It's never too late!

Nurses New Nurse

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I went back to school for an AAS RN program at my community college in 2011. I worked my butt off on prereqs and got into a "fast track". I remember telling my husband when doing the pros and cons of going back to school .. "I'll be almost 37 by the time I graduate" he said you'll be 37 either way. Here I sit 5 days from turning 37 (8/28) and a fresh graduate with a job as a MedSurg nurse nights starting in a few wks. I'm so glad I went back. My husband was right I'm turning 37 either way. Thank god I'm turning 37 as a nurse and not 37 still wishing I was a nurse. The nursing program was quite easily the HARDEST thing I've ever done (I lost my mom during the 3rd semester be prepared for challenges and be prepared to sacrifice these programs don't allow for "personal" time), but I feel like I gave my self a gift by doing this. I have my dream job (I was a candy striper at 15 and have always wanted to be a RN). So yeah I'm turning 37 but ya know what I have an amazing supportive husband an awesome intelligent teenage daughter and the job of my dreams! 37 looks pretty damn good! :) If you're considering going back to school for nursing DO IT! I will be he hardest thing you ever do but will also be the best gift you give yourself! I'm so proud to be a nurse and join the best profession out there!

The RN program that I went to had senior citizens that have graduated from it. Also, I graduated & got my RN license at 53. It was worth it, too! My kids have more incentive to continue their education. My son tried to use the 'ole "I'm too old to go back to school" statement. He is now in a university going for his bachelor's degree.

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Fifty is NOT too old to start going for your RN! I graduated at 53 & passed the boards the first time! I had absolutely no experience in the nursing field, either. Some places still use LPNs, but you should definitely go for the RN license, instead.

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I was an LPN for over 20 years before I got to go back for my RN. As with nursenanci1, it was a new and very supportive husband that made it possible. During school I buried my best friend, dealt with a troubled teen, and worked full time. Somehow I kept going and even graduated Magna cumulative laude. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but worth it. I was 44 and I am so glad I did it!

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50 is NOT too old. I graduated with Judy and she was 57 when we finished. Don't give up the dream. Go for it! You can do it! BTW, I am 60 and working on a dual masters degree. Come along for the ride with me. :-) It will keep you young

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I do agree nurses are too hard on other nurses. However, I would have to say you either have a bad case over burnout or chose the wrong profession. Is being a nurse a hard job? Yes! Probably the hardest one there is. Long hours, nights and weekends, etc. But the rewards outweigh those every day when see a patient light up the first time they walk on their own for months and months. When I hold thee hand of a terminal patient as they slip away and have the privilege of seeing that peace come over their face. When someone I cared for sees me in Wal-MartCustomerService and hugs me and says thank you for the hundredths time. When the family member of that terminal patient says "we couldn't have done this without you". When a new mom holds her baby for the very first time. When a cancer patient gets the news that they are finally cancer free. What other "job" can you get those kinds of blessings from?

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I was 53 when I graduated, took me 50 minutes to pass boards at the 75th question.Good luck all

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Congratulations NurseNanci1 !! I graduated as an RN at the age of 45 and I too wanted to be an RN forever but, life happened. I was an LVN at the age of 25 and I am so happy that I finally got to be an RN. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I wish you the best in your career. :)

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