Is 35 too old to start from Scratch?

[BellaGrl]

I have always wanted to be a nurse but didn't have the discipline to stay in school and get good grades. I completed only 3 classes when I went to community College 8 years ago. I've been working a corporate job for 11 years and feel like I need to make a career change. I would have to start community college basically from scratch for pre-reqs. Is it doable to accomplish becoming an RN at such a late age? I've also been told its near impossible to work while in nursing school. How does one pay their bills, health insurance and such while becoming a nurse. All advice is welcomed!!!

[AngelKissed857, BSN, RN]

I just graduated a few weeks ago, am now in a BSN program, I ran circles around a lot of the 20-somethings and graduated with honors- oh, and I'll be 60 next month. I agree with every poster who said that the only time it's too late is when you're dead. If you've always wanted this, you will always regret not having done it.

[Russ Seagren]

It is never too late to pursue and achieve a dream. Heart and passion, particularly in the Nursing field, are obviousy (or should be) more important than time and age. I work with a full-time nursing student who is doing extremely well in the program and clinicals. She also happens to be in her mid-thirties, works full-time in a very demanding office environment, not to mention she is also married and runs/manages a home for her husband and two school-aged children. How she does all of this requires a dedication few of us have, but she demonstrates (much to the embarrassment of whiny others) that it can in fact be done. Her fellow employees so admire her commitment to Nursehood that we actively encourage her to get rest, relax, vacation, and especially to "take time for herself" when and wherever we can.....because if and when we enter a medical facility we can reasonably hope (or maybe dream) that Stephanie will be the first person joining our care team. At the heart of good NURSING is a NURSE with a good heart.....her's is huge and we desperately want her to be the one at our bedside and in our charge. If your heart is in this same place your passion will see you through and we, future patients, encourage and look forward to be in your care as well.

[Jenaveshy]

You sure are not! Started back to school at 35, graduated nursing school at 41. I have been a Neuro/Med surg nurse for 5 years now. I'm also completing my BSN. Go for it!!! You can do this!!!!

[Nursequestor]

Never Too Old,

I was 42 when I started nursing school. Second semester we had a nurse in her 60's join us to go from her LPN to RN. We had a greater percentage of our non-traditonal students make it through the program. The older and experienced among us had life skills and experience to bring to the table. We also knew why we were there more than our younger , new grad colleagues.

[jodispamodi]

I had to work full time during school, its hard but doable. You just have to commit yourself to seeing it through no matter what.

[KARENH46]

Anyone taken the TEAS 3x and failed again? Got higher scores in math English and reading this time but lower in science! I cant seem to get the scores even across the board. I'm 50 and not going to quit. This has been a long 3 yrs taking pre reqs and working full time. But I'm getting frustrated.