Is it too late to become a nurse?

adreamcometrue · Oct 16, 2003

I was 44 years old when I started nursing school. Was always something I wanted to do, and I did it!! Graduated w/honors !!!Also there was a woman in a previous class who had retired at age 60 from her regular job, and then began nursing school- So, don't give up! You'll find your life experience is a very valuable asset:D

blndstranger · Oct 16, 2003

Is it too late for you? NO WAY!! I went back to school to become a nurse at the age of 35. Granted I already had a degree in Biology and had spent some time in the Navy, but nursing was a whole new tack for me. I entered an accelerated program that was 12 months for a BSN and graduated at the age of 36. Also, I was not the oldest in my class, she was in her mid-40s. I say it is never too late to go for something that you want!:)

RNConnieF · Oct 16, 2003

I started an LPN program just past my 40th birthday with 1 husband and 4 kidw (2-12). I started the RN program at age 46 still with 1 husbane (he's understanding), 4 kids (none ran away) and 2 jobs. Now at almost 49 (next week) I am in a BSN program with 1 husband, 2 kids still at home, and 2 jobs (1 full time and 1 part time.) 26 is sooooo young. If you want it go for it. It's never too late!

flowerchild · Oct 16, 2003

I was 28 when I graduated from nursing school. The majority of the grads in my class were older than I was at the time.

live4today, RN · Oct 16, 2003

It's only "too late" when you stop breathing....permanently! So, go for it, Alexbor!

I graduated at the tender age of 35. Went to school part time, then full time, then worked part time my last year of school. I have three children who were in elementary school when I was attending college. In my classes were many older students...one woman was 64.

Wish you well! :balloons:

StephMSeattle · Oct 16, 2003

Nope. Not at all! I just graduated as an LPN this past august and I'm 30. The current class has students in their 50's!

apexsw20trd · Oct 16, 2003

Originally posted by Alexbor
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

hey alex this is so weird becuase my name is alex also and i just turned 28 and i currently hate my job and i am going into nursing school. i have had to think about this big jump very hard and it is very difficult fo rme because i will be going to school for about 3-4 years. i plan on getting my adn first then my bsn. and i am scared as hell to do this but my girl and i discussed that it will be better for our future.

i also thought about the same question you were thinking am i too old to be a nurse and NO your not too old. there are people who are 45 50 getting into nursing so your considered a young fella.

i know its hard and i have some tough time ahead of me but i think of the positives an carry on. it really helps to have someone supportive of your decisions when you make the jump. i have my girl friend and she is the best .:)

if you want to talk pm. me. thanks

Chaya, ASN, RN · Oct 17, 2003

Started at 47 and never looked back after the first week of asking myself "What am I DOING here?". That's just me- would've had the same doubts at 20, with less confidence. My kid was in middle school at the time. Just make sure you get used to being a parent first and hopefully wait till the baby is sleeping a little more!

sandyth · Oct 17, 2003

Here goes: I went to obtain my LPN when I was 30. Jad 3 small children. After finishing that went and obtained my RN. I am now 32 and thinking about BSN.

Alice1000 · Oct 17, 2003

It is never to late!!!! I am 53 and just graduated RN. While my kids were in school, I took my pre-recs one at a time. I had to work full time to help support our family, and could not committ to full time school during that time. After a lot of years, I finally completed the nursing program!! Hurray!! Better to keep moving forward toward a goal slowly, than to not pursue a goal at all. Each step takes you that much closer. Good luck with your family and your educational pursuits. The only advice I have is, Your success will totally depend on your husband or significant other support. This is a big, huge, factor!!!! I could not have done the program without my husbands support.(cooking, cleaning, earning money, understanding!):)

elanurse · Oct 17, 2003

Hi,

I am almost 35 and in my last year of nursing. I too thought that maybe I was too old...........not true.

I think about half of our class are fresh out of highschool and the rest are on their 2nd or 3rd career.

I also have 2 kids, which does make life challenging and sometimes you don't get to spend the amount of time you would like with them but i am holding on to my dream and thinking of all the benefits when I am finished.

Incidently, I also wanted to be a nurse for a long time.....it took me 16 years to get my behind in gear and do it. Don't wait and wait for in my experience if you have a gut feeling then you need to follow that.

LeivaRN · Oct 17, 2003

Hi Alex....

I postponed going back to school for years, I was 26-27 and thought that I was too old and already had 1 degree (BA in Psych) so I needed to just forget about it.

So to make a long story short..... I started nursing school in 99, 1 year for pre reqs. and 2 years of nursing courses and behold a BSN at 32 !

So hey it is never ever too late !

and let me tell you I was so afraid about going back to college because of my age, but my entire class was such a mix of men, woman, married, divorced, with kids..... I made great friends in their 20's as well as in their 40's....

So my advice to you GO FOT IT !

you could not be doing it at a better time.

BEST OF LUCK !