38 too old for school?

scooterRN52 · 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 say, Go for it!!!! I was 38 when I went to LPN school, at that time I had 36

college credits toward my ADN degree at the community college. I finished w/ my associates degree in nursing when I was 41 years old, I wish that I stayed in school and got my masters, but I didn't, now I am 55 and the desire to go back to school is there, but taking classes and working full time

on a stepdown unit is not easy, so I have never attained my BSN.

Once you turn 50 your priorities in life change, I have afamily member who is a CRNA and she is happy w/ her decision. You are still young while your in

your 30's and 40's, and you have a supportive family so you should do it,

and be willing to work and study hard.

Good Luck!!!!!!

:)

parveen Memon · Feb 7, 2005

Akjanarn

I think you canstill join nursing. its not late. go ahead and best of luck

MFlash · Feb 7, 2005

I am 57 and will not complete my RN until I am 58. I still plan to go on and get my BSN and if possible a FNP. It has been hard for me but it is worth it. Never quit anything because of what the "norm" is. It is those of us outside of the "norm" that makes the "norn" norm. Good Luck.

Hey Bluebirdinc

I am happy to see there is someone out there older than I am. Thanks! I'm 50. I am on the waiting list but I am taking the patho class now so I'm making progress. (the school fills the empty slots with people on the waiting list) I've been in the process of sitching from the finance world for two years now.

Have a great day.

MFlash

DirtBikeMomma · Feb 7, 2005

You are definitely not too old! My mother in law as 51 when she went back to school to become an RN. If you feel led to do this, and if you've prayed about it and feel this is where God is leading you, then go for it! I am 37 and will be almost 39 when I graduate with a BSN (Go Penn State!). I have two elementary school aged children, so childcare is a constant juggle/struggle. But like you, I am blessed to have a wonderful husband. Definitely couldn't do it without him. A word to the wise, though: prepare him for the fact that your house won't be clean again for a few years! :rotfl: Clinicals, readings, paperwork, classes will take priority, and heck, the dust won't be going anywhere anyway!

Have fun, enjoy yourself! You will have a wonderful opportunity to bless others and be blessed in return.

Best wishes!

Michelle in PA

Diahni · Feb 7, 2005

RE:Now I am 55 and the desire to go back to school is there, but taking classes and working full time

on a stepdown unit is not easy, so I have never attained my BSN.

Once you turn 50 your priorities in life change.

Good Luck!!!

Everyone,

While I thought school at 51 would be hard, I look around me and see how the younger students are juggling so much. One has four young kids, some have husbands out of work, and have a hard time getting the money together, and so on. With kids and a job, when is there time to study? One morning, I almost threw in the towel, and my 14 year old daughter said to me, "Remember how you told me all the best things are hard?" Don't forget you can finish your BSN online - it's worth looking into. Of course, you can't do clinicals online, but if you are already a nurse, you could do it.

Diahni

Pleaides · Feb 7, 2005

Just do it! If you don't you will regret it later. You will certainly get older, but not neccesarily wiser unless you take that path. The old retirement age of 65 will recede until retirement is 70, 75, 80. That is a lot of years to work.

I will graduate 01 May as an ADN (BFA, 1974) and will go on to University for a BSN. I'll be 54 on 4/17. Learning does not stop just because you hit a certain age. Don't let the naysayers, even the ones inside your head, tell you not to.

dragon5282001 · Feb 7, 2005

I am just finishing nursing college I have been taking 18 credit per semester. I also am on the Deans list. I am 43 with 2 teenage boys 18 and 16. This is a career change for me. With a supportive family you should do well. Be true to yourself.

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.

pappyr · Feb 7, 2005

I'm 67 just got my CNA and am still working on the prerecs for nursing. Next semester when I'm in the second semester of Anatomy & Physiology I can apply for nursing school. If you think 38 is too old it is.

azgal40 · Feb 7, 2005

I am 36 and just started my second semester of prereqs. I enrolled last summer on my birthday as a gift to myself. I work full time and have three kids. I started classes about 12 or 13 years ago but due to family and money issues could not continue. I have regretted every day since then that I didn't finish. It really never occurred to me until last year that I could still do it. Finally one day I realized that like everybody says, I am going to be the same age whether I do this or not, that is what really inspired me to go for it. I don't want to spend the rest of my life with regrets so I am on my way! You can do it too. Best of luck:)

Kim

pie123 · Feb 7, 2005

Well, I heard someone answer that question once with THIS question.....
How old will you be in 4 years if you DON'T go to school?
The same age, as if you do go, right?

True! I like that! :wink2:

Goodmare · Feb 7, 2005

You are absolutely NOT TOO OLD. I was an attorney for 22 years, and hated every minute. Did an ADN program so I could get out into the work world and never looked back. I will be 50 in may and am thinking about BSN and CRNA.

You can do whatever you set your mind to, you go girl!!!!!!

ABD FL RN · Feb 7, 2005

The average age of a nurse nowadays is late forties! So you'd fit right in. Sounds like your friend feels old for her age. I work with a 67 year old nurse who works rings around the nurses in their 20s! Age is relative today. If you're sick and got underlying medical problems, that's one thing, but if you're healthy you have a long life ahead of you. You haven't even reached midlife yet. If George W. has his way we won't be able to "retire" until mid-seventies by the time you get there!