38 too old for school?

ABD FL RN · Feb 7, 2005

PS, I hate to tell you this, but you are required to keep on learning in the nursing profession if you expect to keep up. Also, with your background, you could go into legal nurse consulting, or be in the risk management department.

pegRN55 · Feb 7, 2005

Hi all! I am 38, married, two (2) children, ages 15 and soon to be 13 (boys). I have my AAS Degree. I am currently a Corporate Paralegal. I just started doing CRNA's employment agreements three (3) years ago. Three (3) years ago I want to started nursing school and too be honest I was scared of "starting over". Now I am ready. I have a lot of prereqs., but I a fine with that. I start in Feb. My husband who is also my BEST FRIEND is extremely supportive and our children are amazing and supportive. I haven't mentioned it to one (1) person at work. When I am doing an employment agreement for one of the groups we represent I work directly with the Chief and President of Anesthesiology for surgical corp. He is affliated with major hospitals in my area. I know that he would be happy to know that he played a major role in regard to me wanting to become a CRNA. I haven't told him because he is one of my boss' clients. I was think about getting a job in a hospital, so that I could work until 3 or 4 the latest. Right now I have to work until 5:00pm and I cannot change my schedule not even for school. Back to my question. One (1) of my friends that I told said, that I was too old to begin and by the time I graduate with my RN degree I will be 41 at least. That is true I most likely will be 41 because I am going part-time. What do you think? I have prayed on it. God bless.

I did not go back to nursing until I was 30. I am going to get my MSN this spring at 49. I was worried also. But, you're going to be 38 with or without your degree. I waited because I was told I wasn't smart enough. I told this counselor at my class reunion that if he ever needs a hypo, I would ablige. Hang in there. I couldn't have done this without the support of my husband and family. Good luck. Lived experience is your advantage.

LLynne50 · Feb 7, 2005

Hey,

38 is definitely not too old to go back to school. I am in a BSN program trying to get my nursing degree. I am currently an LPN and I am older than 38. I also work full time. If I can do it so can you....

So go for it ...... :rotfl:

RicksNurse · Feb 7, 2005

Hi.

I am 54 and I will graduate in May with an RN diploma. I am more than happy to have this chance and even if I only work for the next 12 years as a nurse, at least they will be good ones and not in some corporate office whose main focus is money and how to make more of it.

Also, if I want, I can also work part time after retirement and still have an enjoyable job- not have to bag groceries or greet at Wal-mart.

I admit it has been tough- but that was because I worked full-time and school part-time. It was not juggling the work load of school- it was juggling the 2 opposite foci. My kids are grown and soooo supportive. My husband is becoming the best chef, cook and clothes washer in the world. I was able to let go of perfection and now love to watch him grow as he has let me grow in so many ways.

This has been the best ( and most hectic) time of my life. But the rewards are many, not the least is the admiration in my granddaughters' eyes as they tell me that they have told their friends about my going back to school.

:Melody:

Trvln Nurse, RN · Feb 7, 2005

Hi all! I am 38, married, two (2) children, ages 15 and soon to be 13 (boys). I have my AAS Degree. I am currently a Corporate Paralegal. I just started doing CRNA's employment agreements three (3) years ago. Three (3) years ago I want to started nursing school and too be honest I was scared of "starting over". Now I am ready. I have a lot of prereqs., but I a fine with that. I start in Feb. My husband who is also my BEST FRIEND is extremely supportive and our children are amazing and supportive. I haven't mentioned it to one (1) person at work. When I am doing an employment agreement for one of the groups we represent I work directly with the Chief and President of Anesthesiology for surgical corp. He is affliated with major hospitals in my area. I know that he would be happy to know that he played a major role in regard to me wanting to become a CRNA. I haven't told him because he is one of my boss' clients. I was think about getting a job in a hospital, so that I could work until 3 or 4 the latest. Right now I have to work until 5:00pm and I cannot change my schedule not even for school. Back to my question. One (1) of my friends that I told said, that I was too old to begin and by the time I graduate with my RN degree I will be 41 at least. That is true I most likely will be 41 because I am going part-time. What do you think? I have prayed on it. God bless.

