54 year old sahm, am I nuts to think I want this?

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I am 54 and have taken the last two decades of my life to raise my family. I am finally at a place where the deck is clear and I can consider going to nursing school, something I have always wanted to do. I do have a Master's Degree in Social Work but would be required to take all the prerequisites, algebra bio, chem A+P 1 and 11 and micro. Everyone I have spoken to says that the average age in nursing school is 30=I am way outside that average. I am not discouraged by the hard work required, I am just fearful that I will apply and not get in, because of my age or lack of relative professional experience. I have always been a good student and would be thinking I could do well in the courses. Realistically, I don't know if my age and relatively non existing work history would prohibit me from becoming accepted. I am applying to Ellis school of nursing in Schenectady.

That is just the first part of my worry, however.What if I do get in and then am not able to get a job as I would probably be starting out around 57? Could I go through all this and then have no one hire me because I am too old? I scarred of taking a foolish chance that just won't work out. I am at the bottom of the food chain in my family and pay college tuition on two kids and taking a chance to do the prerequisites which are almost a full year at a community college is frightening So I can't afford to take a chance if the odds are stacked against me. I would appreciate the honest opinion of those who have first hand knowledge and who could advise me.

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One of the beautiful joys of life is that we get to fulfill our goals despite any apprehension. In my CNA class, there were 2 people your age who were aspirants of nursing. This past semester, I heard they both got in nursing programs and are well on their way to fufilling their goals. As you know, embarking on any career requires an assidious attitude, but your success is ultimately asscribed to your efforts. Your situation maybe more urgent than the ubiquetos 20 yr old who enters a nursing program, but success is attainable all the same. Good luck.

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I have run into several 50-ish prenursing students at my school. I say it's now or never, why not do it?

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I think the fact that you are considering going back to school for nursing is amazing. You have no idea how many people would find you truly inspirational, I say go for it and never look back!

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Do it! If you have the passion and drive, you can make this dream happen for you.

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Wow, thank you so much, you have all touched me with your replies and I have much to think about!

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Hi! I will be 41 in September and I have been accepted into my schools nursing program for the fall!! You can do this if its what you truly want! You only live once, fulfill your dreams.

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I am confident of myself as a student, I suppose I just worry that either schools or future employeers might bypass me in favor of someone with lower milage. I am excited about this though, as well as scared to death. I am looking at taking the prereqs this september at a community college.

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I started at 39 and now am 40. I had never been to college so had to start from the beginning but it went faster than I thought considering I can't go beyond 1pm. I found that one thing about being older is you set goals and push harder to achieve because 1.you pay for the classes 2. a career with a future..I never saw myself in nursing but 3yrs ago I went to work in financial management and was told sorry we are closing your dept.No more dead end jobs for me.

Best of luck and disregard your age.

Regards from Florida from Ms.25yrs old.LOL

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Don't worry about your age, there will always be a job in nursing. :) I say go for it!!!

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I know a lot of MSWs who end up being awesome nurses! Go for it - the kids are raised, do something for YOU!

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There were several in my graduating class that were your age. Many "in the middle", and a few younger (25 or less).

I feel that my age helped me because I had more life experience (which equals perspective and not running home crying...LOL) and focus; I knew this is what I wanted to do and I worked for it.

Do what ya gotta do! :)

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