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 graduated with my BSN at 48, worked a few years at a local hospital, then started traveling for 2 years to save money, came back and finished my MSN NP. I am now a practicing NP in GA and am enrolled in a PMHNP program. You do not even want to know how old I am now!!
I opened this thinking "Oh good another 40 something nursing student". I hope everyone tells you you're not too old. After taking care of my disabled parents for years and not having money for school I'm finally starting. I don't feel its too late at 41 and you shouldn't feel its too late at your age. Just go for it. Remember you're going to be working for decades to come...
You're only 27 and you feel old? Girl you're still super young and your age is an advantage. In your late 20s you're more mature and know what you want and are over crazy nights of binge drinking and partying. You'll do just fine if not better than an 18 year old.
you are absolutely not too old. If this is what you want go for it! I had women in my graduating class that were in ther 30s all the way to one that was 52
Hope Hope and more Hope thank you. You have given my more hope. I started my pre-reqs in 2010 and had a accident at work and had to stop. It has been a long journey but slow and steady. i finally went to back this spring and passed the two classes. Now i only need bio, A&P, A&PII , Psychology 101, 201, Math (remedial), math for science,Bio 420, i am taking two per semester starting with remedial math and psych 100 this semester, Next semester I wii. take 2 classes and etc... If i do this and keep my GPA as it is. I know i will get into the nursing program. I am nervous and excited. Speaking two languages will help me help more people. Although the math really scares me, but what can we do. This is my dream.
pffft. I'm 36. Because I'm currently pregnant and still working on pre-reqs, I won't even be starting a program until I'm about 39. And I'm perfectly okay with that.
I graduated from nursing school at 37. If you are willing to buckle down and work hard, you will be just fine! Don't let others infect you with their negativity!
I'm just now applying to nursing schools for 2017. I will be 35 when I start the program. I had similar worries but after talking to several professors I trust I discovered a pattern; more mature students give better work and get further in their preferred program if study.
My mom graduated school when she was 55 years old. I will be 30 when I get my BSN. : ) As someone else mentioned previously, the time will pass regardless so you may as well spend it wisely. Good luck!
gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN
610 Posts
I graduated with my BSN at 48, worked a few years at a local hospital, then started traveling for 2 years to save money, came back and finished my MSN NP. I am now a practicing NP in GA and am enrolled in a PMHNP program. You do not even want to know how old I am now!!