As everyone else says, you're never too old. Most nurses are in their 30's & 40's now. I didn't graduate with my BSN until I was 37. There is plenty of work. I do recommend one thing before anyone starts....go interview nurses who have been in the field for years: Find out what the job is really like in the area you want to practice. Nursing practice is totally not what I thought it was as a student. I also recommend to anyone that is going to go to school or soon to graduate: Be very picky about your first job! Don't panic about a slow job market or that you don't have experience. Take your time and be picky as your first job will direct your nursing career. Let's face it....there is a nursing shortage...so you should be the one directing your opportunities. Good luck to you.

illneverbe40 · Feb 7, 2005

you are never too old to further your education if that is what you wanna do.I am also in my late 30's (hence the name illneverbe40). Do what you want, when you want, how you want, you are your own person, to hell what everyone else says!!!....Kelley :chuckle

, married, two (2) children, ages 15 and soon

to be 13 (boys). I have my AAS Degree. I am currently a Corporate Paralegal. I just started doing CRNA's employment agreements three (3) years ago. Three (3) years ago I want to started nursing school and too be honest I was scared of "starting over". Now I am ready. I have a lot of prereqs., but I a fine with that. I start in Feb. My husband who is also my BEST FRIEND is extremely supportive and our children are amazing and supportive. I haven't mentioned it to one (1) person at work. When I am doing an employment agreement for one of the groups we represent I work directly with the Chief and President of Anesthesiology for surgical corp. He is affliated with major hospitals in my area. I know that he would be happy to know that he played a major role in regard to me wanting to become a CRNA. I haven't told him because he is one of my boss' clients. I was think about getting a job in a hospital, so that I could work until 3 or 4 the latest. Right now I have to work until 5:00pm and I cannot change my schedule not even for school. Back to my question. One (1) of my friends that I told said, that I was too old to begin and by the time I graduate with my RN degree I will be 41 at least. That is true I most likely will be 41 because I am going part-time. What do you think? I have prayed on it. God bless.

been there · Feb 7, 2005

Hi all! I am 38, married, two (2) children, ages 15 and soon to be 13 (boys). I have my AAS Degree. I am currently a Corporate Paralegal. I just started doing CRNA's employment agreements three (3) years ago. Three (3) years ago I want to started nursing school and too be honest I was scared of "starting over". Now I am ready. I have a lot of prereqs., but I a fine with that. I start in Feb. My husband who is also my BEST FRIEND is extremely supportive and our children are amazing and supportive. I haven't mentioned it to one (1) person at work. When I am doing an employment agreement for one of the groups we represent I work directly with the Chief and President of Anesthesiology for surgical corp. He is affliated with major hospitals in my area. I know that he would be happy to know that he played a major role in regard to me wanting to become a CRNA. I haven't told him because he is one of my boss' clients. I was think about getting a job in a hospital, so that I could work until 3 or 4 the latest. Right now I have to work until 5:00pm and I cannot change my schedule not even for school. Back to my question. One (1) of my friends that I told said, that I was too old to begin and by the time I graduate with my RN degree I will be 41 at least. That is true I most likely will be 41 because I am going part-time. What do you think? I have prayed on it. God bless.

I started college for a BSN at 45 years old, married, 3 sons (Jr.High,2 in High School). It took me 5 years and we ate a lot of bologna sandwiches, all 3 sons were in college at the same time I was. We all made it. Your age has nothing to do with it. Just remember, if you didn't learn the metric system like I didn't when I went to regular school start learning it now!!! If you follow your heart you can get through anything.

tizmonster · Feb 7, 2005

My question is...can we clone you? We need compassionate, level headed, critical thinkers - and you now know what you want to do. CRNA's is about as complex a nursing path as you can find. I wish you well.

