38 too old for school?

Specialties CRNA

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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.

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!

mercyteapot-you are right. It would have been extremely hard to do when my boys were younger. Good way to look at it. Plus I am much more mature now. Thanks! Love you name.

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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!

betsymt2003-we are in the same boat. With all the encouragement with the posting. We can do it! I am so happy and excited. I am going to try to make the deans list. Best of luck to you as well. Praying for us!

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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.

Dr2004Rn-you are absolute right. My husband told me that I shouldn't let anyone effect my mood. What he means is that if I am happy, I shouldn't let anyone make me sad. That I should be in control. So--I am taking your advice and his. Thank you for your time and your reply.

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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!!!!!

busylynn-So you know what's its like with children 2 years apart (smile). Thanks! I appreciate it. Best of luck to you as well. May God bless your children.

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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.

imenid37-Yes I TramaTom seems to be a nice person and I appreciate his kind words. God is truly blessing him. YES-we can do it. We have to just remain focused right? (smile). Thank you for your time.

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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!

emtmoon1-Thanks. I wish you the best of luck. I appreciate your advice. Keep me posted on school. Thanks again. Going on 39 in September. (smile)

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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:

Thanks! You are right. I do take care of myself. My son and I ran a 1/2 marathon together last year (smile). I feel great. I am ready for this. Thanks sooooooooooooooooo much for your reply.

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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!

Nursepolly-Cute name! Thanks for the advice. You are right--you are only as old as you feel. Best of luck to you! Thanks for your time.

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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).

bjn tlc lvn-Congratulations on your accomplishments! That is terrific. I am feeling wonderful about this. Thanks! Keep your fingers crossed for me (smile). Thanks!

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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...

BabyRn-from your mouth to Gods ears. THANK YOU. THAT MEANS A LOT OT ME. MORE THAN YOU KNOW.

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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:

FNimuaeMae-Gotta tell me about your name later (smile) unique and different (smile). WHAT A GREAT FRIEND YOU ARE. Thanks for the advice. I really want to achieve this and it seems as though I have had to pleasure of corresponding to some really uplifting people. I appreciate all the love I am getting.

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You certainly CAN do it, a big help to you will be, like others have said, that your kids are older, so more self sufficient, and you say your husband is your best friend? That'll make it all the better :) Plus you have the motivation, and that's half the battle right there! I'm in my 3rd semester, graduating in Dec 05, will turn 37 that month too... divorced with 3 kids. What propels me? My desire to be a nurse and my kids!! Good luck to you, it's really an exciting and fun time for you!!!! Theresa

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