Nursing Career

Did any of you start your nursing career from ground zero at the age of 26 or around that age? If so, what were your feelings entering a new field late and are you happy that you did it. Sorry if im being vague but im about to start the path to an RN so I'll be like 29-30 starting a new career. I know there has been people starting older than that but I still feel really late. Thanks for your responses

Don't feel as though you are starting late because you are not. You will be able to work 30 years or more in this field if you want. I am 30 and am currently in nursing school. This is my second career. I currently work in Human Resources. I just got burnt out with it and wanted to become a nurse since this is what I feel I was meant to do with my life. I have classmates in their 40s and this is their second career. I even have a classmate that is in her late 50s. If you want to become a nurse, go for it. I love being in school and cannot wait to graduate next year and pass the nclex and actually be a nurse.

You are not late to the party ... :wink2:

I'm 3 1/2 years into my second career that began at age 38 and thoroughly enjoying my life.

Many students, particularly those at the community college level are that age or older. The average age of nursing students is not 18 by no means. I graduated when I was 32. :)

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

Thanks to all! Im just going to leave the past behind me and proceed forward.

Hi Ronnie, I was 30 when I embarked on a 2nd career as a LPN. Now at 45yrs (thats right 45) I'm working on my RN-Assoc for increased automony and much greater choices r/t specialities etc. I will most likely go on and obtain my BSN. You are never too old to learn, just ask the 45-50 yr old student nurses working on their "2nd careers" at my local community college. Good Luck.

I graduated with my Lpn at age 33 and RN at age 34.

Prereqs at 29, NS at 30, graduating at 32.

I'm considered "young"

I'll be 44 when I graduate from nursing school.

Late to the game? Yeah.

But I carry the experiences and lessons from a whole other career field as well as life in general into this new career and I'll be a better nurse for it.

The average and median ages of our clinical group are 33 and we are consistently praised by the staff at our host hospital for our professionalism, judgment, and how quickly we learn. People are stunned to learn that we're 2nd semester students.

Age and experience are valuable assets.

By all means, jump on in... the water's fine.

from an Australian point of view, I have been a medical secretary for some 25 years, and sorta fell into nursing by looking after my in laws for a couple of years. This gave me the confidence to do a "carer' course which gave me the skills to work in nursing homes. THAT gave me the confidence to accept a scholarship, and as of YESTERDAY, I am now a qualified Endorsed Enrolled Nurse. I have not long turned 47. This career has been what I have always, always wanted since I was a very little girl.

So ...... *go for it* You've got nothing to lose, and as of Day 2 in the job, I'm havin' a ball!

Cheers

I am planning to enter the field at age 32. I'm currently 30 years old and have just started taking the prerequiste courses for the program. I'm in the Information Technology field and I am currently burnt out.

I remember 12 years ago I was listening to a radio show (Dr. Laura) and a caller called up and mentioned she wanted to go back to school at age 36 to studying nursing. The radio host was kind of dubious citing that by the time the caller was done with school she might be getting too old to do a lot of the arduous work and heavy lifting a nurse needs to do. Well I'm 36 now and still perfectly agile. I also had an Aunt who became an RN in her 40's. You should never not do things you want to do and are still able to do just because of age.

I started from ground zero at 40 after a career as a police officer. I don't think age is any hinderence at all in getting a job, but competency is. I plan on continuing with the education so there is no place I can't go if I want to. I think 29 is a great age to start as many younger RNs can be immature as they grow in their professions as well as themselves. Good luck!