is 25-30 too late to want to pursue a nursing degree?

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Nov 10, 2012

Ha ha. I was 39 when I went back to nursing school. I was not the oldest in my program either.

Still Standing · Nov 10, 2012

NO, it's not too old, when pursing a educational/career goal you can't worry about how old you are and let it stop you. There are women in there 60's in my LPN class, Last year there was a lady who was 87 years old who went back to college with her daughter to complete her bachelor's degree. And as far as you struggling in Anatomy, or any class, what are some external things that are going on in your life that are stressors or distractions, have you talked to anyone about getting help, do you ask for help when you don't understand, have you read books about study strategies, and test success, and do you know what type of learner you are, what are you doing or not doing that you can change, like for instance, watching TV 2 hours a day, when you can use at least an hour of that time to study? You have to evaluate all these things to improve on anything that you are struggling with.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Nov 10, 2012

The 20% of my class that is over 30 would say that 25-30 is not too old.

QuarterLife88, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 10, 2012

Most people in my nursing school are 30-40 years of age. Then again, it's a community college, so that probably makes a difference in the demographics. If you go to a university, I'm sure the ages with be much lower.

But no, it's not too late, and 25-30 is nowhere near "old."

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Nov 10, 2012

No, that's the age I went back to school.. My kids were all in school so it was the perfect time for me to start school :) I graduated nursing school in my 30's.

purplegal · Nov 10, 2012

At 22, I am actually one of the youngest--if not the youngest--students in my class. Most of the people I know are older with kids. I honestly don't know how they do it...but they are making it work! I think commitment and desire to be a nurse are more important than age. You have to be motivated and willing to put in the time it requires. As far as struggling with anatomy, I think most people do. I know that I had to really push myself just to get a B. But, I still got into the program, so you can too! Also, becoming a CNA is a great idea! It gives you a preview of what nursing is like, and is, in fact, a requirement in some nursing programs. You also have to take a state exam to work as one, so you will gain some experience taking skills tests.

dreameyes1 · Nov 10, 2012

i worked with a Nurse that graduated at age 60 . Myself i am 43 and been a nurse for 4 yrs, just graduated from LPN-ADN bridge last may.Now have

my sight set on going back to school to get my BSN ...... then maybe even my MSN. You can do it . I work Full time and have two teenagers at home. :nurse: :yes:

mclennan, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2012

Are you kidding?

I am 39 and on my 3rd career and 3rd degree. I was an events planner, then an IT pro, now an RN, and in graduate school for a Masters in Nursing Ed so I'll be a professor next. Got my BSN at age 33. Did the whole travel the world/marriage/homeownership/divorce/cross-country-move thing in there somewhere too. I work with a lady who just got her BSN at age 61, so shut up. :)

LiLev · Nov 10, 2012

I think its about average, of my classmates willing to discuss their age we've found the youngest to be 26. I think it takes a bit of maturity to be a nurse and not many 20 year olds have it yet.

Quantum_Leap · Nov 10, 2012

I have no idea when it's too late age-wise, but I do know a little something about making life altering changes. About a year ago I decided that I wanted more than just being an IT Director, so I started looking into IT PhD programs to perhaps teach and work to add meaning/purpose to my existence. That search led to a post by someone at allnurses.com showing up in a google search on midlife career changes, and I was suddenly interested in healthcare. The next thing I knew, I was spending more time studying for Biology and Chemistry CLEP exams (both of which I passed with very good scores) than I was on reading up on the Win 8 rollout. The whole time, even at this point while I am going through the application process, I'm not so certain this whole career change fiasco isn't the manifestation of a midlife crisis (I'm not fond of corvettes and I'm still in love with my wife), but something about the whole concept of becoming a Psych NP has taken hold. I've discovered the more I fight it, the more I want to make the change, even at 45 and a very secure, well-paid career. I have to admit, from time to time the doomsayers here have made me think more than three, four, five (or more) times, but if it's surviving the tests, it might just be right. So, don't let anything stand in the way of your well thought out/well planned objective.

PedRN86 · Nov 10, 2012

I don't think it's ever too late. My mother is 54 and just finishing up her BScN (she is an RPN right now - completed it about 3 years ago). I think the more mature students have valuable life experience to offer to nursing.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Nov 11, 2012

I'm curious. I'm 22 but I'm struggling in anatomy and really don't know what else to do. I feel like maybe if I work a little bit and save up my money I can come back at another time and go back to school. I thought about becoming a cna?

if you give up now, you might find it even harder to get back into school especially if things change like unexpected pregnancy/kid or whatever life throws at you. If you having trouble with one topic you need to make an appointment and talk with the instructor see if they can help you determine what the issue is. It might be simplier than you think, remember professors get assesments on their class grades too. They want you to succeed(though they may not always show it) . Also talk with your peers.