Is it TOO late???

Nurses Career Support

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For sometime now have been wanting to become a nurse. I put school off several times due to my family life, trying to balance marriage and children. I am 35 years old now and I really want to become a nurse anesthetist. I am able to go to school full-time. My main concern is I am starting from the bottom. I have to get my bsn first and probably some experience in an acute care facility and then go back to school for crna. I guess I'm looking at about eight years maybe more by then, I'll be nearly in my mid 40's. I know most nurses start off at a much younger age. Will I be too old? I think sometimes I just worry about being the old lady on the floor:chuckle. Can someone please give me some advice.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Never too old, If it is something you really want to do then go for it

Welcome and good luck

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Specializes in ICU, children's.
Never too old, If it is something you really want to do then go for it

Welcome and good luck

Basically!

When I went to med school there was a woman starting from the bottom already IN her 40s.

It sounds like you know what you want to do, don't let age be a factor.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Go for it. You're going to get old anyway.

Check this out: https://allnurses.com/forums/f200/anyone-start-their-career-late-life-125963.html

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i just turnded 50 and am finishing Rn program, its never ever too late to live your dream!!!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in MICU.

I started a full time BSN program at age 38 and was through NCLEX and was working as a new grad in an ICU by the time I was 40. Straight up, there was absolutely nothing pleasant about nursing school. Academically, it was not the most challenging thing I have ever done, but as an adult, being talked to and treated like a teenager did not sit well with me at all. Once I graduated and started in the ICU though, I did not regret choosing to go.

Since the majority of the nurses in my ICU match the national average age of low 40's, I think my age was actually a bit of a benefit. I can't speak for all hospitals, but based on my experience in school and as a new grad, I tend to think that most veteran nurses are going to extend a bit more lateral respect to a new grad who is closer to their own age then they are to a new grad who is half their age. Likewise, when it comes to taking care of patients, I think that many of them feel more comfortable dealing with someone who they assume (rightly or wrongly) better understands their fears and concerns.

Coming to nursing as a second career, I brought a wealth of people skills and life experience with me that you just can't learn in school and I think most managers are going to appreciate that. All jobs have their downsides and nursing is no different. Thus far, I have been able to work around what I really dislike about it and it is very comforting to know that if something changes that really drags the unit down, I can leave and try a new hospital or even a new area of nursing. That alone is a flexibility I never had before. I say give it shot, I don't think you will regret it.

That's my :twocents: anyway. Good luck.

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

Never too old, go for it! How old will you been in 8 years if you DON"T get your degree?

Good luck

God bless

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I just wanted to to thak everyone for your advice. You have all encouraged me to go for what I want.:yeah:

Sandra

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You are definitely not too old...I am 37 and have decided to go back and finish my degree. I am a single mother of two. My goal is to complete it within 2years when my oldest son will be graduating high school so when can graduate together. I had the same concerns you do, but I have received so much support from the people on this site, it has given me the courage to go for it. You can do it, do not let age hold you back! Good Luck!

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It is never too late..I am 37 and a single mother of two and have decided to go back to school and finish my degree. I put it off for a long time but now my goal is to finish within 2years, that is when my oldest will graduate high school, so then we can graduate together!! LOL..

You can do it! Do not let age stop you..Good Luck!

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Specializes in Med-surg, LTC, learning Psych.

No! It's not too late. I started nursing school at 33, got my ASN. I am now 38, just graduated Magna Cum Laude from a BSN program and in 3 years will be an Adult Nurse Practitioner. In 3 years (as someone put it), I'll still be 41, but I'll be 41 with something in my hands I can enjoy and be proud of for the rest of my life. It's worth it...

So, you want to go to nursing school? Go...

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I'll turn 59 this year.... is it too late for me????

I have a bachelor's degree in Consumer Sciences, have been a claims adjuster (workers' comp and BI) for over 20 years.....

But I have not even STARTED nursing school yet.... I will probably have to take some courses over...

Gawd, I'm tired just talking about it......

Exploring.....

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