Is it too late to become a nurse?

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Hello everyone,

I have a questions and a concern. I am 26- soon to be 27- and I have decided to go back to my studies to become a nurse. I just had my first child 3 weeks ago and it really made me take a second look at where I'm at and what I'm doing. When I was 22, I began to study to become an EMT. However, I took up a simple job in the mortgage industry while I studied and it eventually sucked me in. I left my studies and stayed in the mortgage business, but I am SICK of it. I regret what I did. Now I wonder? With a total of four years (2 for my pre-reqs & 2 for the nursing courses) am I too old to have a change in mind? By the time I finish I'll be 31. Most poeple jump into this at their early 20's. Will I still have a chance to make this my final choice? Your feedback and encouraging words are welcome.

Thanks

Alex

Specializes in home health, LTC, assisted living.

Alex: The longer you wait, the older you will be. I am 45 and in school for LPN. If I can do it, anyone can. You have many years ahead of you to work as a nurse. :)

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Hey! I have 3 kids, a husband, parttime job AND attend nursing school full-time! (yeah, im alittle stressed, but who isnt) Im 28 and will graduate this may, 04...yea! If I can do it....gosh darnit! so can U!

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Started nursing school when I was 19, but life got in the way (divorce, being a single parent, etc.). Took me 19 years to get back and finish! I was 38 when I graduated and I have been a nurse 10 years now.

I figure I have a good 20 years left!:eek:

I wish I could of done it sooner!!!;)

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

i'm 48 and have a "special needs" child that took my time and attention...i have been taking pre-req for over a year...hopefully will start full-time nursing program in january and by no means am i the oldest student in the program!!

go to school....you won't regret it...and if you don't go, you'll always wish you had

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

In four years, you will be 31 regardless of whether you go to nursing school or not... would you rather still be stuck at the mortgage job doing work you hate for another four years or at the end of those four years be prepared for doing what you feel called to do as a nurse? GO FOR IT!!! One girl in our class is 30, will be 32 when she graduates, and is in my opinion the most level-headed, empathetic, and best student nurse in our class. I sometimes find myself wishing I had the greater life experience to relate to clients a little better. You can do it... and come over to the student nurse forum, we will all support you and there is ALWAYS someone to answer the most random question about a class or assignment; the people there are wonderful! Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

It's NEVER too late to go back to school......until you stop breathing! I was 38 when I graduated, and one of my classmates was 47. So go for it!! Don't waste another year doing something you don't like.....life's too short for crappy jobs.

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There is always time to go back to school. I'm 33 and this will be my 2nd career. I'll finish my prereqs this spring and hopefully start nursing school this summer and finish up in may of 2006.

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Alex,

I, too, spent time working for mortgage companies. Everytime the housing market went bad, I was out of work.

But to your question. I am in the integity vs. despair stage of my life. I am twice as old as you. I just completed school and passed my NCLEX monday. Because of my age I am not sure I want to continue on to RN. Believe me, you are young and the years go by fast. Go for the training, you won't regret it.

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Specializes in peds/gyn/pp overflow/gastro.

I will be 40 next month and have 10 months left until graduation. so far i love it!

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Originally posted by Todd SPN

Alex,

I am twice as old as you. I just completed school and passed my NCLEX monday

Congrat to you on passing your boards!!!:balloons: :balloons: :balloons: :balloons: :balloons:

You've made it this far... dont stop now!!!!

P.S. how was your experience taking boards? If you care to share

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Specializes in Cardiac/Vascular & Healing Touch.

I went thru my BSN program with a lady in her 50's who had raise her kids & decided to do something new with her life. She loved to give care, so she went thru a 4 year program & came to campus & lived like teen!!!! Never too late!

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU/SICU.

I am 37 (and a half :D) and I will start ADN RN program in the spring. I have the majority of my pre-req's out of the way (was a bio major).

My daughter just turned 2 in September and I could not have seen attempting school when she was younger (although I know some moms have). I'm glad she is 2 and has some independence. It will make the transition easier. She is adjusting well to my going to school 2 nights a week for a few hours, but even that has been an adjustment.

Relax, take your time. Nursing will still be here. You're far from too old.

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