38 too old for school?

SilentfadesRPA · May 27, 2006

You wrote "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. "

With all due respect get rid of or lessen the voice of this friend -- she sounds like a "friend of JOB" -- basically telling man who in his heart had faith to give it up -- it was over for him.

Since you prayed on this I believe you know the answer to the question you are asking and know you have an inner resource to get you through.

I went back to school when I was 32 -- I thought I was too old as well but as my friend said (I was complaining/whining that I would be 36 when finished) and he asked -- Marc -how old will you be in four years -- I said 36 -- and he said with or without your degree it is up to you. Then and there the plan was sealed for me.

Grandma Moses raised five children and then started painting when she was 70 sold her first at age 80ish and then really became accomplished and known at age 100.

You can do it -- you have a great army of support along with you

but most important --

with out a vision a man/woman will perish --

you have the vision now go for it -- !!

Marc

Diahni · May 27, 2006

Everybody,

I think we should all decide that being "too old" is a crock! One of the interesting things about women's lives compared to men is that the time line is less linear - children may change the career path, and so on. At 53, I'm excited about getting my RN next year. I would have never considered nursing when I was younger. Life's a journey with many many episodes. Modern healthcare has extended our lives. Maybe you're "too old" to become a gymnast, or a ballerina, but that's about it.

Diahni

MmacFN · May 27, 2006

hey Lizz

Good luck with whatever decision you make. Based on your consistant debate as to "if its worth it" the answer for you (at least) is that it isnt. No offence, you appear not to want it enough and are very focused on the economics of the situation.

Some of the points you mentioned are invalid.

1) You can have your entire CRNA program paid for by anesthesia groups, hospital systems etc. These are all highly negotiable contracts which can be quite good.

2) You could goto flordia and do a one year locum making near 250K for ONE YEAR.

At the end of the day, the economics are easily overcome unless you are trying to find excuses not to do it.

Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN · May 27, 2006

Well, how old are you going to be in 3 years? - if you don't go back to school.

Seems a little SILLY now, doesn't it?

That was not an original - it was from my husband, when I was expressing a doubt (or two) about going back to school. He pointed out that the clock kept going and only I could decide where I'd want to be at any time.

GOOD LUCK!

Tranman · May 28, 2006

Lizz, sounds like CRNA school is not for you. I do understand your logic. I have and will always tell people to not go to CRNA school for the money. It just happens to be a perk. I didn't realize that you didn't have your BSN yet and that would add some time. My situation was different than yours. When I decided to go to CRNA school, it wasn't a matter of structuring CRNA school around my life, it was the other way around. I structured my life around CRNA school. Had just gotten married 1 month before and move my wife and I across the country to the east coast. Sold my brand new Chevy Zr2 blazer and got rid of her Honda Passport as soon as the least was over. Bought a ford aspire $3500 and a Hyundai ascent $4500. Both had no AC. Lived in a 600 sq apartment. Only had furniture that her parents gave us and stuff bought at garage sale. Made due off of her $12/hr job and loans. We were happy then, and we are happy now. Point is we made sacrifices and now we enjoy the fruits of our labor.

To agree with your point, I could go back to Med school and become an anesthesiologist and make 2x the $, but it probably wouldn't be worth it financially. I didn't mean to sound harsh on you, but was just giving you some things to think about. None of us are getting any younger so just do what you think makes you happier. It's just a big bummer to waste time and back track that's all. Nothing against NPs, but it just doesn't compare.

30andconfused · May 29, 2006

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.

No you're not to old. But humm, why do you want to be a CRNA of all the specialities? Its not because you started doing their cases, it because you found out how much they make. Once you admit that, then you'll be ready to decide if its right for you. Only you no the answer to that, because you could do a lot of things in nursing...thats if you really wanted to be just a nurse period.

bobfnbw · May 31, 2006

Thanks Tom... was having the same worries, now no problems here.

Im a 21 year vet of ICU, been wanting to go to CRNA route the entire time but life had its challenges. Now I am going for it. Have to get my BSN first... (diploma RN here) but once that is over, it will be CRNA school.

I figure I will have 15 years or so of life as a CRNA before Im put out to pasture so.. I can give a lot in that time.

Thanks again for you post.

