Too old to become a nurse? Need opinions

[Katharine]

I am 44 yrs old. I will be homeschooling my daughter until I'm 48 yrs old. In order to start earning money at home, I'm considering doing medical transcription. But long term I want something more and have been interested in nursing for sometime. Do you think I'm too old to consider entering into a nursing career? I'd prolly start school so I could start job hunting the summer before I turn 49. Am I nuts?!

If I weren't going into nursing later, I'd prolly try to continue my school in med. office admin. or healthcare mgt. I'd prolly be good at those, but I enjoy taking care of other people and I think I would enjoy being a ob/gyn or pediatric nurse.

I don't want to sell myself or my potential short by giving up on the idea but yet I don't want to be thinking something that crazy to consider lol. I also have to carefully plan this because of past school loans I've got from about 3 yrs of undergrad in liberal arts, business, and Biblical studies.

[Katharine]

The OP actually started this thread over 18 months ago, I am wondering what she is currently doing.

Thanks for wondering! :) I was surprised to see this thread have recent posts, but I realize that there are many of us who consider school later in our adulthood. As for me, my school got delayed, both by my indecision and financial reasons. I am still homeschooling (my daughter has 2 1/2 yrs to go) and working from home. I am absolutely sure I want a degree in healthcare. Although I know I could get an HIA degree in a 2 yr period and work the office side, I keep wondering if I'm selling myself short since I know I am very good with people and enjoy helping them.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

I started my accelerated program at 45. Finished at 47. So my thoughts are no you are not too old to start a nursing career. (Prereqs are definitely achievable while homeschooling. Use them as an opportunity to teach your daughter A/P etc....)

[milzer2012]

HM2VikingRN -

Even though my 10 yr old son is not homeschooled, I do teach him alot of what I am learning.

He loves "science experiments" and for me to tell him where all the bones are on his body.

(Some times instead of singing ro him at night, begin at his toes and name all the bones I can touch on

the front, then on the back)

We study side-by-side, he proofs many of the paper's I have done.

I think in today's world it's a great way to show our kids it's never too late to go back to school.

I also let him (and my Husband) know that the diploma and liscence I will recieve may have my name on

them, but it really belongs to the whole family.

Everyone sacrifices for me to go back to school ! .....but then everyone will benefit later as well.

[Jmb002]

Did you decide to become a medical transcriptionist? Just curious....I am a medical transcriptionist and am going back to school to be a nurse. I started my prereqs at the beginning of this year and have applied to a local CC for their ADN program. Good luck whatever you decide. I too am an older returning student and know what a difficult decision it is to make the leap. FYI, I really do like being a medical transcriptionist, but as with anything else it has good things and bad things! :) Good Luck!

J

[Humanatarian123]

You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Katharine]

Did you decide to become a medical transcriptionist? Just curious....I am a medical transcriptionist and am going back to school to be a nurse. I started my prereqs at the beginning of this year and have applied to a local CC for their ADN program. Good luck whatever you decide. I too am an older returning student and know what a difficult decision it is to make the leap. FYI, I really do like being a medical transcriptionist, but as with anything else it has good things and bad things! :) Good Luck!

J

No I decided to delay pursuing medical transcription since I wasn't absolutely sure what I wanted. I'm so indecisive! I didn't want to my financial aid on the transcription then wish I'd pursued another medical degree. Although it is not my top choice, I do have still on my list as a possible back up plan if the nursing or HIA degree aren't possible.

That's great that you are going back for nursing!

[LJTulsa]

You are never too old for anything! I say go for it! If you don't, you might regret it later. What have you got to lose? Good luck!