Too old? Too young?? Career? Question:)

dnelson120 · Feb 18, 2015

Love this!

I was 17 when I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare.

Started college with the hopes of becoming a healthcare administrator, but then I had my son and realized I wanted to be hands-on, so I started taking pre-reqs for nursing. Fast forward to today, I am 23 and I start nursing school in January. ( had a few rocky years of college). I will be 25-26 when I graduate, and that doesn't bother me. You are not old at all, and everyone's journey is different.

hellodolly · Feb 21, 2015

I'm nearly 40 and I'm considering a new career in nursing. I figure it would still give me an opportunity for a long career (20 years or more). My kids are getting older and are needing me less. I'm wondering if this could be a new chapter for me. While I have wondered if I'm too old for this, I do feel that age does bring a certain maturity and responsibility that I did not have the first time around.

Pinorah · Feb 22, 2015

I'm 36 and waiting to hear if I was accepted into a RN program starting this fall. I started out as an Army military policeman, then became a paramedic. Currently I work in Baghdad as a security specialist/paramedic. I wish I was 25 when I had started! Don't forget that most colleges require some subjects (Biology, A&P, math) to be completed within a certain number of years of applying to their RN program. I have to retake A&P and Biology because they are over 5yo. The longer you wait, the more likely you will have to take some classes over. Good luck on what ever you decide!

blaundee · Feb 23, 2015

No, you are NOT too old! I'm 33, will be 34 this fall- and I'm finally going to go to school to become an RN. I've been wanting to for about 10 years but things just never worked out at the right time- it looks like it's finally going to happen this year! As time has gone by, I have told myself to give up on it, that I'm too old now, blah blah blah... Then about 2 years ago, I learned that my grandmother (who is a retired NP) didn't go to school to become a nurse until she was in her 30s! That have me great hope and inspiration- she was in a class full of 18 year old girls, married and had 4 children, as well as working as a waitress... And she was able to become an NP! I have no children and no job and a supportive husband, so I can definitely do this! I'm aiming to become either a CRNA or a midwife- I'm turn both ways, so we'll see when it gets much closer to the time to decide :)

TC_2014 · Feb 24, 2015

What age did you decide to go into nursing? 40

When did you graduate? Just completed the pre-reqs for a RN program. Application submitted this past January and just waiting to find out if accepted.

AND... what field were you in prior to that?? For the past 14 years I have worked in the Computer Networking field. Prior to that I was a Medic in the US Army.

So at 25 you are not even close to being too old. At 40 I decided to change careers to do something I am passionate about. I will even be taking a pay cut with this change, but I would rather do something I love for the next 25+ years. I should have completed nursing school when I got out of the Army 14 years ago, but it wasn't the right time for me. I have no regrets because I believe the path I took to get where I am today was right for me. You need to do what works for you.

incognitoinKY · Mar 11, 2015

Chiming in with everyone here, it's all a state of mind! I'm 44 now, started my pre-reqs last summer....hope to graduate RN at 47, then onto MSN/CNM at 51. What's in a number??!! =D

Same here... just accepted for the fall and will be 47 if all goes well with ADN. Was working on a Master's in mental health counseling but have decided nursing is better fit after getting a job in a mental health facility.

mlw1411 · Mar 11, 2015

I needed to see this.. I am 44 and just finishing up my pre-reqs. I am hoping to apply to nursing school for 2016. My ex has told me over and over, no one will hire you over a young new grad. I was getting really discouraged.. This was just what I needed to see... Good luck to you..

Belli3 · Mar 11, 2015

Thank you! I am 43yo who just applied for F2015 ADN program. I am spending the next 6 months working on strengthening my core because I do NOT want to injure myself because I am not as physically fit as younger students. I am also working on strengthening my hands/grip because I have been typing for 25 years and my grip is not what it used to be! Getting older definitely has its challenges, but we can DO this! Don't forget that mature thinking has advantages too!

TransportJockey, EMT-P · Mar 11, 2015

I've only read a few of the first posts but I'll chime in

Nursing is a second career for me. I'm 27 now and am just starting Excelsior, with hopes to be done by the end of the year. I've spent the last 8 years or so working EMS in a variety of roles, from 911 paramedic to ER Paramedic to Flight Paramedic.

malahini1 · Mar 11, 2015

I am 42 thinking of enrolling in LPN school. Thank you this was helpful

wannabenurse88 · Mar 12, 2015

I so get how you feel! I started my pre reqs last August at 25. I'm in my second semester now, currently 26. From reading the posts from others that started around our age or older, they gave me the inspiration to keep going. I even have women in my intro Algebra class, who are in their 30s and 40s, pursuing their nursing school dreams! You can do it girl!

PennyS · Mar 12, 2015

Here I am considering nursing school at 25 after already completing one bachelors degree in Health Science (that I have yet to find a job with). I feel sometimes like I waited too long to decide but then I read other post and think otherwise. I just don't really know if my Health Science degree can benefit me alone.
So here are my questions... :)
What age did you decide to go into nursing?
When did you graduate?
AND... what field were you in prior to that??
Thanks in advance!

I decided at age 39. Graduated from an ABSN program at age 44. Now working full time at a Boston hospital. Former litigation attorney. Considering going for my MSN in a couple of years. Trust me, you have plenty of time! And to the poster whose naysayer ex said they won't hire you over a young new grad nurse, I'm living proof to the contrary :)