32 years old and ready to switch my career to become a nurse! Am I too old?

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · Aug 21, 2016

No. It is not too old.

DavinaNRN · Aug 21, 2016

I'm 47, been a nurse 18 years. Just finished my BSN (August 10) and hope to start Duke in fall 2017 for FNP.

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · Aug 21, 2016

Heavens no. When i was in nursing school there were 40's year olds in my program. As long as its worth it to you whether that being you just want a career change and or financially it makes more sense in the long run then do it. If you want to get back into the workforce ASAP though, you can consider getting your ADN but know that many hospitals are taking preference over BScN, but not all and most hospitals have a tuition re-imbursement so you can work, get paid as a nurse and keep taking classes and get some tuition reimbursed. But if you dont need to start working ASAP, just get your bachelors. Hopefully you have already had some college and might have credits that could apply anyway. Good luck! Oh and 32 is not old :)

Kaytee12 · Aug 21, 2016

Law enforcement/social work

bhllal · Aug 22, 2016

No you are young. I am 50 and I have been going to school for 10 years now. I am getting closer to being done with my RN but I think the same thing everyday; am I too old and should I just forget it at this point.

BSN121415 · Aug 22, 2016

I was 49 when I graduated with my BSN. Is 32 to old? You have a 15 year jump on me! I currently work primary care acute medicine. It is very challenging, but I don't regret it. I liken it to The Peace Corps slogan: "The Toughest Job You'll Ever Love". Nursing has so many options: hospital bedside, surgery, social work, case manager, local health department, schools, legal, telephone nursing, Hospice/Palliative Care, home health, Diabetes Educator, physician's office ...... Talk to every nurse you meet and ask them about their experiences. Take extra good care of yourself: eat smart, get plenty of sleep, exercise, have support people and do something enjoyable after a stressful day.

Irish_Mist, BSN, RN · Aug 22, 2016

32 is not too old. Go for it!

DeenieRN · Aug 22, 2016

absolutely not! congrats on making the leap! you'll always have a job, its not an easy one, but it can be very gratifying. All the best! :)

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Aug 22, 2016

No.

I didnt start until I was that age. I've been out almost four years and have a job that I love

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Aug 22, 2016

Nope, not too old! Actually at 23 I was one of the youngest ones in my graduating class; at least half were over 30, several over 40. Go for it!

Bishop043 · Aug 22, 2016

whatttt that's not old at all lol go for it. there was a lady in my class who was 60 and starting nursing school.

Neats, BSN · Aug 22, 2016

Your title made me smile...and then I thought wow you must really think 40 or greater is real old. I went back to nursing school at age 44, I was one of the oldest in most of my classes, to include some of the instructors. I am now in school to get my Geriatric NP degree.

I will never stop learning no matter how old I get. I learn from the little ones in Sunday School- they teach/remind me the about the real important things in life...people. I learn from my adult children, from people I come in contact with on a daily basis, from my geriatric patients and from life in general. I hope there is NOT a day that goes by where I am exposed to something new.

I never want to become stagnated in my professional career, I cannot rest on my laurels because I have patients that are counting on me to provide the best up to date care I can provide.

I know someday I will no longer renew my licenses and hopefully that someday will be on my terms keeping in mind when it comes I will say I am still competent but just do not want to do this any longer.