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!!!

[datalore]

You're going to age anyway, might as well be a nurse when you get there.

[bethcny]

I feel like I always comment on these threads, probably because I'm in the same boat-ish. I'm 45, I have a previous BA in another area. I'm applying now for September entrance. I'm currently taking Microbiology and I'm the oldest person in the room - including the professor.

WHO CARES? I also have the curliest hair. Doesn't matter.

You don't need anyone to give you permission to do what you want to do. Seriously. Don't make my mistake - I let myself get talked out of applying to nursing school when my kids were younger...and yet, here I am. Just do it.

We may be too old for the Olympic Gymnastics team, but we're not too old for this.

[GdBSN, RN]

I was 45 when I started my pre-reqs, completed 32 hours in 9 months with straight A's, got accepted into nursing school and graduated at 48. Never too old!!!

[NurseLauraM]

Im sorry, but I have to disagree. 35 IS old. And you always have to think ahead. That user will not be a nurse at 35.. It will definitely take them 4-5 more years if they are starting from scratch. I honestly would not recommend going back to school unless you REALLY want to be a nurse and put yourself through all that stress. However, if this is your dream, then go for it.

You are not making a strong point here. Say it does take her (or him) 5 years... she will be 40 when she graduates. The average age of retirement is 62-63. I don't think any reasonable person would conclude that 4-5 years of school is not worth a 20 year pay-off.

I have to agree that your posting history suggests a personal issue that prevents you from viewing anything nurse-related discussion objectively. OP: I really hope you ignore Lightning90's posts and focus on the positive words of encouragement from the rest of us.

Go for it! :)

[shortjm52]

35? No not at all. I am 53 and in nursing school. I enjoy it very much and the students think its cool to have an older person in school with them. I love being the nontraditional student. The others ask for advice and most haven't even picked up a blood pressure cuff so I am their mentor.

[Lightning90]

I have to agree that your posting history suggests a personal issue that prevents you from viewing anything nurse-related discussion objectively. OP: I really hope you ignore Lightning90's posts and focus on the positive words of encouragement from the rest of us.

Go for it! :)

Oh, i sure do love stalkers. I think you might of missed the part where i said "However, if this is your dream, then go for it", but then again, I think my hopes were set too high.

[AngelKissed857, BSN, RN]

I started back at 55. Graduating in May at 59. I have done great. Don't hesitate, jump right in !

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Im sorry, but I have to disagree. 35 IS old. And you always have to think ahead. That user will not be a nurse at 35.. It will definitely take them 4-5 more years if they are starting from scratch. I honestly would not recommend going back to school unless you REALLY want to be a nurse and put yourself through all that stress. However, if this is your dream, then go for it.

I remember being seven and thinking 35 was old!!

[Lightning90]

OMG. Lmao. So many people are defensive about their age. This is hilariously funny. Some people just cant accept the truth.

[AngelKissed857, BSN, RN]

And how old are you? Lol!

[Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN]

In my opinion, yes it is. I could never imagine myself going back to school at that age..

LOL! I'm 44 and just preparing to enter nursing school. I don't consider myself "too old". In fact, I feel my age, in some ways, is a bonus; I'm calmer, more mature, more experienced, and less fazed by "life" than I would have been even 10 years ago. Not to say someone entering the profession at 25 would be any less capable, I just see there are benefits to being older.

Quite frankly, if I was 75 and really wanted to do it, I would.

[Sandpiper12, ADN, RN]

In my opinion, yes it is. I could never imagine myself going back to school at that age..

Really? I'm 39, have two kids who are now in school, and I'm loving being back in school! I stayed at home with my babies, now it's time for me. This will be my second degree.