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.
Second, I am 44 and taking my Pre req's to get into Nursing school for a second career change. I am tired of running my own business since the work is constant. My business has been very successful but I need a change since I have been working 12-16 hours a day literally 7 days a week for years now. My drive to get through nursing school will be greater than anyone younger than me. I still feel like I am in my 20's because I simply don't act old, I workout all the time and physically look like I did when I was younger.
To me, you are still a kid practically. You are as old as you allow or choose to be. By the time I graduate I will be close to 47. I went to a mandatory nurses meeting that the college requires all pre-nursing students to attend, and out of 20 of us, the average age was 35-45. You are seriously going to be one of the younger ones in the class I bet.
Specializes in ER, Med Surg, Ob/Gyn, Clinical teaching.
I think the question should be , "will you be fulfilled working as a nurse".. Wouldn't you rather live the remaining days of your life following your passion? Whether you go to nursing school or not you will still turn 30 or 40 WHEN you are supposed to. And whether you start now or not, the years will still be rolling by and you'll still be regretting that you never took that bold step.
I know so many people who followed their dreams, it may have taken them awhile and they may have gotten there a bit later than the 'regular' time, but they're so glad that they did at least try. I for one got my RN at 20, but life took a crooked turn and I couldn't get my bsn till I was 33. I had planned to get my Ph.D. by the time I am 35, but it didn't work out as planned. Yet, I'm glad that the sacrifices I made those years weren't in vain.
So, for me , it doesn't matter when you start, it all depends on what your passion is. Follow your dreams and your passion.
I purposefully waited until I was 28 to begin a Nursing program. I had fun in my 20's. I traveled, cut loose, and gained some experience working and discovering myself. At 28, I realized that I was ready to become a Nurse, something I have always wanted in life. At age 33, now, I still feel super young and energetic. I am going back to school to earn my RN-BSN, and I feel good.
Many of the nursing students I've seen on campus at my college (a community college) are in their 30s. There were a few people in my a&p class that had kids or were in their late 20s as well. You're absolutely not going to stand out whatsoever being in your late 20s and entering nursing school and chances are, you'll do better now than you would have when you were younger. You've probably learned a lot since then and you're probably wiser now too. Try to look at the advantages of being older and entering nursing school instead of dwelling on the time that's been lost. You can do great and many others are in your same position, don't let their comments get to you.
Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.
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.
I was 34 when I was accepted to an RN program. Sure, it's a little weird to be a "broke college student" at this age; but I know the pay off will be worth it.
I started this path at 30 (in 2010) I figure I'll be done by the time I'm 40, lol! I don't think age is the most important factor; rather physical and mental health and commitment are the most important factors.
I'm 31 and just finished my pre-reqs & have started the application process to get in to nursing school. Whoever is feeding you the garbage that you're too old, stop listening to them, their opinion is ignorant for lack of a better word. Do it.
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
I'm 39 and will graduate next year at 40. Age is not your problem.
You must learn to handle your un-supportive family and friends. This is what I learned after many, many years of allowing other people to destroy my dreams. Do not tell the naysayers about your plans. Wait to tell them until you have already succeeded. Only tell people who are supportive of you and believe in you when you are first starting a project. Then when you are solid and your dreams are no longer delicate little things, but solid actual achievements you tell the naysayers.
Never expect the naysayers to change their tune. Expect that if they tell you you will never get into nursing school, once you get in, they are going to tell you that you will fail out. There are many reasons why people do this and none of them have to do with you. You must prepare yourself and not expect encouragement from them. Minimize the conversations you will have with them. Make announcements that you don't discuss in detail.
In my case, my mother became jealous when I told my Aunt things I did not tell her because of her constant discouragement. She came to me and asked why my Aunt knew about my plans before she did. I told her that I knew that she would discourage me and I didn't want that and that's why I didn't tell her. She cried and said she didn't mean to discourage me. Even though I can see that she tries now, she still called me ridiculous for aiming for straight As. It's just her nature. It's a fear of failure type of thing.
Find a few supportive people and stick with them. Good luck!
.thumb.jpg.e7b5bd336d518053002d5b4dbeef882b.jpg){kind=small}
antbassler
2 Posts
I'm 44, just finished my first semester of general ed. Worked f/t and took f/t classes....I know I can do this...