too old to become a nurse?

[dingmanr2d2]

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?

[mikeicurn, ASN, RN]

I will add my voice to the choir. I am taking my pre-req's and will start the nursing program in t he Fall when I will be 43. Unlike some of the others I am by far the oldest in my classes. I have a girl in one class who is in her mid 30's, and she is the closest to me. I am not letting that bother me, I am just pushing on and getting through it. My boss's wife is graduating from an LPN program this December. I don't know her age but she is in her 60's. They want to retire in a few years and move closer to their kids, she is planning on getting a job in a nursing home when they do that. My sister retired from the police as a dispatcher when she was 38, then went on to nursing school. She is approaching 50 and just got her Masters. I think fitness is more important than age. I have started working out and trying to lose these extra lbs I am carrying. I figure if I can keep myself fit enough I can easily work another 25 years. Those years will pass regardless of what I am doing, so I am just going to pursue my goal.

Good luck!