Too old?

Reha786, LVN · Feb 28, 2018

We are not the same age. I started my first college level course after being out of school for 20 years in February. I am 38, married, have a 3 year old and majority of the people in my class could easily have been my kids as well. But today's generation is not just smart but also more sensitive to diversity is what I am finding. All the "kids" in my classes are so sweet. They don't treat me differently and I do not stand out like a sore thumb like I thought I might. There are other "adult'" learners in my class who are also re-starting their careers...all medicine related.

My advice: Have no regrets! Live your life again! Isn't it amazing that you have that option? Do what it takes to fulfill your dreams so you never ask yourself..."what if I had done..."

Besides, its just the first day when you have some anxiety. After that, you're too busy with schoolwork to notice anything else.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Feb 28, 2018

OP: It is against the Terms of Service here to use 'RN' in your username if you are not one. Please change

FFBean68 · Feb 28, 2018

Thanks so much, it's nice to get an understanding from another viewpoint. You're right, I never want to think about what my life "could have been" or "what if...??

Once again, thanks

beckyyy · Feb 28, 2018

I remember going to the hospitals a couple years back & I had an older male nurse, maybe around in his 60s. I ask him. How long he's been a nurse and he said that only for about 3 years. I was so surprised. He told me that he had a lot of spare time and decided to go back to school and he said he loves nursing!

Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2018

Nope - not too old

AnnieNP, MSN, NP · Feb 28, 2018

Agree, not too old. If you go back to school, in a few years you will be a nurse. If you do not go back to school, in a few years you will not be a nurse.

Christian96 · Feb 28, 2018

you're never to old ! plus your experience in medicine will help you out a lot ! trust me. I am in my 2 semester of nursing school and i am the youngest one in my class (i am 21). Everyone else is between 35-55. A lot of them , just like you, have experience in the medical field. Never give up :)

NewSue · Feb 28, 2018

Hi, Minus your medical experience, I could have written your post! I am 48 and I went back to college for a major career change ( was a pastry chef). I'm working on my core classes and am scheduled to start clinicals Spring 2019. It is absolutely the BEST thing I have ever done!!! (I am in college with my own children,too!) The "kids" in my class are super great and we have many older students like myself all working together. I didn't think I'd be able to get back into the "learning thing"... but have found, with life experience, I am FAR more prepared than I ever was for my Bachelors's degree at 18!

I got an entry level position at the hospital and am meeting people and making relationships already and am, seriously, just loving it!!! As my A&P 2 professor says, your brain "strengthens" the more you use it... Go for it!!!

thatgirl2478 · Mar 1, 2018

I'm gonna 'ditto' the others - you're never too old! I'm going to be 40 by the time I get into nursing school, I've been taking prereqs for the past year and the 'kids' in my class have been awesome! many of them are SERIOUS about their studies and a lot of them have kids and/or jobs that make them prioritize their work - so we're all in the same boat.

You know your body's capabilities better than others. Just be aware that age discrimination is alive and well in Nursing... so it may be a *little* harder to find a job.

K9lover, ASN, RN · Mar 1, 2018

OP: It is against the Terms of Service here to use 'RN' in your username if you are not one. Please change[/Q
It is completely legal to call yourself whatever you want as you are not doing so for fraudulent reasons nor practicing.
Sobre RN; daughter of an LAPD Sgt.

Wannabenurseneko · Mar 1, 2018

You are not to old if you want to be a nurse you should give it a try . I hope my signature gives you inspiration.