Is 31 too old to start a nursing career?

shay&lynn, ASN, RN · May 25, 2012

I am 31 years old and I am going into my second semester! You're never to old to start!

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · May 25, 2012

You're definitely NOT too old! I'm 42 and by the time I'm done with pre-reqs and nursing school, I'll be almost 45. That still gives me 20 to 25 years for a nursing career.

For me, it's a matter of finally getting to pursue a dream I had to put on hold. You are NEVER too old to do something that will make you happy. Go for it!!!!

sabita143 · May 25, 2012

no its not..just go for it and believe u can do it :)

shewentwhoa · May 26, 2012

My friends mom just finished her BSN and she's over 40. To me it's never too late to start a career you see all the time on CNN and the news of people in their 80's and 90's finally finishing school. (I take that back, 80-90 is too late to start a career haha)

caheyden · May 26, 2012

The way I look at it being almost 40 is that for the long term have to do what you love! This is the only way to be successful in any career that you choose! One foot in front of the proverbial other and WALL-LA! At the finish line

valgraves · May 26, 2012

not at all! I am 33 and I will be going through the PN program this fall...so i will graduate with my PN in may 2013, then with my ADN when I am 35 and then with my BSN at 36. Its never too late. thats what someone told me.

Griffin123 · May 26, 2012

You're going to be 31 in three years no matter what. You can either be 31 and starting a career you really enjoy, or you can be 31 and doing something else. The only person who can tell you you're too old is yourself.

I love this answer! So true.

momofmen · May 26, 2012

I am 44 and will start the practical nursing diploma program in the fall. I will graduate in 2014 at age 46! I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl. With the support of my family, I am going to fulfil that dream. We have one son going into third year of college, a daughter going into first year and a son who will be in grade 11 (home school). You are never too old to fulfil a dream. Make the choice...start working on any requirements...and go for it. :)

Kimberley in Ontario

♑ Capricorn ♑ · May 26, 2012

Ha! No. I'll be 40 when I graduate RN school. The past is in the past, live in the present and just go for it. You can do it.

sharron rn · May 26, 2012

Never to old.

If it's something you are passionate about then nothing will stop you acheiving it. Believe me I know through my own experience having trained in my 30's . I won't deny there were times I felt I wouldn't make it through the years of study however I was fortunate to have wonderful support from my family and friends. The long hours of study, writing assignments,the exams, working weekends and part time through the week. All this while providing my teenage daughter a home and all the necessaties needed in life was definately worth it.

:nurse:

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · May 27, 2012

My friends mom just finished her BSN and she's over 40. To me it's never too late to start a career you see all the time on CNN and the news of people in their 80's and 90's finally finishing school. (I take that back, 80-90 is too late to start a career haha)

My microbiology professor said they are making great strides in this area, and curing diseases and in future life expectancy could surpass 120 years and 70 will be the new 30. Didn't Moses in the bible live to like 900? now that is old

SC4Nurse2B · May 27, 2012

I turned 48 in April. In March, I received my acceptance letter into an ADN program. I will be 50 when I graduate. :eek: I am even contemplating going on for the BSN. Sweetie, you are never too old. Your years have made you who you are today. I started college right out of high school in 1982(I was a terrible student). I quit college and joined the military. At 45, my son suffered a collapsed lung and was in the hospital for almost a week. The atmosphere in the hospital, to me, was wonderful. Loved the smell, the activity, the nurses. I decided it was now or never. I am a better student now. It means more to me. Were the last 25 years a waste? Not at all. They made me who I am now. So please don't look at your past and think it is a waste. Never. I loved reading everyone's experiences here. Good luck and God bless to you!