29 too old to start nursing school?

[SeeTheMoon]

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!

[GypsyRose911]

I am 30 and just finished all of my pre-reqs, about to start my nursing program in the fall. In my opinion most of the older students I see are more determined because they have life experience as well as real work experience. There are students of all ages. Going back to school is a great thing and even though it can be hard, you are making a greater future for you and your family. Good luck on your journey!

[Femlatina]

I was asking myself the same question not to long ago. I work in a mental hospital and we get nursing students doing the psych rounds and I saw this man that look to be in his 50th doing his rounds and I tought to myself if he can do it anyone can. So do think your to old, you are never to old to better yourself.

[mharper]

Hey everyone , it is never too late I'm 40 and have decided to go to LPN.Iv'e been a RMA for 12 yrs and has been my dream to be a real nurse.I'm studying for my GED and my TEAS test. Iv'e got 4 kids and 2 grandkids my two boys still at home are 16 and 11. If nursing is in your heart and you have the determination you can do it.

[quinnsite]

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

I am a 40 year old father of two (7 and 4 years old) who is finishing up his pre-reqs for the nursing program. This will be my second career and hopefully last! My only regret is having not made the decision sooner! Good luck!

[OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN]

Hi, I am 29 myself and just started back last year. I had almost all of my pre-req's done and then got pregnant with a son and then actually had one another son and just started back. It's hard but I honestly don't know if I would have made it before having kids. I am so much more determined, confident, and self-disciplined now. My priorities are so different now and my mind isn't clouded over partying or fights with boyfriends (happily married now) So my focus is on it 100% The only frustrating thing is people in class will cry, whine and complain about having time to study and it drives me nuts because no one gets how much time you really have before kids until you don't have it anymore. Sometimes I actually have to pick-do i wanna take a shower or study? try for my few hours of sleep or study? but i know it will all be worth it and its such a short amount of time in the long run

[racquetmom]

I look at it as not how old I am, but how many years will I be working as a nurse when I finish. Look at your social security statement to see what your age is for a full SS. Yes, assuming it is still there....ha ha. I start the program this Aug. at 44yrs and when completed that leaves me working over twenty plus years yet. Now, that is a scary thought. By the time I get to be around sixty the recommended age for retirment will probably be 75. I agree with never to old to learn or start something new.

[SkyMeadow]

Hello,

your never too old to go back to school :)

I just turned 35 and I just started back to school in June for my pre req's. There are ladies older than me in my classes. My mom always told me "you can do whatever you put your mind to"

I am a single mother of a 7 and 8 year old girls and if I can do it you can do it. You might have to study harder than the "younger kids" in your class b/c your not just out of HS but thats okay. You can do it !

Good Luck to you !

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I just finished up my prereqs (I'm currently 28), hoping to start an ABSN this fall. I will be done by 29. I regret not starting nursing as I originally planned in HS, but grateful I'm finally on that path. We still have plenty of years to put in at least 25 years of nursing.

[deleern]

I was 45 when I went back to college after selling my insurance agency. I worked full time nights as a NAR (for the health benefits) it took me 3 years to do the LPN and RN program I graduated at age 48 and have been doing LTC the whole time… that is the right pace for me. I love what I do. I have absolutely no regrets. I am now 51 years old and I am the ADON. and doing MDS.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

LMAO! Sorry, had to laugh at your belief that 29 is too old to start nursing school. Well, as you have seen there are many of us very much older than you that are starting the process (I am 41 right now and started my prereqs a year ago, hope to start a degree program next year). Never too late, if you want it go after it full force, and good luck to you!!

[bigeyes4]

Well, I am 57 and may start in the fall. I tried twice before. Am I foolish to think that I can do this? or should do this? My children are older and I am married. What do you think?

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day:

If I get accepted, I'll be 50 when I start nursing school.

Thank you.