decision to go for my BSN.
I am 39, with 2 children with special needs. I am starting LPN school in the fall. I think it is worth it.
For me, even tho I am older, it is the right time. I wanted to be mom to my girls when they were little. I was full time taking care of therapies and school IEPs and any issues that arose for them. Now, they still need me, but at 16 and 8, they are in school all day and pretty stable. I still have many years ahead of me to reap the benefits of an education. I say go for it!
SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP
3,152 Posts
I'm in my mid 40s. This is a second career for me. Not sure of the age of your kids, but it helps our daughter is over 21 and out of the home and our son is in high school. Gives me more time to focus on school :)
You're never too old to pursue your dreams!