Is it to late for me to become a Nurse?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello,

Why is it easy to be honest with complete strangers?

I am 30 years old male, and I was just accepted into a nursing program a year ago. I was very excited, but I allowed people to talk me out of the program. I was told that I was to old, that I had a weak stomach, that they don't see me as a nurse, and it would be hard becoming a nurse because I am a male. I thought they were right, but a year later I find myself regretting not starting the program.

I completed the Navy, so the navy would pay my rent, tuition, and my book fees. So money is not the issue.

I don't like my current job. I have been put on probation at my job, and I feel like it's a blessing in disguise. And I have done so many desk jobs and don't like it. I work at a school doing filing, grades, and busy work. The job does not satisfy me. Come to think of it, I don't like desk jobs, I have way to much energy, and I love being social. I care about my fellow man. My job's pay is alright, but the health insurance is horrible, i do as many hours as i would a nurse, and I come home feeling like why am i doing this job. I can't support my wife, I don't feel like my work as any meaning to me, and it's dull. If I became a nurse, I could offer her more, and most importantly the job could give me value.

My wife's main concern is what if I don't like nursing. My question to her is what if it is what i been looking for all this time!!!!

Can anybody out their relate?

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Too old at 30???? Not a chance. I'll be almost 40 by the time I finish with the MSN/NP program I hope to enter. And I'll probably be one of the younger ones in the program! My own mother got her ADN when she was 37, she's still working 20 years later and has had a great career as a psych nurse. Whoever has told you that you're too old at 30 is full of it.

As far as whether you'll like nursing, that's definitely something to think long and hard about. Do you have any experience in medicine? If not, I highly recommend that you spend a few months volunteering at your local hospital. You'll be able to get a feel for what nursing is all about, and perhaps get a better idea of if you "have the stomach for it". Volunteering can be done around your work schedule, and usually for as short as 4 hours a week.

I know it might seem frustrating to delay your decision by a few months, but I really think it would be time well spent to know that you're making the right choice!

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not too late at all...

there is a gentleman in my class that is in his 60's. dont get discouraged!

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Specializes in LDRP.

We had several people in my class who were in here late 50s.. your definitely not too old..

And as for it being to hard to become a nurse because your a man, thats complete B.S. They need MORE male nurses!!!

Don't let anyone talk you out of something you want to do. Go for it!!

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I think, in this situation, that only you can make those decisions. Is it for you? Well, is it? I'm 32, with a toddler, and desk job. Yet even with my husband giving me grief because I was older with too many responsibilities, I did it anyways. Some times, you have to be selfish and tune ppl out.

I'd also like to add that it takes a strong person to be in the military. I think you'll be just fine.

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Thank you so much for the promptly responses...

I am just trying to figure my course in life. I know you're not suppose define who you're by your job, but how can you not? For example, when asked who you're people will probably define themselves by their job, by saying "I am a nurse". I guess, I want the nursing profession to fill a empty void... I hope this makes sense.

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I obtained my LPN license at the age of 39. I currently doing some pre-req classes to apply for the RN program. I probably won't be fully in the program until 2012. If 30 is too old, I should just hang it up now :)

think of it this way in five years you can be five years older AND a nurse or you can be five years older..either way, you are going to continue to age, why not do so while persuing your dream?

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its definitely not too late!

I really have a beef w people who think they know what's best for us. I get it a lot, and it REALLY irritates me. I know they're well meaning most of the time, but only WE can know what will be truly good for us. Follow your heart. It sounds to me like you have what it takes.

Plus, with nursing, there are sooo many options~~if you don't like one area of nursing, try another til you find what fits.

I say go for it!! ;)

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I love this!!~~ it's what moves me forward :)

think of it this way in five years you can be five years older AND a nurse or you can be five years older..either way, you are going to continue to age, why not do so while persuing your dream?

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I sure hope not because I am 40, just finished my pre-reqs and start my 2 years of nursing classes for my BSN on August 23. Do not let anyone talk you out of your dream of what "they" think you should or shouldn't do, if I had not listened to people tell me some of the same things 20 years ago I would gone to nursing long before now. I am here now and I know for a fact there is nothing else I have ever wanted to do. I also work in a office desk job, I have had a wonderful career/job in a specific industry for 18 years but sitting at a desk all day is just not for me. It has paid the bills, given me normal hours to work and weekends off to be with my family when my kids were small but it is now time for me to fufill my dream and what I want to do for the next 30 years. You have to do what you think is best for you, I can tell you some of the best nurses I have ever encountered have been men, I think they make wonderful nurses.

Good Luck, do what you think will make YOU happy!!!

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It is no one elses business to try and talk you out of going to nursing school. Who cares what others think? You shouldn't. No one knows you and what you can or can't handle better than you. Talk it over with your wife and decide for YOURSELF. Don't allow others to make the choice for you.

As for 30 being too old, thats just silly. There are all different ages of people going to school. You are only as old as you feel. 30 is not even close to being old.

Nursing is a very fulfilling career that one should be proud of. Perhaps working as a CNA or volunteering at a hospital for a few months will give you a better idea of whether you will like it or not.

The point of all this, you have to follow your heart. You are the one who has to get up and put your pants on in the morning, not everyone else. If I were you, I would get the ball rolling for nursing again. Im sure you will be a great nurse one day. Best of luck

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I love this!!~~ it's what moves me forward :)

Thank you. I just wish I had that wisdom a few years back when I threw my hands up and said forget it, by the time I'm done I'll be 35 years old. Well guess what by doing that I was 35 years old..and not a nurse. I could have been 35 years old AND a nurse. But I did promise myself that I would be a nurse BEFORE I was 40. I graduated in June at the age of 39 years, 2 months old. I did it! Now back on course for my dream of having the honor of putting RN after my name. But this time I'm not putting an age for that. It will happen when it happens.

Keep on keepin on Flutterbye :) We will do it!

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