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?

[Brand new RN]

If you're too old in your 20's I'm in really deep doo-doo! I left a husband and a metropolitan area to live the rural life. Nothing job-wise worthy of my time did I find (I worked in the insurance industry in my former life). Fell in love with the elderly and infirm in my little LTC part-time jobs (activities, social services & laundry even) but knew I was worth more than the $8. hr I was being paid...so my solution? Back to school (generals and pre-req's this year) to earn the RN. Hopefully, I'll gain entrance in fall, 2007. Oh, and my age...? A whopping 52!!! (grandma even!)

Got to love it!

[Brand new RN]

Hey, I may decide I want the BSN once I finish the RN in a few years...so glad to hear that you're doing it in your 50's!

You give me inspiration to keep on keepin on!

Thank you.:yelclap:

[Chukker]

Yeah, sadly it is true you are too old.

That is why I am in school getting my Pre-Req's out of the way to start on my Nursing in the Spring at 38.

I do not know about your area but MN is in need of Rn instructors, you ever think of using both of your degrees simultaneously?

[jaceygram]

I just graduated in May with my Bachelor's in Nursing. I am 54 years young. I graduated from LPN school in 1985, RN school in 1990, and I am starting my Masters in FNP in Jan. No, child you are not to old!!! Good Luck.

[dkrn712]

I graduated from nursing school when I was 43yo and had 3 children 1-in high school 1-elementary and 1-preschool. I am thinking of going back to further my education at age 55. GO FOR IT!!!!!

[duxallinarow]

This future RN will graduate in December with her ADN at the vibrantly young age of 48.

[eye_care]

:nuke: 26? no its not too late to go back to school..everything is not too late there is still fun and a great challenge to become a great nurse and helping people....go fight win

[HRLRN]

I went back to nursing school in my mid 40s. I was unhappy with my career and needed a change -- and nursing was it. Never let anyone tell you you are too old. 26 is a baby! Lets say you stay in your present profession (that isn't for you). You'll just get older and older, more and more bitter. Your performance will decline and you'll begin to hate yourself and your students. You won't be a good teacher. If you follow your heart (and granted, your heart may point you in several directions before you get it right) you'll wind up happy and your performance will be great. Plus, we need more nurses! Again, at 26 (or any age) NEVER let anyone tell you you can't do something.... unless its a nurse telling you you can't smoke:wink2:

Go for it!

[suzannelb3]

Never let anyone tell you, you are too old. NEVER! I just graduated with a liberal arts degree in August (after 14 years), and at the same time, working on my nursing degree. In the meantime, I worked full-time, took care of children and a husband.I have grandchildren, my kids are 28,12, and 7; as you can see, I am not the norm.

Who wants to be the norm? Go for your dream because in the end when you are sitting in your rocking chair on the porch thinking about your life, do you want to say, "I wished I could have been a nurse, " or do you want to think, "I am so glad I became a nurse, if I didn't become a nurse, I would not have met so-and-so," Do you get the picture? Ericson's Integrity vs Dispair. I will graduate in May, 2007. I will be 47 years old with two degrees acquired after the age of 45. Go for it.

[Overland1, RN]

26?????????? Too old?????????? Heck, that is approx. half my age, and I went back at ~40 years old (best decision I have ever made).

Twenty-six is only too old if you do not plant to be alive by twenty-eight.

[dbhwpahsfrc]

26 is too old for alot of things.........not school...every day we learn something as humans is a great day.......i started nursing school at 40 with 2 kids. I graduated 17 th in my class with a 3.10 gpa, president of student council, and fond memories of my instructors and classmates...freindship forever bound with the letters RN........i wasn't the oldest person in my class...we had 3 who were grandparents........go for it.........

[espana22]

Definitely not too old! Also if you have a BA. have you thought about taking an accelerated program? Its for people who already have a degree but want to change careers. It takes aroud a year in a half. Just a thought!