Nursing School at 38...... Too old?

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Hey everyone,

So I am just wondering if there are many others who decided to head back to school in their late 30's? I am a wife and a mom of 3 and nearing 40 and I finally fell like it is time to go back to school. I finally figured out what I wanna be when I grow up!!! Lol. I have some reservations and doubts though....in my ability to get back into studying, spending the next 4-5 years in school, my ability to be a good mom and be there for everyone and still get passing grades! I also have some anxieties about taking the nursing program in French even though I am English. I am bilingual, but still think it may be more then I can handle doing it in French. The problem being, if I wait to take the program in English I will have to wait until next fall.......and.....well I am no spring chicken and really want to start sooner rather than later! Any thoughts or advice?

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I'm 30 but my study buddy is 45... It's never too late to follow your dreams!! The French does sound a little daunting. Is there anyway you could take a medical terminology class in French to help get you prepared? Good luck with school!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I started when I was 38 as well. Go for it.I was far from the youngest in my class.You are brave to take it in French. I would just wait.Best of luck.

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I'm not sure if there is a medical terminology class, will have to look into that! I think I may have to study twice as long and twice as hard then if I were to take it in English! I agree that we are never too old to follow our dreams, I just can't help but laugh when I think that I will be nearing 45 by the time I get my bachelor's.......maybe a master's by the time I retire !?!?

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Any French nurses who have any thoughts on taking the program in French?

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Brave or crazy? Nice to know that many others went back to school later in life! It's encouraging :)

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Definitely not too old. Many of my classmates were in their mid to late 30s when I graduated last year. Nursing is a second career for many people. I have a couple of co-workers who are RPN's in their mid 40's who are back in school right now for their BScN. It's never too late.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

It took me 5 years in total and I finished my degree at age 37. Many other students were also in their 30's and some in their 40's during that time. Mature students tend to handle the course work and clinical placements with more ease than some of the younger students.

Don't let age discourage you in any way. Good luck!

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I started around your age as well and didnt want to wait it out in Canada and get on a waiting list etc...so ended up going to get my LPN in the US in Washington State in 2003 when they just first starting doing BSN only in BC. Then I got into a second year RN program with an LPN license and finished in 2006. I then got a job in Arizona as an RN and my work paid for me to complete my BSN. I then continued on and at 46 finished a Masters in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner. It is NEVER too late!!!!! When I started pre-reqs my son was 2. He is now 13 and my older son is 15. But i have education and experience. I don't regret it. It has given me opportunities and in part did it as my hubby was in IT and lost his job. When I started nursing school he also developed a chronic health condition so it has been invaluable to us. You NEVER know when you will need it. I encourage you to move forward. I like you wanted to be a nurse since I was a toddler but never pursued it until I was older.

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It is never too late I am 30 and first year of LPN I love every min of it I didnt know what I wanted to do till last year it feels great when you go forward toward your dreams at least that is how I feel

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
Any French nurses who have any thoughts on taking the program in French?

I am a native French speaker, English is actually my second language (since kindergarten). I always attended English schools and naturally chose to go to nursing school in an English institution. However ALL my work experience back home was in French hospitals. Little bit of adjustment to translate everything but you get used to it.

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I think you are never too old to study. In nursing we are committed to constant and never ending learning. Nursing research is always expanding and growing. Techniques are changes and so are standards of practice in nursing. We are always studying. I think you have the benefit of maturity, which will help you excel provided you are organized and spend the time to study. You will be successful. Good luck and god bless you

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