too old to become a nurse?

Nurses General Nursing

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I just turned 49. My youngest is 16, he's got two years left in HS. I have been in office administrative positions seemingly forever, and I want to become an RN. Everyone I tell looks at me as if I have lost my marbles. I want to do something that matters, not just collect a paycheck. Am I too old to have the education, money and time spent in school recouped? I figure I have at least 17 years (if I retire at 67). Too late to start a totally different career? Also, since time is of the essence, would an ADN be ok?

46 here and graduating in two months. An accelerated BSN might be faster for you if you already have a bachelor's degree. One year and a couple months versus two years for most ADN programs, and most community college ADN programs have a waiting list of a year or two, sometimes more. No way are you too old. Older students are usually very self-disciplined students and I'm not noticing a difference in stamina. Good luck!

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HI

I don't feel your too old to become a nurse-I started LPN school in Feb-will graduate in March 09-Now for my age-I am 64-Am I too old-my instructors don't think so-I'm doing my clinicals and keeping up with all the "young" students-our class ranges in ages from 19-64-When I start working I'll be 65-quite obviously not my first career but one I have wanted to do for a long time-When will my student loans be paid off-when I'm 75-Go for it and enjoy the ride-it's worth it.:nurse:

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Specializes in med/surg, ER.

Too old?? Never!! I will be 51 when I graduate in the Spring. I say go for it! Having some life experience is a good thing:)

Ann

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Go for it! I just started nursing school (ADN)this month @ 53. It was scary to start the pre-reqs but after realizing a lot of the students were going back for second careers, I was not the oldest and really have enjoyed it. If you want it, you will inspire a lot of other people. At first, many thought I was nuts, but that was ok. Now I have quite a large cheering section! Even my grandson knows I go to school! Follow your heart :heartbeat you will not regret it!!

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I went back to nursing school at 52. Got the LPN at 53 and now almost (waiting on the boards) the RN at 55. Starting school for a BSN in Sept '09.

You're gonna age anyway. Do it doing something you wanna do.

Hi,

I just turned 34 (yesterday) and I made the final decision, after a couple years of dancing around it, to go to nursing school. i am thinking of doing exactly what you have done... lpn, rn, bsn. I have a 1 & 2 year old at home, so i need to fast track as much as possible. Starting with the LPN, I think, is the best way to do this. having done it already, would you agree? is there anything I need to know (certification, licensure issues) when choosing the LPN program?

thanks so much!!!

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Hello

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I just turned 49. My youngest is 16, he's got two years left in HS. I have been in office administrative positions seemingly forever, and I want to become an RN. Everyone I tell looks at me as if I have lost my marbles. I want to do something that matters, not just collect a paycheck. Am I too old to have the education, money and time spent in school recouped? I figure I have at least 17 years (if I retire at 67). Too late to start a totally different career? Also, since time is of the essence, would an ADN be ok?

There is no way you are too old to start nursing school!!! My best friend who just graduated with me is 59!!! I think she is the greatest person on earth!! So don't pay attention to what anybody says, if you feel like that's your dream go for it!!!

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You are not to old to become a nurse!! I am 46 and just passed my NCLEX-PN exam and plan to go back for RN in January......I had a lady that was 51 doing LPN, also I know a 60 year old who just passed the NCLEX-RN.

You are never to old to do something that will make a difference.:yeah:

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Do NOT squash your dream due to others opinions!!! Go for it - you can achieve your dreams!!!

I am 38 and graduated in May. I even failed out my 3rd semester due to both of my parents having serious illnesses I had a 74. whatever and needed a 75. It really stung for a couple weeks. However, I hiked up my boots and got back on that pony.

This is your life and your chance to make a difference, no matter how old you are chase your dreams!!

Good luck to a future RN!!

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Specializes in Operating Room, Med-Surg, Home Care.

:nurse::nurse:ABSOLUTELY NOT TOO OLD!!

As someone who was close to 40 when I graduated nursing school, let me tell you, your age is an ADVANTAGE! You have the life experience and ability to empathize with your patients. You have greater emotional strength and wisdom to face challenges in life, and nursing school is something that demands focus. You have mastered the challenges of youth and can devote this time in your life to expand your horizons and become an RN. I found it easier to go in middle age because your twentys have so many distractions. DO IT!! Your family will be proud.:yeah:

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I work with a lady that started nursing school at 50. She was in a non-medical field before she started. She is an awesome nurse! :nurse:GO FOR IT!:nurse:

Also...when she started nursing school one of her instructors told her she was too old. She ended up graduating the top of her class.

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