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?

Specializes in Home Care.

It's not my age that's the issue.

The issue is lack of jobs.

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Specializes in Surgical, OB, ER.

Definitely not too old! I am 45 and have just finished my first year of RPN! We have two kids in college and one still at home. It is busy but I love it. And just to encourage you further this year's graduating class had a lady who turned 52.

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Lots of different age groups in my class...i think that nursing is a second profession for a lot of people, and there tends to be people over 30, so I wouldn't feel discouraged! I worked long shifts before I became a nurse, and shift work, so for me I was not shocked by the workload, or the long days on my feet, or having to do some nights (Im in my 30's). I have found that some younger people in their 20's feel quite overwhelmed by the longer days, harder work, as they had not yet experienced this yet, as they went right into nursing school with no other, for lack of a better way to put it, life experience. It is an advantage to be younger, as you naturally have more energy for the most part, however I feel like the mental/emotional toll is easier, as usually a lot of people 35+ have encountered many different types of situations and people, had to think on their feet quite a bit, and make important decisions, and have (sometimes) an easier time adjusting to the nurse lifestyle. Obviously this is general, and there are exceptions to everything!

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Specializes in Hospice.

Don't be discouraged if it's something you want to do. I'm 49, will turn 50 in August right before my RN program starts. I intend to work up to my 70s so that gives me 18 years of nursing once I graduate. If you are fit and able, the rigors of the profession won't be any different, as a matter of fact, may be better for you than if you have a desk job. One thing I know from experience is that keeping my body moving is beneficial to how I feel phsyically. I say go for it, how could I not say that? I am, and no one can talk me out of it, I've worked at it for two years doing pre reqs and co reqs, so I'm ready for this journey.

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Specializes in Surgical, OB, ER.

I also think being older is a good thing. We lost students because they were young and immature and college was much harder than they were prepared for. That being said, there are some sweet wonderful young ladies in our program who will make great nurses. I would have to say about 1/3 of our class is married...some with children some not. I am very excited to graduate next year and fulfill a life long dream. And I plan to bridge to RN within a few years. I would like to take courses online through Athabasca and then I can enter the third year of the BScN at Algonquin (through University of Ottawa). Anyway, if nursing is your dream: go for it!!

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Just sayin but notice how everyone saying age doesn't matter etc etc are mostly people who are still in school. School is a totally different ball game than the real thing. 5 years of bedside nursing has been hard on my 31 year old body( and I workout regularly). I can't imagine how it would effect an older person.

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Specializes in Hospice.

The average age for nurses in the states is around fifty years old. That means alot of nurses must be alot older than that, so I'm of the mind that if they can do it, so can I! Good luck to you!:D

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I am on your side I am in Nursing school and I am 51, If I can do it you can do it. It is hard juggling life and home and school. The Bible says All things are possible through Christ. If you make Christ your foundation you can do it.

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I am on your side I am in Nursing school and I am 51 If I can do it you can do it. It is hard juggling life and home and school. The Bible says All things are possible through Christ. If you make Christ your foundation you can do it.[/quote']

Lol serious ??

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I am on your side I am in Nursing school and I am 51, If I can do it you can do it. It is hard juggling life and home and school. The Bible says All things are possible through Christ. If you make Christ your foundation you can do it.

I am glad you have faith.

But Christ is not going to write CRNE or CPNRE for you.

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The average age for nurses in the states is around fifty years old. That means alot of nurses must be alot older than that, so I'm of the mind that if they can do it, so can I! Good luck to you!:D

This is the Canadian Forum. The average age is mid 40s.

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Specializes in Hospice.
This is the Canadian Forum. The average age is mid 40s.

In terms of age that's not much! Is there a rule I missed somewhere that we aren't allowed to post in the Canadian forum and only in our own country's forum? Just wondering if I missed it? In any event, a little encouragement goes a long way and regardless of what country someone is from I am all about encouraging someone to follow their dreams!

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