Is 35 too old to start from Scratch?

caliotter3 · Jan 30, 2017

There are people in their 60's who become nurses and even get jobs as nurses and succeed. If you don't have the stamina for nursing school and nursing work, it does not matter how old you are, or are not.

Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2017

If your dream is to become a nurse, then do it! Dont let anything stop you from achieving your goals! However, I do think 35 is a bit on the older side. If I were you, I would start taking my prerequisite classes ASAP.

Age is relative. I thought 35 was old when I was 22. Now I'm 44, 35 is young. I'll be in my late 40s when I (hopefully) graduate. For me, it is an advantage to be older, because I am much calmer and more focused than I was in my 20s. Not saying somebody else in their 20s isn't focused or mature, but for me that's the case. I wouldn't have made a good nurse then. Now, I feel I will be. So, for me, it is not a case of being too old, it is a case of it being the perfect age.

The other thing to think is that you are going to age regardless of what you are doing, so you may as well follow your dreams...whatever they may be! :yes:

ReneeChatman · Jan 30, 2017

It is definitely not too old. I went back to nursing school at 45 and graduated at 48. I worked full time while going to school. You have to be very organized but if you are motivated you can definitely do it.

MeMyself-n-I · Jan 30, 2017

I start soon, Im 50, and disabled. (LPN) and I hope to go into BSN (bridge) program shortly after I finish this. As a Veteran I learned self discipline, also know my help is in the Lord, and have him to rely on.

GM2RN · Jan 30, 2017

It's interesting that none of the few who think 35 is too old have given any rationale for their statements.

MeMyself-n-I · Jan 30, 2017

There was a time I thought 30 (at one time I didn't think Id live to see thirty) was so old., 35 seemed elderly to me, I chalk that past thinking to youthful ignorance. I think few of us can say Im the same person I was when I was 21 (or younger) Being young has its own blessings, but the wisdom and maturity gained ( most of us anyway) from having a few years behind us is priceless. just my two cents

MeMyself-n-I · Jan 30, 2017

sometimes it has already been said best, and it can not be topped. I think Ronald Reagan put it in a way that for all time says it perfectly....... (not intended to be a political post) :-)

[video=youtube_share;fJhCjMfRndk]

MeMyself-n-I · Jan 30, 2017

exactly, coulda, shoulda, woulda.........

When I was 23 I had a stroke, and it completely altered my life. For the most part, I have not worked productively, and consistently since that time. I am now 50, I do not have a career I can point to or a stable work history. I hate that I am disabled, It has been a long time, and I must move on now and get myself in gear and do something about my situation. I went t school in '91 for CNA, but did not complete it. (long story) I wrongly got the idea in my head that I could not get into school for RN. because the competition, and demands were insurmountable. So, I gave up on my dream to become an RN.

After surfing the web a few weeks ago I discovered "no wait nursing schools". the bells started sounding, the gears began turning and I looked into the details, and discovered a clear, and achievable path to get to RN, and the dream resurrected in my plans. So I passed my HESI, and tying up loose ends, and now engaged in doing all the little tasks that must be done before I can attend. shots, background, etc... and looking forward to beginning soon! Life is all about attitude, and choices! Ive made many bad choices, but it is never to late to turn your situation around. Like many things in life, you have to really want it. I can sit and regret poor choices, and feel sorry I didn't do this, or that, OR, I can get myself in gear and get it done! ;-)

Also, I am far more mature and self disciplined now, than I was in 1991

SummerofGeorge · Jan 30, 2017

I started some pre reqs around 35, started BSN program at 37, finished at 39. I was able to work full time through the first two semesters (spring/summer). If you have the will and desire, nothing is impossible. I was the oldest person in my class of 110 students. Only 50 of us graduated without having to repeat courses. It was hard but it was worth it.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Jan 30, 2017

It's interesting that none of the few who think 35 is too old have given any rationale for their statements.

Yeah, I'm genuinely curious. When I went to college at 18, I had a 2.3 GPA. I hated school and wasn't interested in learning. Now my GPA is a 3.6 and I absolutely love everything I'm doing. I'm a hundred times more focused, mature, and driven. I don't know - I feel like the older I get, the better I get. So the rationale behind the statement that 35 is too old really interests me.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2017

Good day, BellaGirl:

I started my prerequisites at age 50, and just completed RN school graduating this past December 2016 among highest honors, and receiving the faculty award for having the highest GPA in my graduating class. I passed the NCLEX-RN the week of January 16th, and I start my first RN position at an acute care facility this coming week. 35 is young.

Some of my former class worked part time, some worked full time. Some had insurance through the ACA, some through agencies such as Christian Health Ministries that can be more affordable.

Jules A, MSN · Jan 30, 2017

While I absolutely do think we have both a physical and mental shelf life as well as the financial implications of starting an expensive program at an advanced age I do not think 35 is that age. Although my opinion is that there is no way I would have done it if I was not able to work nearly full time and pay tuition up front without loans. It might take some actual planning and saving, gasp!