38 too old for school?

emtmoon1 · Jan 20, 2005

I too felt that I was over the hill with regards to starting again. I'm 44, male, and 3 years into a new career - nursing. I've just been accepted into anesthesia school starting in May. In my opinion you are never too old to pursue something that will make you happy. You have far more to gain than you have to lose. GO FOR IT!

Toby's mum · Jan 20, 2005

Motivation, determination and perserverance have no limits when you set your heart on something that really matters to you--age is not a factor.

This is not saying that you won't feel more tired than some of your younger colleagues every once in a while--but if you plan to get in shape now i.e. eat healthier, exercise, get adequate rest etc.--you will be well-prepared for the intensive study required for CRNA school.

The experiences related via this board of current SRNAs and CRNAs demonstrate that CRNA school can be successfully completed despite the young age of some individuals :rotfl:

nursepolly · Jan 20, 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.

You are never too old! So what if it takes you three years....in three years you will be 41, regardless of what you choose. Might as well go after what you want. ( I went back when I was 41 to finish out my nursing). So go for it!

abundantjoy07, RN · Jan 21, 2005

I can tell by your kind spirit and sweet heart that you definately have what it takes to be a nurse! Your future patients will love you. Please don't give up on your dreams no matter what they are...

bjn_tlc_lvn · Jan 21, 2005

hi...

you are never too old to learn. I got my nursing license when I was 38 and i have no regrets... I was a Nursing Assistant then a CNA then a HHA and now a proud LVN/LPN. I learned how to respect my CNAs since I was in their shoes at one time or another. I want more education..the nursing profession is always changing and there is alot of information out there to be obtained. Good luck with your new found career...it is rewarding at it's best...and don't give up just cause it gets alittle difficult. ( I found that out the hard way, how easy it is to give up..less I didn't).

FNimuaeMae · Jan 21, 2005

One of my coworkers has finally gone back to school at my urging and she is working on her 3rd semester of prereqs part time and she is 48. One of the guys in my ADN class was 54 when we all graduated in 1999. GO FOR IT!

Missy:coollook:

imenid37 · Jan 21, 2005

I am 39 and hope to pursue my MSN sometime in the near future after I pay off some bills. Sometimes I feel a little "old". It's been almost 18 years since I recieved my ADN and 15 since I got my BSN. I always did well in school, but I fear not doing as well since I've been away for so long. My biggest fear is wasting time and not doing what I want. So to you and me both, I say get to it ASAP! I think half of my classmates in nursing school were old enough to be my parents. They did very well and you will too. Nursing is certainly about being book smart. I had that going for me when I started way back then. It is also about being life smart and the older students definitely had the edge there. Best of luck to you!!! I have to say also I just smile whenever I see Trauma Tom's name on a post. He seems like such a very nice guy and a real inspiration.

busylynn · Jan 21, 2005

38, to old!!!! NO WAY!!!!!! Do it!!!!It sounds like everything and everybody is on your side! Now sounds like a good time for you. I am 38, married with a 10 yr. old and an 8 yr. old and I am doing it. Get back in there and gor for it!!! If not you may always regret it. Good luck!!!!!

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.

DR2004RN · Jan 21, 2005

38 is not too old to start a new career. I graduated in May and maybe 2 of the students in my class were 20 somethings. Everyone else had some life experience behind them. You have the support of your husband and children, and they are the people that matter most. If you this is what you really want then don't let age stop you. The person who said that you are too old, was only expressing their opinion, not the opinion of everyone. Don't let one person's opinion hold you back from doing something that you want. Good luck to you and I wish you sucess in your chosen career.

betsyMT2003 · Jan 21, 2005

At my school, 38 is the average age of the nursing students, so I guess I'm right on track - just turned 38 in December, and I certainly don't consider myself too old for this! When you stop and think about all the working years ahead of us, wouldn't you rather be spending them in a job that you really want to do? That's how I'm looking at it anyway... This is my first semester back in school, and I pushed off the nursing courses until the fall so that I could spend this semester and the summer semester working on A&P, micro, and sociology, all of which I never took my first time around in college. I absolutely can't wait to begin the nursing courses in the fall! Best of luck to you as you pursue your dream!

LydiaNN · Jan 21, 2005

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.

Some "friend". And how old will you be in three years if you don't pursue this dream? In some ways, it will be a little easier now than it would have been for you in your 20s, b/c your boys are older. I say go for it!

akanarn · Jan 21, 2005

I too felt that I was over the hill with regards to starting again. I'm 44, male, and 3 years into a new career - nursing. I've just been accepted into anesthesia school starting in May. In my opinion you are never too old to pursue something that will make you happy. You have far more to gain than you have to lose. GO FOR IT!

emtmoom1-as you can see I like to respond to everyone individual for the simple fact, that everyone has taken time out for ME. Thanks so much. Sometimes it is overwhelming when you think about it----so like nike says---JUST DO IT (SMILE). Thanks again