Opinions please, am I too old??

roxannekkb · Jul 5, 2003

I'm coming late to this conversation, but just wanted to add that my uncle decided to go to medical school when he was 41 years old. True, he already had a PhD in biochemistry, but it all it got him was one year's credit in med school. He had to go to med school for 3 years, then did a residency in neurology. Today he is a very successful doctor.

When I was growing up, my mother worked for a lawyer who decided at age 40 that she wanted to be a lawyer. She hadn't even completed high school at the time. And since she had to work to support herself, she attended school at night. It took her 13 years but she made it.

The moral of the story, you are only too old if you think you are. I know of a guy who's 101 and still teaching. Some people are old at 20! So go for it. It sounds like you'll make a great nurse.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2003

Nursing is hard physical work. I'm 38 and have had several back injuries. I can hardly do it some days. It may be too hard on you physically.

Grace Oz · Jul 5, 2003

As the saying goes; "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"...... So too; "Age is a state of mind!"

Believe in yourself & pursue your dreams. We have but one life to live.Enjoy the journey, never mind about the destination. No matter the eventual outcome, you'll have had a go! Go for it & my very best wishes go to you.

Cheers,

Grace ( who's over 50 & still going strong!) LOL

Noney · Jul 5, 2003

One of the amazing things about nursing is that you can walk into any nursing class anywhere at any time and find students of varying ages.

When I was went to LPN school we had a son and father in our class. When I returned for my RN we had a son and mother!

PlanetCaroline · Jul 6, 2003

Glad you have decided to follow your dream. Following our passions keeps us young. As someone who has faced some nasty depressions, I know that I have to keep moving, taking risks, and trying new things.

Keep us posted on your progress.

-----

Caroline

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 6, 2003

Hi there !

Just want to let you know that I started school at 50. Graduated last December at 53, and passed boards in March of this year.

If it's what you want and dream of, it's never 2 late ! I, too, have always had that "knack" for all things medical, and have been employed in the medical field in one form or another nearly all my life. I never let go of my dream... yes, it was late, but better late than never!

suzannasue · Jul 7, 2003

sprklplnty,

My grandmother was 52 when she graduated from nursing school and passed her boards. Her career lasted until she was 78 years old and was called even after she retired to work prn. She worked at a LTC facility and could keep up with any/all of the younger nurses. In fact, in her spare time, she would go into the locker room and polish the nurses shoes. During her 60's she became very involved in her state nursing association and was elected to an office because she had so many ideas for improvement within the profession. She was an inspiration to many of the younger nurses because she was patient, kind and very knowledgeable...not only about the technical things but she set an example of compassion for others. She worked night shift , so I guess that's where I inherited my love for nights...she was at my graduation from nursing school and although I did not graduate with "honors"...her presence there gave me strength and I truly felt I was indeed honored that day to have her cheering for me. My parents and children were also there and I truly felt blessed that day.

While in school, my best friend and study pal was 48 years old. She was a great inspiration to me...we spent many an evening studying,drinking coffee...she was my hero and she said I kept her "young at heart"...

Follow your dreams...you never know who may be out there looking for an answer that only YOU can give ...a kind word, a pat on the back, ...

Best wishes to you...keep us posted on your decision !!!!

PennyNickelDime_RN · Jul 7, 2003

Suzannasue,

Thank you for your kind words of inspiration. Your grandmother must have been one great lady!

In between my excitement and nervousness about starting at a new school in the fall, I am looking forward to it and wish I could start today.

Good luck to you in your future endeavors and thank you again for your post.

GARYLPN · Jul 17, 2003

I started college from scratch at 47, am now going on 51 with my LPN license and will be starting 3rd semester nursing to hopefully get my RN by next spring.

I also went into first semester nursing when I was 47 with a woman who was 53..........you're not too old..........!!!

GraceyB · Jul 17, 2003

GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!! If you really want to do this, I think you should. Don't use age as an excuse for anything. Go for it, go for it, go for it.

If you have any physical problems, then that may put a little damper on things such as late night studying and being your on feet during practice and clinicals. Only you know how far you can push your body.

4loveoflife · Jul 18, 2003

Do it Sprklplnty...and don't ever look back!!

PennyNickelDime_RN · Jul 18, 2003

Thanks to all for your encouragement! I'm going to move ahead full throttle.

~~sprklplnty~~