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'm 34 years old and am just now taking my science pre-requisites, hoping to apply (and get accepted!) to nursing school beginning in 2017. I'll be 38-39 when I graduate. My goal is to get my BSN and by then I'll probably be around 42.
Even in your 40's you still have a solid 20+ years of working ahead of you. So no, you're not too old. Go for it! It sounds like you're life experience will serve you well, both in the profession of nursing and as you complete your schooling despite the naysayers. I'm sorry you don't have more support.
No one is too old to accomplish what they want in life. I see an 80 year old becoming a writer and stating it was the most powerful book he has written, a 90 year old playing soccer, another 80 year old race car driving cause that's what they want to do in life.
Sheesh, 27?? I was 23 when I graduated with my ASN, and I was one of the young ones in my cohort. Many of my classmates were in their 30s and 40s, preparing for a 2nd career or preparing to enter the workforce after staying home with children.
wow. Im overwhelmed by the responses! Thank you everyone for the advice and encouragement..This is what I want to do, regardless of the naysayers, but its always nice to have others in your camp.
I waited a long time to goto college, mainly because I refused to go for something I wasn't passionate about.
After obtaining a degree in a field that I could not find employment in I got a job in contact centres. While the jobs have been 'ok' their not fantastic.
Now I'm going back to school in a few days and changing careers - at 42. I pray I am not the oldest one in the group and that can make friends. It's always easier to study in a group! I also pray I will be able to find satisfying gainful employment upon graduation.
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DBtobeBSN
6 Posts
I'm 34 years old and am just now taking my science pre-requisites, hoping to apply (and get accepted!) to nursing school beginning in 2017. I'll be 38-39 when I graduate. My goal is to get my BSN and by then I'll probably be around 42.
Even in your 40's you still have a solid 20+ years of working ahead of you. So no, you're not too old. Go for it! It sounds like you're life experience will serve you well, both in the profession of nursing and as you complete your schooling despite the naysayers. I'm sorry you don't have more support.