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

World Canada

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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 Hospice.
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.

That's right, at least for me. I know prayer helped me to focus and prioritize. Different strokes for different folks.

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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!

Just goes to show how little you know about nursing in Canada.

There is a reason most nurses in their 50 and beyond are out of it.

Our pension plans allow nurses to leave after roughly 30-35 years of service with a full pension. Which makes nurses educated in the 1970s and '80s lucky people. They are out of the work force and may work one or two days a month or have gone on to other less physically demanding jobs.

We tend not to have multiple aides or techs on the floor like in the US. Our patients and all of their needs are our responsiblitiy. We are physically worn out by our mid-50s.

Take a look in any Canadian hospital and you will see how few nurses over 55 there are. Oh, but you can't because you aren't up here to over knowledge based advice.

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Specializes in Hospice.
Just goes to show how little you know about nursing in Canada.

There is a reason most nurses in their 50 and beyond are out of it.

Our pension plans allow nurses to leave after roughly 30-35 years of service with a full pension. Which makes nurses educated in the 1970s and '80s lucky people. They are out of the work force and may work one or two days a month or have gone on to other less physically demanding jobs.

We tend not to have multiple aides or techs on the floor like in the US. Our patients and all of their needs are our responsiblitiy. We are physically worn out by our mid-50s.

Take a look in any Canadian hospital and you will see how few nurses over 55 there are. Oh, but you can't because you aren't up here to over knowledge based advice.

I don't recall mentioning that I knew anything about nursing in Canada. I was just providing encouragement to a fellow person in my age range who is looking to expand her education. As I would to anyone looking to expand their knowledge and education. Canadian or American or British or Australian or Chinese or ...... But that's just me. Everyone has an opinion. That's what forums are for.

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I asked a simple question and have very much appreciated all of the comments. Whether they be from American or Canadian nurses. I do not see why snide comments need to be made. I think most people come here for support and to have their questions answered. You answered my question with your thoughts, why not leave it at that? You have gone on and on with your negativity, and frankly any further comments you may have, I have no interest in reading.

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If it is, then I'm SCREWED!! LOL! I'm 38, in my 2nd year of nursing school with three teenagers. I LOL when I read " I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up" statement because that's what I've been saying for the last 2 years. Go for it, it will be the most incredible, rewarding, empowering experience of your life!

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I started nursing school when I was 42(2008). I had a year off, so I graduated this year and I am going to be 48! I passed CRNE for first try. I got a job with AHS in the field that I wanted the most. Age is just a number. No, it actually gives you a deeper insight. If you are willing to learn new things, and appreciate the help from your colleagues, you will be fine. Don't listen to discouraging opinions. You know, we all live once so that we should do whatever make us happy!!

Oh, by the way, English is my second language. Learning in French sounds very exciting! Good for you!

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

Go for it. I graduated with a 56year old in my class.

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Specializes in AC, LTC, Community, Northern Nursing.

Someone in my graduating class was slmost 60 yrs old. I think 58 or 59. I say go for it

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

I finished nursing school @ 43, got hired right after graduation. Also graduated with a 63 year old, who was hired right along with me. We work together, she works circles around the 20-somethings who are too tired and preoccupied with texting. Being old is a state of mind, and neither one of us are there yet.

Sent from my iPad using allnurses.com

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I became a nurse at 52. You're too old when you're dead. I was about to add "or demented," but that might actually help.

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