Bob

Akanarn,
This is a post I posted to some time ago concering someone who asked a similar question to yours concerning their age and CRNA school. Hope this helps.
After twenty years in the restaurant business, I changed careers and started Nursing school at 46. I had a previous bachelor's degree so I went through an ADN to finish and get working as fast as possible. After 4 semesters in an ADN program I passed my boards and started working in a SICU at a Level One Trauma center. While working full-time I worked on my BSN. I finish my BSN next month. I applied to 5 schools, interviewed at all five, was an alternate at 2 and accepted at 2. I will be starting my CRNA program a few months short of my 50th birthday! Can you do it? Absolutely! You just have to decide this is what you want to do. Forget worrying about your age. I was worried about it all during school until I interviewed. It was only an issue to me. They did not care. I have been in school for the last three years non stop and will soon be going full time for another 7 semesters. If this old ....
can do it at 50, you can certainly do it at 43. Good luck!!!
I am about to finish my 8th month of anesthesia school and love it. I do not consider my age to be a disadvantage at all.

Grayeagle · Jun 1, 2006

-evil grin-

The best revenge is living better than your enemies :)

That includes those who say 'you're too old, you're too -insert any other negative vibe here-')

I am 56, just got my LPN license, going thru hiring process with the VA Hospital here in Phx, AZ. I look forward to finishing my RN, and altho I know very little about all the opportunities in Nursing, CRNA does draw me.

I enjoy the challenge of Chemistry (taken years ago for one of my Associate Engineering degrees)..found out labs are a lot like cooking in the kitchen ..its all timing and correct amount to make it turn out right :)

I have had 2 dream jobs in my life (an airplane nut getting to work on airplanes in the USAF, and lead 3d video game artist for the best online air combat sim of the day, Air Warrior), and it very much looks like Nursing will be my 3rd.

Being there for someone in dire straits ..who needs *you* ..just pegs job satisfaction right off the scale. Winding down at the end of a day with the 'crew' ..

..I've only felt like that once before, during the Fall of Saigon, working with end of runway crew at Udorn-Thani to get our F-4's in the air.. every moment mattered, a mistake could be lethal, and we jammed as a team.

I look forward to meeting some of you Arizona types here an there as I go.

-Frank P. Williamson, LPN, AZ Lic# LP041957

Graduated Estrella skill center March 23rd, 2006

USAF Vietnam-Era Veteran

Wife and I cruised Central on our wedding nite, in our '67 Mustang, followed

by a parade of friends .. April 1971.. for a little while :)

She is my best friend (35 yrs and counting)

huganurse1203 · Jun 1, 2006

Heck No !!! I was 49 when I graduated from nursing school .. its a long road but well worth it..

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away ! :nurse:

pattymwrn · Jun 1, 2006

Hi,:balloons:

You are never to old to go back to school. I am 54yrs old and just graduated with a BSN.:mortarboard: It was a terrific experience!! At this point I feel too old to work on the floors with nurse, patient ratios being so high!!! Even feeling the way I do I am going to persue a job in a large teaching hospital cause that's what I've always dreamed of. Wish me luck!!! And the best of luck to you too!!!

Patty:nurse:

Daffodildeb · Jun 1, 2006

I just finished a "Refresher" class and am hoping to get a job in a clinic this Summer. Four of the other women in my "Refresher" class were in their 50's and the "baby" of the class was 38.

I am 47 and after 20 years of working in Librarianship, am very much looking forward to returning to Nursing.

wvccrn · Jun 2, 2006

Heck no!!! I started nursing school at 33. I was a stay at home mom with 4 kids. My husband was and is very supportive and encouraging. My intent all along was to be a CRNA. I went to work in a Trauma MSICU right out of school and worked on getting my BSN. But it took me 5 more years to get it. My kids did not suffer at all. They played all the sports and I went with them ,along with my homework. After putting in 10 years I applied to Anesthesia school and got in. My classes started this May 8th, on the 9th I celebrated my 48th birthday:biggringi :balloons: . I am the oldest in my class but so what. I am living my dream. My kids who are now in their mid-20s are very happy for me, and my husband can't wait until I am out so he can retire. He is an RN also. So Go for it and don't let anyone tell you that you are too old.