Question: Is it too late for me to go to nursing school in my mid 40s?

Princess74 · Aug 23, 2005

I am thinking about doing a career change and going to nursing school in my mid 40s. Do you think this is too late? I also have some health issues. What do you experts think? Can I make it?

Not at all. You are never to old to increase you education. I have many people in my pre nusing classes that are just starting out, they are well into their late 50's. As far as health issues go, I can not answer that question for you, especially not knowing what the issues are. Talk with your MD and ask if they think you could handle nursing as a career.

Charity1230 · Aug 23, 2005

Thank you so much for your encouragement. I am trying to weigh everything. The health issues are: rheumatoid arthritis and migraines.

truern · Aug 23, 2005

Charity, I graduate April 2006, and turn 51 the following month. Heck, no!! You're not too old

nurse_elyse · Aug 23, 2005

nope your not to old. There is a woman in my class that is 67 and she's loving every minute of class. Go for it and best of luck!

AuntieRN · Aug 23, 2005

Charity I started when I was 39 1/2. I will be 41 when I graduate. I'll admit it is probably not as easy for me as it is some of the young ones to remember things and I probably have to study a little bit more, but I love every minute of it and am glad I made the decision to do it. Good luck!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Aug 23, 2005

"It's never too late to educate"---Grandma.

Nurseismade RN · Aug 23, 2005

I am thinking about doing a career change and going to nursing school in my mid 40s. Do you think this is too late? I also have some health issues. What do you experts think? Can I make it?

You are as old as you feel. My mom became a nurse at 61. My sister and I had to force her to retire at 71...due to health problems. :)

I am also starting in september at 48. :chuckle

Nat_gagui · Aug 23, 2005

i'm 39 years young and taking my pre-req, i always say to myself that anything that my heart desire regardless of what it is, it never too late to pursue it. :)

nat

follow your heart and your body will follow.

Ashera, LPN · Aug 23, 2005

Absolutely not! I turned 50 the month before I graduated from LVN school - am working on my RN, getting ready to test for certification as a Hospice and Paliative Care nurse - my love - and in this field 'seasoning' is preferable!

Best of luck to you! As for migraines - can't promise nursing school won't add a bit to the stress - but hey, if you're gonna have a headache anyway, at least be a nurse when it's over!

Works2xs · Aug 23, 2005

It's only too late when you're taking your last breath and think, "I shoulda done..." If you have the means to make it happen, don't wait. I'm on the back-half of 44 and start an accelerated program on Monday. I wish I was in better health, but ta heck with the roadblocks. Damn the torpedos! Full speed ahead!

Good luck!

medicunurse · Aug 24, 2005

You can absolutely make it. You just need to take care of yourself, I am 42 and am now in the process of getting my masters degree. You can do anything if you set your mind to it and your heart. Good Luck and go for it.

I am thinking about doing a career change and going to nursing school in my mid 40s. Do you think this is too late? I also have some health issues. What do you experts think? Can I make it?