Is 37 to old to work on a nursing degree

[Jeff H]

Hello!

Sorry I have not responded to all the supportive posts!
I have been very busy. I will be finishing up my pre-req's this spring, and I will be taking a (3) week cna course at the end of the month. I hope to be accepted into an ADN program in August. Again sorry for my lack of communication.
I am carrying 16 hours of classes, and working full time along with coaching my 7 year old son's roller hockey league. Thanks for all the support and posts!!!!

[niu72]

I think I'll claim the prize as the oldest Nursing student to post thus far. I'll graduate from a ADN program in December, 2005. On month later, I celebrate(?)my 56th birthday.

Seriously, as an older student, and a guy, you will stand out from your classmates, both for good and for ill. The vast majority of your classmates and instructors will be supportive and friendly, particularly if you make the effort to get to know them. Develop a reputation for being approachable, willing to listen, and prepared for class. A little humor alos goes a long way. Also recognize that some of your younger classmates may be considerably more stressed, since that are at a different stage in life.

[Jerryh53]

Not to burst ur bubble or steal ur thunder, in Dec. 2005 I will have 4 down and 1 semester left in my ADN program and will turn 57 LOL. But I have not ran into any negative things so far. First semester I had one instructor who started to give me a hard time about things, but as the semester went along. We found things of interest that got us to talking about things other than school. Which made the times we had to talk about school stuff more relaxed and so much more open. Has made for a very enjoyable time.The end of this semester we change insturctors for our med/surg rotation, and and she is our hoity toity one. She likes to belittle u in the hopes it makes u learn. I have never learned that way, so maybe we in for a meeting on the minds on 4 West. You never know. Hope thew time between now and Dec 2005 passes quickly for you.

Have a Great Day and Be Safe

Jerry

[therese]

I'm 40 and have 9 more pre-reqs. to go before I really get into nursing courses. My current teacher is in my age group, so we laugh about menopause together. Go for it! You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Therese Hirko

[pearcym]

I certainly hope not. I graduated with my BSN at 45 and am now in graduate school for NP at 51.

[spongebathbob]

Definitely over the hill. How have you lived so long? Do you realize that when you're fourty, you might ask yourself the same question. I did. I'm 50 and graduating in May.

[rosey]

Helloe best of luck to you. there;
I am currently a nursing student trying to familiarize myself with this forum. I beliee that if you want something, go for it! age is nothing but a number. I was a little skeptical about starting at first because of the horror stories of Nurses eating their young. I am not letting that intimidate me because life is what you make it, and I plan to forge on ahead. Congratulations on making the decision and moving forward.

[Luke]

37 is a great time to start and by all means go for your RN

[Tom B]

Jeff.
37 is NOT too old to become a RN. Go for you BSN. PLEASE DO NOT GET THE LPN FIRST.

After you receive your BSN and pass boards, get a job as a general Med/Surg Nurse for at least one year. Then if you want, move into ICU/CCU etc.

I am 58 and going for my PhD. We are never to old to Learn or return to school.

Keep up the good work.

[hppygr8ful]

I made a career change to nursing when I was 37. I went a two year RN program following a divorce and have never regretted it. I started as a Labor and delivery nurse and am currently in Psych nursing. You just have to be realistic about what you are getting into. Nursing school school is hard and requires a lot of time. And while there are plenty of jobs when you get done with school the work is demanding and at times stressful. Anyway I love nursing
and encourage you to go ahead.