Is 26 too old to go back to school?

[anouk]

Hi, I'm currently working on obtaining my BSN in nursing. Before this degree, I pursued a BA in education. I thought that I wanted to be a teacher. After all it was something that I'd wanted to do since childhood. However, once midway through college something inside of me clicked. I didn't really want to be a teacher, but because I was halway through the program, and had taken loans I decided to go through with it anyway. I took my test for my credentials and once I found myself in the classroom setting, I realized that it was not what I wanted to do and should have trusted my gut instinct instead.

I was always drawn to nursing. Especially when in my junior year of college I went to my doctor and he misdiagnosed my symptoms of being the result of stress. I went to the school NP, and she ran test and found out it was more than stress. (I was SEVERELY anemic)

I was impressed and wanted to make a career change before I started my career as a teacher but was to scared to do so.

To make a long story shorter, everyone in my extended family keeps asking me why am I still in school. The one that really bugs me is everyone saying that I'm simple to old to go back to school. Should I be offended? Has anyone else heard someone say they were to old?

[raznay69]

Too old! I am 37 years old just starting Nursing 1 and most of my classmates are over 30. Getting an education is for every age no matter what profession you chose. Go for it. We need good people such as yourself in the Nursing profession. You have teaching experience which is very important to the Nursing profession. Finish your education as a nurse, live life and be happy. Good Luck to you.

[jsluv2run]

Wow! You think 26yrs old is too old to go back to school? I am 43, and still waiting to be accepted into a nursing program. I returned to school five years ago. I am proud of my accomplishments, and my previous job working for an airline, and the invaluable experience has only added to my interpersonal skills and the ability to work under stressful conditions.Like working with difficult pilots(sky gods), difficult passengers and difficult co-workers. A friend of mine graduated after a long absence, from nursing school at the age of 52. So, don't ever let anyone put any doubts in your head. Good luck.

[SylviaC]

definitely not. as you can see from my post i was 66 when i went back for my rn...so i say go for it:blushkiss

[jorge512]

i switched career goals at the age of 37 when i became an lvn now im almost completing my msn/ed with a tentative grad date of feb 07. im now 46 yo. remember "education never takes a vacation".

[jorge512]

i switched career goals at the age of 37 when i became an lvn now im almost completing my msn/ed with a tentative grad date of feb 07. im now 46 yo. remember "education never takes a vacation".

[Dakkon76]

That amazes me that someone has told you that! I was 24 when I went back and everyone I knew was completely supportive. You're never too old to go back. If you don't like your career, why stick with it? I'm 29 and in my 2nd year of of the program and I'd say that there are more people in my program who are older than me rather than younger.

Go back to school - hell, go for your master's! Otherwise, you'll look back... regardless of age... and wish you'd done what you wanted.

/dak

[blueiwahine]

Your never too old to go to school...First went to college at 29 to become a hairstylist...then went back at 38 for my BS in Nursing...The way I look at it....Time is going to pass whether you do something or not...so I choose to continue expanding my knowledge... as I age gracefully ... Plan on going back for my Master's when I turn 50...Who knows maybe PHD at 60...

[MichouRN]

I am 26 and I just started my nursing clinicals. I am the youngest student. Most of the students have grandchildren. So no. 26 is not too old to go back to school. My mother's cousin has been a surgeon for the past 25 years. He is now back in school to get his PhD in Theology while still practicing medicine. He in his 60's. Hope that answers your question.

[mianlica]

I started nursing school at 32 with 4 kids under 6 at home. I'm now 45 and finishing my MSN. You're never too old!

[BoomerRN]

I was 26 when I started nursing school and had 3 children ages 7 mos. 3, 6. I never thought of myself as too old to go back to school. There were others in my class older than me and the oldest at that time (1975) was 51 years old. I don't think age matters. What matters is what you want to do. I never received support or help with the children from my mother and mother-in-law at the time. They felt I should stay at home and take care of my children. But, this was something I wanted to do and my husband and father were supportive and I went on and did it without no regrets. Twenty six is young and the life expectancy today is long. If you really want to be a nurse, go for it.

[LPNjo]

Too Old?? OMG !!

I went back to school at 37 to earn my RPN...that was 5 years ago. I am now working towards earning my RN. What better role model to be than to show others that one is NEVER too old to learn.

Good Luck and Best Wishes to earning your RN.

[JenNJFLCA]

I was 25 and a MUCH better student the second time around. You're never too old to start a new career!