returning to nusing school at 30 something

tschell · Feb 24, 2001

going back to school at 40 was the BEST decision i ever made!!! i've been an LPN for 21 years and i'm graduating May 19 with my ADN!!!!!!! it was a long,hard road but so worth it! i started in jan.98 because i had to get not only my gen.ed. classes but i also had to take things like math and chemistry,also had to take a biology class. so i say most definitely GO GO GO!!! and good luck

Lynn Casey RN · Feb 24, 2001

Hi Carmen!Good for you!Don't even hesitate to go for your goals!I graduatued 13 years ago in a class of 100 RN's in Saint John NB,Canada.I was one of 10 or so under 30 years old!When I saw my collegues at the 10 year reunion they had no regrets!One of my good friends was 34 with 4 kids when she was studying!The reason I reply is I know an RNA who just went to Hamilton, Ontario for the 2 year RN diploma program.One of the few left.He is 40 something.I am 33 years old and I just started my post RN/BN program part time.It's only too late when you stop breathing!Go for it and good luck!

cogginsdk92 · Feb 24, 2001

Its never too late to return to school if it is something you really want to do I am 35 y/o tommorow and in my first semester of clinicals at the University of Michigan. I am also a married father of three. If being an RN is your goal. Go for it! Stick to your plan and take it one day at a time and the time will go by faster than you think. I hope you continue on. Good Luck.

PS. I will graduate December of 2003

Hardknox · Feb 24, 2001

Go for it , Carmen. 21 years ago I became an RN at the age of 40. I had 3 kids and a husband while going through school. I won't kid you...It was not easy, but it was the best thing I could have done. I have worked in a hospital setting for 21 years and, as you know, things sure have changed. But I would do it all over again. I was a good role model for my kids, who all went on to college and are very succesful in their lives. My husband was very proud of me, as were my parents and friends. Just hang in their and you'll never regret it.

snickers · Feb 25, 2001

Carmen......You don' t wanna be sitting in a rocking chair at 75, muttering" I wish I had done it".

I was an l.p.n for a hundred years before I went back to nursing school at 31 and graduated at 33.

It didn't matter to me if I ever worked as an R.N., just something that I wanted to complete.

I have been working now for 17years(FT), and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up!!!!!

Go for it,what do you have to loose?

sj.

Doc · Feb 25, 2001

Carmen, don't let your age get in the way - we had people almost twice your age in our BSN course. They all did well. You might want to consider that apart from the extra duties/skills you get to perform, you will also have a lot more responsibility. In Australia LPNs (or ENs as we call them)basically get to go home/on lunch breaks on time. As an RN, more often than not you can't do this. You will also be held legally accountable for anything you do or don't do which has a detrimental result. LPNs don't have this level of accountability.

Over here most universities offer credit to LPNs/ENs - usually about 1 year off the BSN program, which would amount to the same as an ADN. We don't have an ADN program here. Perhaps some Canadian/US BSN and ADN programs might also offer credits to LPNs. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

[This message has been edited by bshort (edited March 14, 2001).]

Hypoxic Pixel Eyes · Feb 25, 2001

Carmen,

I'm 39 and had left healthcare from another discipline about 7yrs ago.

I was surprised to learn that we are not in the minority as you can see from previouse posts.

With your recent experience it would be detrimental to patient care if you did not.

Don't worry about your age.It's an asset.

Good luck to you.

Brad Salomon

Dallas,TX

Mito · Feb 25, 2001

I started the nursing program at 37 and Im enjoying it. I will be forty in 3 years when I finish. I think of it this way I WILL BE 40 IN THREE YEARS EVEN IF I DON'T FINISH THE PROGRAM. THIS WAY I WILL BE 40 AND A REGISTERED NURSE.

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vlasonde · Feb 25, 2001

Hi Carmen - I have similar concerns as you regarding going to nursing school except that I wish I had started when I was your age ! I am now 48, my youngest of 3 children is in High School and I am very interested in furthering my education. I have worked in the medical field off and on for the last 15 years as a Unit Secretary on a Labor&Delivery/Maternity unit and also as a Medical Assistant in private MD office. I have thought about the LPN program for a long time, wish I had pursued it years ago, now I am having a hard time making the decision between LPN or RN. Also looking into Lactation Consultant as a career, does anyone out there have any advice as to whether you need to be a licensed nurse to become a lactation consultant ? I just heard about a 4 yr. bachelors degree program in Maternal Health/Lactation consulting. Any comments or suggestions will be most appreciated ... thanks to all ! Carmen - you go girl, while you are still a young 30 something !!!

challis · Feb 26, 2001

Carmen, go for it!!

Im 34 and an Enrolled Nurse here in australia which I think is similar to a LPN in the US/Canada.

Im starting my university course next week (eek!!) and was very concerned that I would be the oldest in my class. I doubt that I will be. My university, and many here in my state, recognise Enrolled Nurse qualification (hooray for that !!) and offer varying amounts of credit toward the three year Bachelor of Nursing degree. My university offers 1 years fulltime/ two years part time credit.

If I can continue to work full time as an Enrolled Nurse and study part time for my degree (whilst maintaining a "life") anyone can......I just keep thinking of the future career prospects. There is much more on offer for a registered nurse, a wider scope in which to work.

good luck!!

carmen · Feb 26, 2001

Thanks for all your replies, you have given me that extra boost of confidence and positive reinforcement that I had placed on the back burner. thanks again,

carmen.