Is 35 too old to start from Scratch?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

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!!!

I started nursing school when I was 40. I was not even close to the oldest in my class. I'm 51 now have had a great experience. Nursing was a second career for me, has worked out great. So, go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go for it! I am 43 and doing my pre-requisite courses, and also applying to get into nursing school for fall 2017. If your heart is in it go for it. My microbiology teacher is teaching and is 79. He said he won't quit school till they kick him out. Doing what you love keeps you young and feisty. Go for it!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I started nursing at 18 years of age. Burned out at 36 years old, went on to get my Master's in Information Systems, stayed there for 8 years, returned to Nursing and am now recently retired. No, it is not too late to return to school but think it through first and the reasons WHY you want to do a career change. List in writing the pros and cons. Do not forget the costs involved. I went into nursing for the simple reason that I "wanted to help people," and thus my return to the career after I left briefly. Godspeed on your career choices !!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm really curious why some think 35 is too old? Like real reasons. I know personally, I have much better time management skills now than in my 20s, I study harder, and enjoy school more now that I'm not thinking about the social aspect.

I'm 39 and in just as good shape (if not better) than in my 20s. I take care of myself better, that's for sure. I also have many more life experiences to draw from.

So why am I too old?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I started my career change to nursing at the age of 42. I went through a divorce during nursing school and became a single mother of 2 while working full time. It was EXTREMELY difficult but I did it. It can be done. You have to have alot of discipline and a good support system by your side. You can do it! 35 is not too old at sll. There were students there older than me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a nursing instructor and have many students in their mid-thirties, mostly 2nd career. They do fine, and most work part time. I have a friend who got her BSN at 39, MSN at 44, and PhD at 57! Age is a number.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I also think that is a bit old.

Why is that?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Let me share with you that I did not start my nursing aspirations until the age 48 and graduated with associates degree at 52 years old. While I was in my first year of nursing school. I lost my last parent and in my second year I lost my husband metastatic brain cancer.I wanted to quit but deep down I wanted to finish for myself. Now ten years later I am back in school finishing my bachelor's degree and I graduate in May high honors. You are never too old to start over. Chase your dreams. You will never regret it.....Good luck congratulations.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology Home Therapies, Wound Care, Foot Care..

You're my hero!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Senior citizen, please.

Lol. ItsThatJenGirl is faaar from being a senior citizen.

35 is not old. There were women in my nursing program older than that. Guess what? They're nurses now & have been for awhile.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If your dream is to become a nurse, then do it! Dont let anything stop you from achieving your goals! However, I do think 35 is a bit on the older side. If I were you, I would start taking my prerequisite classes ASAP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
If your dream is to become a nurse, then do it! Dont let anything stop you from achieving your goals! However, I do think 35 is a bit on the older side. If I were you, I would start taking my prerequisite classes ASAP.

35 is still young! The majority of people in my nursing program were 35+ & had a family. It's never too young to start if it's something you really want! A lot of them went back to school to get their RN. I will be doing the same thing & I will be in my early 30s when I do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment