Thinking about it

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Hello. I am an older gal (in my forties) and am considering going to nursing school. After reading some of the posts, I realize this won't be an easy road, but I do have the time and my kids are basically self sufficient, so why not? I would like some advice from you gals that have been down this road. Please help.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello and Welcome to allnurses.com

So good to have you with us.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Welcome, Jerseygal. And you may notice that some of us gentleman go back into nursing in their 30's 40's as well.

I am moving your post to the General Nursing Discussion forum for better visibility....in order to give you the feedback and support that you are asking for.

My very best wishes to you.

Wolfie

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Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.

I say go for it!!! I graduated with my LPN when I was 45. I worked full-time and did at least 12-14 credits a semester. It was tough but very doable. There was a girl in my class and she was 48 and going on for her BSN. She was as smart as a whip as they say. The older I got the easier school got, why I am not sure, but I think as you get older you are ready to apply yourself to your goal.

The best of luck to you and go for your dream!

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Just go for it. I'm in my late 30's and recently entered a nursing program; it's a challenge, I have kids and work part time, but it's worth it. . I'm happy with my decision to pursue this career at this time in my life. I wish you all the best.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Definitely do it! I was 40 when I started the LPN program and I wasn't the oldest one in my class.

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Sounds like you have nothing to lose. There are plenty of "non-traditional" aged students pursuing nursing. Good luck!

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well.... I am 42, and was just accepted into a nursing program, funny thing is, nearly 1/2 my classmates with nursing in mind were my age, some even a few years older..you are never too old..GO FOR IT!! and good luck to you!!

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Hi Jerseygirl,

I am always welcoming of people who are willing to go through the hardships of nursing education... but instead of asking yourself why not, I would like you to ask yourself why?... why do you want to be a nurse? why this career and not real state (for example)? An what kind of advise do you really want? All I'm seeing is the "go for it" attitude here, not a lot of advise.

So, Let's start from the beginning... do you have any of the prerequisites? have you already looked into which programs you'd like to go to? do you think you'll need financial aid? all questions that a new student should ask herself. You have to understand this is a very time consuming career... will you be able to handle it? I'm not saying you can't do it, I've seen people your age go through it and succeeding. But also people your age that just can't handle it.

Hope to see you around, and good luck :)

Viv

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I went back at 45....I just graduated and I am really excited to start my practice at 47...

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If it is what you REALLY want to do, never let anything stop you! In two years you will still be two years older, but wouldn't it be great to be graduating with a nursing degree then and looking forward to following a dream??

I will be 39 when I graduate in May and the oldest in our class is 55 and she is the best student!! My three kids are 20, 20, and 17 on Thursday. They should help more around the home but when they were younger, I did it all myself as I was the stay at home supermom, just like my momma did for me. I regret that I never gave them chores as it made them less responsible and definately they are the biggest slobs!!

There will be challenges with kids and being older but there are benefits as well. You are much more mature and will appreciate your education and want to get the most for your money and therefore work really hard for your grades. WHen kids are a little older and more self sufficient what they need more than your time and constant hovering is constant reassurances that you are there for them always and that you do still love them just as much. It is different than with smaller kids and easier in some respects, but it felt like I had to keep closer tabs on them the older they became and since being in school that has been hard. I have a close alliance with several parents, and they are wonderful to me and my kids, being sure to include them in activities and understanding if they dont hear from me in weeks and weeks it is due to school rigors.

Best advice to give? Umm don't sweat the small stuff when you are in school. Learn to let the dishes air dry in the sink, not making the bed daily and letting dust bunnies gather in corners and under furniture is not going to kill anyone! Recruit help from family and friends, you will make it up to them later when they come to with every medical question under the sun (and you get to learn stuff you wished you didnt know about them!)! and learn to say no when asked to help on something if it is going to take time away from the books or kids. Also schedule in family time or game night into your schedule where you dont do ANY schoolwork or even think about it. Enlist the kids in helping you study with flashcards if you can, even hubby.

Also, find time to read and study in smaller bits. Make tapes (or buy- NCLEX Excel by Drexel University has a great set) and listen when driving, going to bed, studying something else!

Dont be afraid to ask anything here on allnurses, you have come to a place of great knowledge and support as well. People on here have helped me keep my GPA up and lear above and beyond what they teach you in school which is really helping me in my sr year and will give me a leg up once I am on the job. They have also cheered me along and can truly relate and understand the trials and tribulations of nursing school.

Best wishes for your career! I am sure you will do well.

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Specializes in Med-Surg and L & D.

hi jersey,

welcome to the wonderful world of nursing!!! i encourage you to go. i started when i was 45 y/o. i have been an rn now for just over a year. it was not all tea and roses....there were a few tears along the way...but, i can say unequivically i do not regret a moment of it. some times i ask myself why i didn't do this when i was younger (being a nurse was a lifelong dream).....mostly i believe that there is a reason for everything... good luck and keep us updated on how things are going. we love to hear of success stories here.

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