vickster · Feb 7, 2005

Hi all! I am 38, married, two (2) children, ages 15 and soon to be 13 (boys). I have my AAS Degree. I am currently a Corporate Paralegal. I just started doing CRNA's employment agreements three (3) years ago. Three (3) years ago I want to started nursing school and too be honest I was scared of "starting over". Now I am ready. I have a lot of prereqs., but I a fine with that. I start in Feb. My husband who is also my BEST FRIEND is extremely supportive and our children are amazing and supportive. I haven't mentioned it to one (1) person at work. When I am doing an employment agreement for one of the groups we represent I work directly with the Chief and President of Anesthesiology for surgical corp. He is affliated with major hospitals in my area. I know that he would be happy to know that he played a major role in regard to me wanting to become a CRNA. I haven't told him because he is one of my boss' clients. I was think about getting a job in a hospital, so that I could work until 3 or 4 the latest. Right now I have to work until 5:00pm and I cannot change my schedule not even for school. Back to my question. One (1) of my friends that I told said, that I was too old to begin and by the time I graduate with my RN degree I will be 41 at least. That is true I most likely will be 41 because I am going part-time. What do you think? I have prayed on it. God bless.

Good grief, why would a friend say that??? You're going to be 41 ANYWAY, you may as well have a degree and a job you love. Poke your friend in the eye, she's just jealous.

I35rn · Feb 7, 2005

Hi all! I am 38, married, two (2) children, ages 15 and soon to be 13 (boys). I have my AAS Degree. I am currently a Corporate Paralegal. I just started doing CRNA's employment agreements three (3) years ago. Three (3) years ago I want to started nursing school and too be honest I was scared of "starting over". Now I am ready. I have a lot of prereqs., but I a fine with that. I start in Feb. My husband who is also my BEST FRIEND is extremely supportive and our children are amazing and supportive. I haven't mentioned it to one (1) person at work. When I am doing an employment agreement for one of the groups we represent I work directly with the Chief and President of Anesthesiology for surgical corp. He is affliated with major hospitals in my area. I know that he would be happy to know that he played a major role in regard to me wanting to become a CRNA. I haven't told him because he is one of my boss' clients. I was think about getting a job in a hospital, so that I could work until 3 or 4 the latest. Right now I have to work until 5:00pm and I cannot change my schedule not even for school. Back to my question. One (1) of my friends that I told said, that I was too old to begin and by the time I graduate with my RN degree I will be 41 at least. That is true I most likely will be 41 because I am going part-time. What do you think? I have prayed on it. God bless.

:balloons: You need to tell this person that you are never too old to do this. I was 38 when I returned to college to get my BSN. I figured that I would be 41 in three years if I did or did not go to school. So what did I have to lose? I am now in my early 60's and am going for my masters in nursing education. Don't let someone else rain on your parade!! :Melody:

RetiredMSN · Feb 8, 2005

Hello AKANARN,

Age has nothing to do with it. 1st, do you really want to be an RN more than anything? 2nd, do you have the ability to finish the education and do the work? And 3rd, do you understand that it is hard work, though rewarding? If all those are yeses, then go for it. At first, the stress will about kill you, but hang in there; after you settle down, you'll do just fine. Be sure to get all the help you need, keep your nose to the grindstone, keep your goals in mind, and the Lord will see you through. Oh yes, & go for the BSN.

This worked for me. I started work on my Master's at the age of 48, a yr. after my husband died. I was far from being the oldest, and after I saw I could learn and study again, found myself really enjoying being in school again.

So, go girl! It happens all the time. Blessings. RetiredMSN:coollook:

M Canary, NWA · Feb 8, 2005

I am a former Director of Export Operations and Assistant Treasurer for an American subsidiary of a major Japanese company. Today I am a 45 year old Nursing Student. I often refer to myself as a "Corporate Burnout". If you're not enjoying what you do, and there is something you want to do, then you do it. Otherwise you're just waiting to die. Very sad to think that we can set such boundaries on ourselves such as giving up on growth because you're a certain age. We are HERE to grow and learn, not wait! Even if you graduate at 75, and you spend only one day being a great nurse to one person, and make a difference in that one life, well, maybe that's what your life is leading up to. Don't ever let anyone try to convince you to give up on your life's desires. So throw your friend a Prozac or two, give her the name of a good therapist, and get to work at it!