Is it too late for me to be an RN?

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Could someone please help me! I am a 31 year AA male in Duluth, GA and I am really considering going to school to become an RN. I would like to know if it is too late for me to do this. Also I do work full time so would that be a problem for me? Are there any nursing programs that work around a full time schedule? I really would love the opportunity to help people while making a descent living. So if there is anyone that can help guide me I would really appreciate it. Thank You.

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Specializes in Post Anesthesia.
Could someone please help me! I am a 31 year AA male ...

?AA? alcohoholics anonymous, alert and active, age appropriate...

As far as age goes I don't see any reason why you couldn't return to school. I have known a few people to continue to work full time while in school but that is a lot to take on, especially in your senior year. Many university based programs offer alternative scheduling for nontraditional students, but I think you will have a problem once you are doing your clinical rotations. I had the good fortune to be laid off from my job at the beginning of my senior year. I was able to draw unemployment benifits for 6mos, and then just held on doing part time work until I finished school.

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It is never to late, I am thinking of going for my LPN, I will be 50 in one week I still have 20 good years of work, I had a career change 2 yrs ago from retail to healthcare [LNA], I also went to school fulltime 2yrs ago and became an MA. An MA does everything an LPN does, but there is a big differeence in pay

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
?AA? alcohoholics anonymous, alert and active, age appropriate...

African American.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I started nursing school at about your age. Nursing is one of those careers where you are going to find students of all ages, and many starting 2nd careers in nursing. Check this out: https://allnurses.com/forums/f200/anyone-start-their-career-late-life-125963.html

There are programs few and far between that cater to the full-time worker, but you'll have to ask your local nursing school about that. In the meantime you can start on pre-req classes and co-req classes. If you have to work full-time it's a good idea to take all classes ahead of time, so that you can focus just on nursing school, rather than nursing school and some co-req class.

Best to go to the schools in person and talk to an advisor (call ahead for an appointment).

Good luck. Feel free to ask any questions.

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My class graduates May 10th of this year. We have 32 students finishing (hopefully). The eldest student is in his late 50's, another is in her early 50's. Several of us are in the 40ish range, and the majority of the class is late 20-mid 30 range in age.

Just letting you know that age wise, you have nothing to worry about. Many nursing students are starting later in life.

Now working full time MAY be a problem, but then again maybe not for you. It depends on how well you study and what other committments you have going on. Nursing school is not something you can study the night before for and do well on tests. Working full time, with family committments (kids), and passing NS is not something I could have done. However, I've read lots of accounts here that some people are able to pull it off, so it's possible. Just be aware that working full time could potentially be problematic.

Good Luck and much success!

Angela.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

I was 45 when I started and finished when I was 48. I worked full time Nights as a CNA, and then as an LPN at the same place. They hired me as an RN after I graduated. I actully started orientation the Day after graduation. It's never to late to learn. This was my 3rd career change. And by far the best one. The opportuinties are boundless.

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It's never too late to become a nurse. I know of a 65 year old nun and a whole group of grandmothers who decided to become nurses. There are great nursing courses available online with local practica and I'm sure there are colleges in your area with programs. They're everywhere. Eventually you'll have to do clinical time and that will take a committment- save your $$, study hard and apply for every scholarship you can. All the best!

IndigoB

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

You are not too old, you are not too old, YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD!!

From what I have seen, it is hard to find flexible RN programs, but the pre-requisite courses are a bit more accomodating. It may take a few semesters to complete them, and who knows...by then, your life circumstances may change and you may be able to attend classes once you actually enter into the RN program. I usually advise people to work nights if they can, if they really need to continue working full time. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in OR, GI Lab, ER.

I graduated from nursing school in Dec 2005. I wasn't the oldest person to ever graduate from my program, but at 55 I was probably the oldest guy! It was the best thing I ever did so I encourage you and say Better Late then Never!

I was fortunate to be able to attend school full-time without working, unless you consider playing music professionally 2 weekends a month work. I did take a part-time nurse extern job when I was a senior. Just be careful with your time management and you should be able to juggle everything and good luck!

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