Is 35 too old to start from Scratch?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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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!!!

It's interesting that none of the few who think 35 is too old have given any rationale for their statements.

Im speculating and speaking on their behalf, but my assumption is that these posters think that:

1. The older you are, the harder it will be on the body, including loss of strength and so forth.

and

2. That taking a degree means taking on debt later in life that will leave one paying off debt as they are heading towards retirement...money that could have gone towards said retirement.

I can't see any other possible concerns for being an older student.

Personally, I think as long as one takes care of their health and vitality that the physical aspect - while tiring - is not insurmountable. And secondly, I couldn't care less if I'm paying a student debt until I'm 85 if it means I have fulfilled my life doing what I wanted. You only get one chance here on earth, and I sure don't want to be on my deathbed saying "what if..."

Besides, as I said previously, being older brings a whole host of benefits with it. For me (and I'm certainly not saying this is the case for everyone), I would have been a terrible nurse in my early 20s...I was way too much into the drama, gossip, and overall party-lifestyle.

Fast forward 20+ years, and I am a totally different person. That era in my 20s was awesome: I loved it, and don't regret it, but I am now much calmer, focused, don't care for drama (hate it, in fact), don't like gossip (avoid it), kinder....so hence the advantage (for me) of being an older student.

Life experience and maturity are things that simply, by their very nature, come with age. Of course, there are plenty of 20+ yr olds who are very mature, but I certainly wasn't one of them.....although of course at the time I sure thought I was!!

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Specializes in Nephrology Home Therapies, Wound Care, Foot Care..

Union-Jack, I agree with every word! As an older student, graduating in May, four months shy of 69, I can tell you that I can typically run circles around the 20-somethings, even at the end of shifts. Part of that is also the maturity of knowing how to pace yourself, when to walk, and when to RUN. Lol! I'm also much more aware of body mechanics, and getting help rather than hurting myself, as well as offering help.

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

Speak for yourself lol I can still do a drop split onto the floor! My back handspring days are far behind me now but I bet I could still cartwheel down the unit if I wanted to. But I can't imagine really wanting to lol!!!

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I just want to add here that people need to stop with the age shaming, just like we need to stop with all the other shaming that goes on in society. Fat shaming, disability shaming, race shaming, gender shaming--you name it. There is no room for that. The only kind of shaming that should go on is toward racist, bigoted, small-minded people who hate other people and believe a certain group of people are superior to others--when they're not! Okay, I'm out.

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

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congrats

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I'm glad I read this post. I 've kind of admonished myself for not finishing school earlier but I'm such a better student now. You're right no regrets!!! The truth is I really enjoyed my 20's as well.

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Hi Everyone,

I just posted a question about age in another thread by mistake, but your all so inspirational I think you have all answered my question. I am 55 entering nursing school in Aug. I waited until my daughters were grown and I also was taking care of my mother. It took me ten years to complete my pre-reqs but I did it. I will probably be close to 60 when I finish school. My concern is finding a job after I graduate. I do realize I will have more challenges than most, but that's ok, as long as I can find somthing

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I don't think so I started taking my prerequisites when I was 34 and I just took my Kaplan last month and waiting to hear back.... hopefully I will get into this program but if not I'm just going to keep on trying.... my goal is to be a nurse before I turn 40.... Good luck with everything!!!!

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You will be fine

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HI All! I am 47 and just finishing (this semester) my last science pre-req's, Chemistry and AP II. Was doing well up til now! Not doing too well in chem, although still early to turn it around. AP I was an A but struggling already. Hopefully by Sept. I will be in nursing school. Will be applying in the next month. I guess I dont have an actual question but like many older students, I cannot not afford to just work part time, so I am very nervous to see how this plays out. I will be in a night/weekend class but it's still going to require more time than i may seem to have! Has anyone gone to Resurrection Nursing in Chicago and was in the night course?

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Just a tad.

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