Is 26 too old to go back to school?

Nurses General Nursing

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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?

I am 45 yrs old and am in the middle of my 3rd semester. I have 3 girls 2 grandchildren and work 2 part time jobs all while going to school 5 days a week. If I can do this so can you.

Specializes in school nurse 8 yrs, long term care 11 yr.

No way! I was 26 and a single mom with a 4 year old daughter when I went to LPN school. I went back to school at 36 to take my pre-req and now will graduate with my RN, in May '07, at which that time will turn 39. You are not too old at all!!!! Lots of luck!:nurse:

I started my prereqs when I was 26 and graduated 4 days after my 30th birthday. You're not too old. I was one of the youngest in my class.

:nono: ! Absolutely not!

I was 35 and had a 5 month old baby when I started Nursing school!

Since when is anybody too old to go back to school. I had wanted to be a nurse my entire life, but the opportunity was never right. At age 44 I finally took the plunge. It took be four years. I graduated with an ADN at age 47. Best thing I ever did. Any regrets? Yes. That I didn't go sooner.

Age is just a number. Accomplishments are a lifetime.

By the way...when I went back to school I had 6 children at home and worked full time..........so. it can be done.

I was 40 when I started school. I graduated at 43, valedictorian. The salutatorian was 43 also. Although we were the oldest in the class, many were in their late 20's to early 30's and on their "second" career. Go for it! I finally found my niche!

This is an awesome thread. So many good replies!!!!!1

I decided at the age of 50 that it was time to grow up and decided what I wanted to be. I am now in my last year of school for LPN. You are never too old to go back to school!!! Heck, I've had instructors that were younger than my kids! Hang in there, and good for you. My husband/kids have been my greatest support in this - I'm sorry that your family is not.

I went to school to get my LPN when I was 25. I had a fellow classmate who was 58 years old. I got my RN when I was 31 and had many classmates that were older than me. Hey I figure I still have at least 30 years left before I hit retirement, so I am going to keep going with my education. If I don't I know I will regret not doing everything I wanted with my life. You can't live a life others have chosen for you. You will never be happy. I wish you luck.

Specializes in Peds ICU, ECMO, IABP.

Are you serious?!?! 96 isn't too young to go back to school. If it is something you want to do, do it! Live life without regrets.

I started nursing school when I was 45. Got my ADN, then BSN then MSN (Finally!). Time will pass anyway. You might as well be working towards a goal. It is a great sense of accomplishment.

I went back to school at 39 did my prereqs and earned an ADN at 42. I have been a RN for 3 years and this has been the best move I ever made. I also have a BS that I earned many years ago. My family and others also questioned this but if it is what you want stay with it and you will not be sorry.:wink2:

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