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!!!

No way you're too old. If you wanna be a nurse, just do it. But i would suggest finding the best way without racking up alot of debt.

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Just a tad.

Really? You joined *today* and your first post is to say somebody is too old at 35?

í ¾í´”

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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.

Awesome!!!!

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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.

I agree with you in general, but the OP asked for opinions about whether or not 35 was too old and even though most of us have disagreed with the few who said yes, I never interpreted those as anything other than giving an opinion. Now, if someone started a thread that said something like, "Everyone over 35 is too old to start nursing," then we might have something to talk about.

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

Just realized my post says 69- it's 60!!! Lol!

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I will start school (pre reqs) at 34, so I'm right there with you.

In response to the rather unenlightened comments discouraging you from pursuing your goals, all I can say is that it's my belief that one should NEVER stop growing and learning. :) To say there is an age limit on when a person can improve their lives or learn new skills is a bleak outlook on life indeed. Good luck with that!

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.
Really? You joined *today* and your first post is to say somebody is too old at 35?

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Pretty sure some of the posters either have the same IP address or are using VPN.

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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!!!

I am 36 and now applying for nursing school! I believe at my age now, I am more determined to succeed as I would have been 18 years ago. I am starting scratch to earn my BSN with no college credits, however, I know that I can still maintain being a mom of 3 and go to school at the same time. (Hopefully)

I have enrolled in CNA class which it will only be a month and plan to work part time so I can manage a good grade in school!

Best of luck in your new chapter!

It will only get better from her on. =)

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Just realized my post says 69- it's 60!!! Lol!

Still awesome! :smug:

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Really? You joined *today* and your first post is to say somebody is too old at 35?

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Shrug. Just my opinion.

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My beach ready body aged 97! Two-time world record-holding sprinter - Daily Mail

https://apple.news/AOK3VWzwgTaeQFRsh2Yu6-w

ok, not a nurse, but along the theme...

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I'm 35, and I'm not going to start the nursing program until I'm 36/37. I'm slowly working through my pre requisites.

I think the person who is claiming 35 is too old- that's rather ridiculous.

My dads cousin graduated nursing school at 45 and only recently retired- she did very well and loved her job. There are many nurses who had a mid life career change.

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