Still wanna be a nurse at 40++

Rep · Oct 17, 2007

If your heart is in it, go for it. In the orientation program I had been in here, a lot of new nurses are in the 40's and a couple in 50's.

underpaidrn · Oct 17, 2007

What's to stop you? You are at an age where if you have children, they are usually older and can fend for themselves while you are in school. You are more established than a traditional age student and you will work harder and apply yourself more. You also bring with you life knowledge. I say go for it. You are only as old as you feel. It's better to go ahead with an idea rather than think back on it later and regret that you didn't go for it. Best of luck to you. You'll find lots of encouragement here from all of the terrific people on this site. :welcome:

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 17, 2007

You might be too young. I went back to school at 52 and did it.

Of course you're not too old. You're too old when you're dead.

naijanurse · Oct 17, 2007

After years of working as a CNA and completing prerequisites, my mother just recently graduated from lpn school last august at the age of 55. now she's contemplating going back to school to get her rn! shes truly my inspiration. people always joke that she followed in my footsteps, but in reality her dedication was what inspired me to become the best nurse i could be.

so no, it is never too late if you are truly motivated

~shakira

lenjoy03, RN · Oct 17, 2007

If your heart is really for nursing, I think you'll reach that age before you retire. But then if you just want to be a nurse for financial and security purposes, think again....

Your the only one who can answer your own question..... : )

teensmom · Oct 17, 2007

I am 48 in an accelerated BSN. It is wonderful. Life experience really helps you think critically, the younger students just don't have the same things to draw on. I am definitely hanging in there with the rest of my class. The only thing I would say is to wear support hose in clinicals!

Best of luck,

Teensmom

bebe13 · Oct 17, 2007

I graduated only last year and I had classmates in their 40's and 50's. They did good in school so why can't you? Follow your heart...

God bless!

AstonishiaInlimbo · Oct 18, 2007

Even my mom, aged 45, thinks of pursuing BSN now...

As for me i'd say...if you're feelin' it, go for it!

w_padre, LPN, LVN · Oct 18, 2007

HI Everyone,
Mind If i ask opinions or experiences , is it still possible to pursue nursing course at 43 ??? Need a very strong and encouring words of advice , PLEASE.....

average age for nurses in the US is 40+. you can have some research on that. US is not like the Phil where AGE does matter. I encourage you to continue your plan.

jpmbrn · Oct 18, 2007

Im Paulo, 40 years old and 2 year old in the profession...I graduated with the highest honor from among the so much younger gen....

I am enjoying every bit of nursing now...

kinda hard at first but you will adjust....

and ive never experienced being ridiculed by the youngters...

nor being bullied LOL

Go reach for the stars!!!!

RNHawaii34 · Oct 22, 2007

at 33, i graduated in october of 2005 in the philippines. 50% my classmates were in their mid 40's and few 50 years olds. and 50% were in their 20's. i hang out with the older ones because they are easier to work with because they are pretty much settled, confident,and they study seriously, unlike the young ones, where you have to hammer them in the head first, before working on their nursing care plans. working in the us, it is unusual to see a new nurse who is under 25. yeah, it's weird, i noticed 'older' nurses are cooler to work with, and they are taken seriously than the younger ones. just my opinion.