29 too old to start nursing school?

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Hey just wondering if there are any others out there who are getting a 'late' start! lol A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to go back to school for Nursing as honestly the medical field has always interested me. And I really do enjoy helping others, trite as that sounds. Then I found out I had a beatiful darling little boy on the way! (hiatus anyone?) and knew then that if I wanted to pursue it, I would have to wait. I told myself that if I was still interested and if God still willing, I would try again in a year.

Now he is 18 months, and I am really ready for this. I work full time (I work for the state of Ga, and its pretty dead end) I am married and with my son I know this is going to be really hard.

My question is really, is it 'frowned' upon so to say that I am starting journey so late? I know 29 is not old, but it seems that way in the world of careers. I guess I just need reassurance that I have not waited to late to start over!

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29 is definitely not too old to start! : ) First, the whole age things matters way less in this day and age. There are tons of people working later in life, and tons are making career changes later in life. You will find that there are people from 18 to 60 in your classes.

I am a little bit older than you and I just started in the fall of 09'. I have had a couple of professors say that it sometimes it is better to start a little later in life as one has a better chance of having their priorities together (that is not saying someone younger cannot, but someone older has a better chance of it). I currently hold a 4.0 gpa and I am working very hard for what I want. Additionally, my mother inlaw started later in life and she had no problem landing a job.

If it is something that you really want "GO FOR IT"!!! : ) It will not be easy, it may require more balancing and scheduling of time, it may require more giving up of extra time, but if it is what you want for you and your family than it will be worth it in the end!!! Good Luck!!!:):):)

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i totally agree with rb2000! i am quite a bit older than you (37 y/o) :eek: and i am not the oldest in my classes (i am starting my second semester of prerequisites). there is a mix of ages. i have found that the young student struggles more than the older student (at least in my classes). i think the life experiences that we have, by being an older student, helps us to relate or apply the material a little easier (plus we seem to have our priorities in place). my mother returned to school (35 years ago) at 34 y/o and had no problems getting a job, even way back then. knowing you are working full-time and have a little one at home, you may want to consider taking some of the prerequisites online. every program is different in their requirements. the application process at my community college is based on a point system. they reward you with an additional point (every single point counts!!) if you take 15+ hours with their institution. therefore, i chose to take my prerequisites through them.

i wish you luck!! if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask!!

sj:redbeathe

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

it most certainly isnt. ill be 27 this year and im just starting :) as long as you have the drive and enjoy it..then its fine :)

just beware..my class im taking now is full of 18/19 year olds..ugggh LOL

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I started my prereq when I was 29 turning 30. Now I will be 31 starting my first semester of nursing school this coming fall. There are lots of people in my class that are older than I am. You can do it, and don't ever think of yourself as being too old to start something new.

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I command you to go to school and follow your dreams. Age is never an obstacle, especially at 29. You have got to be kidding 29 you will still be the majority in class don't worry. Do it for your spouse, do it for your son, and most of all do it for you. Good Luck!!!!!!!!

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You guys are awesome, thank you so much. It does make me feel much better! I am so glad I came across this site and I have a feeling it will help be my driving force! I start my pre-reqs tomorrow actually so-whew!- no turning back now!

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Doodles Mom,

Your so cute, 29 is still so young! My best friends mom is in her second year of nursing school and she is 64! Honestly, its never too old to start. 29 is young as can be. Im sure youll get in and make a wonderful nurse...and congrats on your babyboy! Follow your dreams!

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Specializes in Infusion.

I'll be starting nursing school in the fall and I am 47. I was certainly not the oldest one in my pre-req classes either. I was so distracted when I was a 20 year old college student back in the 80s. Now I am able to fully concentrate on my classes.

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Doodle's mom, when I first started this journey called college I was so scared and skeptical about everything. I am a guy and I get discouraged all the time. I'm 6'5 and about 350 lbs and whenever I tell someone that I'm an aspiring nurse I get the laughs and giggles and the "yeah right" all the time. I am currently working out and trying to lose a lot of weight. I can't imagine life without pursuing my dream. The point is this is my dream and I will be a nurse because I will not stop at anything and will not let anyone stop me. You want to be a nurse so you will be a nurse. Tell yourself that and not worry about the small stuff like age. This site is also everything that is awesome. I love this site.

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Nope, Im 39. Go for it.

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Doodle's Mom - I am right there with you! I am 29 with a 3-yr-old and starting my prereqs next week. We can do this! :up:

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