I've decided to go into nursing at 32. Is this a good choice?

mydream77 · Sep 13, 2012

You can do anything you set your mind to do. I just graduated from nursing school in August this year at 34 and there were many other people in nursing school that were older than me. As, far as the rest of your situation, that is up to you to decide. But, you already know in your heart what you want to do, so GO FOR IT!!!

c.kelly20 · Sep 13, 2012

I know numerous women in my class or previous ones that were in their 30's and 40's, all with issues of their own (going to school across the country, going through a divorce, etc.) and they're at the top of my class. Some of the best students I know! As someone else said, it is a good choice if you give it the dedication.

lojohnsonRN2b · Sep 13, 2012

If it's what you've always wanted to do, GO FOR IT. Time is going to pass you by regardless, don't worry about how old you are. Get yourself a good support system so that you can do well in school and everything will work out fine. I'm 33 and will be 34 by the time I start the program, 36 when I'm done. It's all good. I'm gonna be that age regardless of what I do in life, I'd rather be that age and BE in the career I want! Good luck to you!

I'm 32 years old and pregnant with my 5th child. I've been on food stamps most of my adult life as well as having used up my 5 years of welfare. I'm sick of being poor. So while this is something I want to do, it is for the money as well. I've always dreamed of being a midwife but thought I would love to start out with nursing and then be able to provide for my family. I want to be able to send my kids to college one day. My grandmother was a nurse and I've been told by many people I would make a great nurse. Blood and poop do not bother me.
I want to start next fall when the baby is old enough to be away from me. My partner is being supportive.
My main concerns are: spending 4 years in scool (2 years to do the pre-req)
Not being able to find a job here on the Big island of Hawaii
It would be impractical for me to move my whole family somewhere else.
Anyone else have similar experience or any advice?

Emilynn09 · Sep 13, 2012

A quote I heard comes to mind when I read your post, I don't know who says it, but it goes If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got, and you'll always feel what you always felt".

If you want to change your life, do something drastic. Take a risk. Nursing is a really awesome career. I love being a nurse.

jennut4 · Sep 13, 2012

Nursing school is HARD but If you want it you can do it!! I graduate next week. I have four kids, work part-time to full time hours and had three surgeries while in nursing school. You might want to get a job as a tech in a hospital it can help you decide if it's definitely what you want to do.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2012

I started my prereqs the month before I turned 40. It's never too late. I only wish I was your age when I started ... not because I feel old by any means, but because I would have been doing what I love sooner in life.

pc2801 · Sep 13, 2012

If you feel a passion for nursing go for it! Like others said, your age is not a factor. There may be financial aid/grants available to you. One of the best programs in my area is through Workforce, it doesn't pay for pre-reqs, but pays up to $7500 once you are in an approved program of study and includes childcare costs in some cases. Talk to the financial aid office at your school about what you might be eligible to receive in aid.

ukgingernut · Sep 13, 2012

a.My main concerns are: spending 4 years in scool (2 years to do the pre-req)

b.Not being able to find a job here on the Big island of Hawaii

It would be impractical for me to move my whole family somewhere else.

I have been an RN for two years and am 49 years old, it is the best thing I could've done for myself. When you become an RN there are so many avenues within nursing, many of them not in a hospital. Simply having the designation RN can open doors. To answer your questions.

a. In 4 years time you can either be 4 years older, wondering if you would have made a good nurse, or you can be a nurse.

b.Would you rather be someone with an RN behind her name looking for a job, or just looking for a job?

lindarn2010 · Sep 13, 2012

After losing my long time factory job, I decided to go to Nursing school at 49. It wasn't easy, but worth every sleepless night, added 30 lbs, and teardrop during nursing school. All you have to do is want it. Good Luck to you! You can do this!!

GeniferCoersRN · Sep 13, 2012

This is kind of funny to me! lol. I am 37 years old and just graduated/passed my NCLEX this summer! I did not go back to school until I was 33, until both of my children were in full-day school. Previously, I was a birth doula and chose nursing to advocate for and be a resource for women in the hospital system who either wanted natural labor and needed support, or couldn't have a natural labor. I plan to go back for my CNM, in 2 years, as I also want to be a midwife. I don't think its crazy at all. I had to fight my way into a program, took 2 years of gen ed classes, and then changed schools and had to take some again! :cautious: All I can give you as advice is this: If you want to become a nurse, (truly do want it!), nothing and no one in the world is going to stop you from doing it! You will bust down doors, study all night, go to school on 2 hours of sleep and lots and lots of coffee, and spend a lot of time telling your children to be quiet and patient while you read. It is so very worth it! I live in an area that does not have the "nursing shortage" problem, and it has taken a minute to get an interview, but I will have one next week, with an OB-ICU! :woot:

I do have one suggestion to make it easier for you to find a job, when you graduate. Even though it will be tough, take a job during school as either a CNA or a Tech at a local hospital system. This really helps when you apply, as the recruiters won't even see your apps, if you have zero experience. This has been my issue, so far. I thought it would be better for me to concentrate fully on school and my doula practice, but that is not the case. Good luck to you! It is well worth all the struggle and feeling like you are losing your mind, every other day!

GeniferCoersRN · Sep 13, 2012

This is kind of funny to me! lol. I am 37 years old and just graduated/passed my NCLEX this summer! I did not go back to school until I was 33, until both of my children were in full-day school. Previously, I was a birth doula and chose nursing to advocate for and be a resource for women in the hospital system who either wanted natural labor and needed support, or couldn't have a natural labor. I plan to go back for my CNM, in 2 years, as I also want to be a midwife. I don't think its crazy at all. I had to fight my way into a program, took 2 years of gen ed classes, and then changed schools and had to take some again! All I can give you as advice is this: If you want to become a nurse, (truly do want it!), nothing and no one in the world is going to stop you from doing it! You will bust down doors, study all night, go to school on 2 hours of sleep and lots and lots of coffee, and spend a lot of time telling your children to be quiet and patient while you read. It is so very worth it! I live in an area that does not have the "nursing shortage" problem, and it has taken a minute to get an interview, but I will have one next week, with an OB-ICU!

I do have one suggestion to make it easier for you to find a job, when you graduate. Even though it will be tough, take a job during school as either a CNA or a Tech at a local hospital system. This really helps when you apply, as the recruiters won't even see your apps, if you have zero experience. This has been my issue, so far. I thought it would be better for me to concentrate fully on school and my doula practice, but that is not the case. Good luck to you! It is well worth all the struggle and feeling like you are losing your mind, every other day!