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?

to answer your question.. 26 in ancient! yes, you are far too old to go back to school :).

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I am in the exact same situation and I am very excited about being able to go back to school. I think people that are hurrying you along are perhaps jealous. Anyways, I taught for two years, I am 25 now, and will be 26 when I start an Acc. BSN this Jan. I did not like teaching and am fortunate that I have most of my family's support in this endeavor. I am SOOO EXCITED!!! YOu should live the way you want to, believe me, its the only way. Besides, in the grand scheme of life this is only a small amount of time to get the BSN. GOOD LUCK!

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theres no age limit in education!

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Specializes in ob, med surg.
Boy, a lot of us like to learn....any advice for me? I am 64 and am going back to school...my quandry is do I go for the aa to ba in nursing, or do I get a ba in health administration. I am disabled, and can't do direct care anymore, but would like to open an assisted living facility and, in the meantime to case management, which often requires a ba. In actual fact, I am not that interested in Nursing, per se, but want a leadership role. Any suggestions will be appreciated, especially from any of you who are healthcare administrators. Thanks.

Are you saying that you have a AA? You did say you have done bedside nursing. If I were you, I would do the Health Administration degree because if you are successful in opening an assisted living facility, you will need to know the management and paperwork end of things. I have a BS in Management, but got my ADN a year ago. As a floor nurse, I see both sides of the coin. In other words, if you are management you don't always understand the floor and if you are on the floor, you don't always understand the issues that come up with management. Also, you will have to deal with insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid, budgeting, legal issues, staffing issues, employment and healthcare laws, state licensing issues, etc and so on paper piles! So I would think that your time woulld be better spent getting that Admin degree! You already know the care side of things! Good Luck:twocents:

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I went back to school at 28. The journey was long and at time frustrating but now I appreciate what the degree and knowledge is providing for my family.

Now at 32, I am a witness to my children and the people that I encounter in my life's journey, that it can be done!

I did struggle with bills while in school and worked practically full time to make sure that the blow to my family wasn't so hard. I think the most frustrating thing for me was the Monday AM conversations during lecture from the (younger) students about all of the parties they attended over the weekend---during lecture. Focus, determination and prayer will get you through. It is all worth it in the end!

God Bless

ALW--ED nurse:smiley_ab

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You must be joking, lol No, 26 is not too old to go back to school. I was 44 when I went to a private school to obtain my LVN. My mother was 48 when she graduated with her RN. Now, she is retired with Los Angeles County retirement. Me, I'm just beginning my role as a LVN. Searching for my area of interests. Then, I will bridge. But first, two years as the LVN. Go for it! Mature Nurses are just as good as young Nurses. The best of luck to you.

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Go for it!!! If you listen to opinions, you will not follow your heart. I just graduated this past May 06 with BSN and also have passed the board. I am loving my new career at age 48 and most all, I am glad I didn't listen to those that were incapable of contributing to my success. :nono:

GOOD LUCK!!!

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Specializes in geriactric care- no place i'd rather be!.

if 28 is too old, than i guess i'm guilty as well. i started my pre-reqs for nursing school when i was 27, now i'm 28 and about to graduate from LPN school in january and head off for the next year of school to get my RN. your never too old to learn!:nurse:

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The average age in my class is about 28.

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Not at all, especially since life experience is a huge asset to bring before starting just about any program. I started the Bachelor of Nursing program at 26 and am just about finished and don't think i would have been successful if i had started straight out of high school (can only speak for myself).

From what i have seen, those who have have done well in pursing a nursing career are those that are simply organized, responsible and resourceful (and determined) regardless of how old they are.

If you have these qualities you could start 20 years from now and still succeed. Age doesn't matter.

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Specializes in geriatric LTC and loving it.
Not at all, especially since life experience is a huge asset to bring before starting just about any program. I started the Bachelor of Nursing program at 26 and am just about finished and don't think i would have been successful if i had started straight out of high school (can only speak for myself).

From what i have seen, those who have have done well in pursing a nursing career are those that are simply organized, responsible and resourceful (and determined) regardless of how old they are.

If you have these qualities you could start 20 years from now and still succeed. Age doesn't matter.

Thank you, thank you, thank you...I especially appreciated the "organized, responsible and resourceful (determined)" part...

As for the 20 years from now...

I'm already 52...will be 55 when I get the RN...so I missed that 20 by a bunch! However, I know where I'm at and where I'm headed...something I didn't know even 20 years ago...so your point is well made.

Take a bow!

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Specializes in Obstetrics/Case Management/MIS/Quality.

i received my rn when i was 36....now i am almost 45 and have just been accepted into a bsn program.....but i won't stop there....i plan get my msn so that i can teach. :wink2: you are never too old!

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