To old for nursing school?

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A bit of background..I was emancipated at 14 and dropped out of high school..due to stubborn parents refusing to help me, I didn't recieve my GED until I was 22. I started prerequisites for nursing for a BSN in 2012, but then couldn't afford the programs I was accepted to.

I took a year off to gather my life, and now at 27 (soon to be 28 in 3 days) I am applying to a CC nursing program.

I've had alot of negative responses from family and friends..."you'll never be a nurse", "2 years is too long", "you'll be too old or are too old to start a new career".

I had a career that I loved, but outgrew when I was 22/23. Nursing attracted me because of the ability to help others in gaining their health/quality of life back..something that I went through in taking care of two family members with cancer.

I just need some unbiased encouragement, starting to get frustrated with even sharing my progress with people. It's offputting as well to see younger individuals who just know what they want, and I'm feeling in limbo career wise.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I graduated nursing school at 30. That gives me at least 36yrs to work as a nurse before retirement age. 2 yrs is nothing.

Got my BSN at 32.

If you want to do it, then go for it

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm 30 years old and just got accepted into my nursing program. I'll be 32 years old when I graduate. I don't feel too old to start a new career. If you really want this, then go for it and ignore the nay-sayers

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I became an LVN one month shy of turning 25. I received my ASN degree and RN license at 29, and my BSN degree at age 34. I just completed the first semester of a part-time MSN program and will be 36 when I graduate.

You are not too old to become a nurse unless you believe you are too old. You're going to turn 30 whether you do nothing or attend school. I'd rather be an educated 30-year-old than an undereducated 30-year-old. Good luck to you.

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I'll be graduating in May at almost 43 years old. Still have at least 20-25 years of working years. 30 is definitely not too old. Given all of the adversity you've had to overcome in your life you will likely take your education very seriously and do quite well. The "mature " students in my class are the ones who have done the best.

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You are not too old:no: 27/28 is nothing. I wish you had more support :confused:

Normally threads like this are from 40-50 year olds. Good luck. You can do this if you really want it.

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30s are when most people become stable in life. What better way than to start a great career

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I graduated at 33, and I was just accepted into a RN to BSN program at 34! 2 years flies by! Go for it! :)

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Specializes in ICU, Adventures in school nursing.

Not too old! You will likely see non-traditional students much older than you are. Nursing is often a "second career" for many. Go for it, you will be glad you did!!

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I am 43 and taking my Pre req's to get into Nursing school. You are as old as you allow yourself to be. By the time I graduate I will probably be close to 46.

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I don't know your friends/family but they sound pretty negative on such a huge life decision for you. Going back to school is tough enough so not having proper support can just make it seem that much more impossible. My mom is 47 years old and just decided to go back and get her GED to enter a program for medical assisting and I am 25 going back for my RN after six years of screwing around. You are NEVER too old to go back to school and better yourself. This is for you, no one else. Congratulations on making a huge decision to ensure your future. Don't let anything or anyone hold you back! You got this!

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I've met students at my community college who were in their late forties, early fifties. They are doing great in their classes. Ignore the people who try to set you back and don't compare yourself to others so much... Only you (not your parents, friends, family, etc) can determine whether you can succeed or not. Oh and two years isn't long at all in nursing school. You'll be too busy and stressed to even pay attention to the amount of time left to complete your degree. :)

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