I'm 48 yrs young, with two sons graduating high school, one son in elem school and one girl in high school. I worked for the same company for 24 years, before moving to a different town, because my husband, a coach, was transferred, which brought me to quitting my job. Several times during those years, I wanted badly to start working towards a nursing career. I took Med Termin, for one semester, but never went back to school. With two boys graduating this spring, I've decided the time is right and I want more than anything to finally following my calling in nursing. At this point in time, I have to wonder if I've waited too long...48 years old and just starting...not really knowing where to start...I did just take a CNA class as a first step. Can anyone give me some advice please?

I am a CNA, and at 49 is going to school this Spring to attend classes to become a Medication Aide. Later this year, I am planning to take classes to advance to Practical Nursing. This kind of job did not even enter my mind since I was a kid. But, for some reasons I felt so good being able to communicate with the elderly, know their situations, work with a team to help them be comfortable in their state of mind, and to see them smile, wave and say thank you to me is very rewarding. I think it's not too late to care for people who needs them (care).

I dont believe you are ever too old to go for what you want.........As long as you are capable....

The last thing I've read is 45 is the average age of a RN. Your never to old, I'm 45 and my husband is 47 and we are both in school to get our RN. My husband just retired from the air force and is starting another career in nursing. I graduate in May '08 and he will be done 12/09 and 49 years young. I say go for it.

I just turned 40 and am finishing up my pre-reqs for the nursing program. I was a little intimidated about returning to university at my age and becoming a full-time college student again, but so far, it's been great. I am by far NOT the oldest person in my pre-nursing classes. And I find that my life experiences, my priorities and my determination to succeed serve me well in my classes. I was worried that I would struggle to keep up with the younger students whose brains are still absorbant, but I'm happy to say I've held my own pretty well. And so will you, ladybug! Now is the perfect time to go for it!

Thanks for all your words of advice. You give me much encouragement. I know it's going to be alot of hard work. But, I know it will be worth it in the long run. There's no time like the present. I'll be another year older sooner or later (Lord willing), so why not be another year older and obtaining a nursing degree! Thanks again!

Two things I knew when I was a child. 1 I wanted to be mother (I have 3 daughters)
2 I wanted to be a neo-natal nurse. I've felt this calling since I was 10yrs old. However Iam committed to honoring him as well as continuing in my committment to be a stay home mother.. while they need me!
BUT I also want to fullfill my dream.. With only a high school education, can someone HELP me find out what my 1st step should be, to get the ball rolling.. even if I don't fullfill this dream until my girls have gradutated I would like to have "my ducks in a row" and be able to move forward quickly when the time is right.

I'm 44 yrs old and just started class this October '07. I wondered the same thing, if I was to old but decided this was something I needed to do for myself and my future. I wish I'd done it at 20 something but since I didn't now is as good as anytime.

I started nursing school when I was 37 and vowed to be a RN by the time I was 40. I graduated in May of 2005 and turned 40 in July. I am now 52 and am half-way through the BSN program. Who knows, I may go on for my Masters. You are never too old to start something that is going to better yourself. Good luck!

Hi all, I started Nursing School at 53. I have a friend from Nursing School who is older than I am. There were several older ladies in my class. I studied with a thirty something and a twenty something. They were both very smart and helped me a lot. I think I made some very good friends during Nursing School. It was very hard and my first job was even harder and I had trouble with it so I am unemployed again. I had been is school for a while before I started Nursing School so it only took me three years after my husband passed away to get into Nursing
School. I was working full time at WalMart and taking one or two classes at a time. I also had four of my six children living with me. Try having puberty and menopause going on in your house at the same time. Three girls and one son(I think he was a little crazy when he moved out).

I am 35. and your never to old to do something you love. my dream was to be a nurse,but now I am rasing my 3 children alone..thanks ex....maybe oneday my dream will come true.

ladybug911 said:

I'm 48 yrs young, with two sons graduating high school, one son in elem school and one girl in high school. I worked for the same company for 24 years, before moving to a different town, because my husband, a coach, was transferred, which brought me to quitting my job. Several times during those years, I wanted badly to start working towards a nursing career. I took Med Termin, for one semester, but never went back to school. With two boys graduating this spring, I've decided the time is right and I want more than anything to finally following my calling in nursing. At this point in time, I have to wonder if I've waited too long...48 years old and just starting...not really knowing where to start...I did just take a CNA class as a first step. Can anyone give me some advice please?

I'm 41 and in my first quarter for my BSN. I say go for it. I would have taken my prereq's for the RN program. Your advantage is your got wisdom and have experienced a lot in life. Believe it or not that is an edge that you have, and your not still wondering what you want to ge when you grow up. If you mangaged a family and home you should thing about going into management or even teaching after you get your degree. Set you goals high and you will surprise yourself. May the Lord bless you in your endevors.

I thought I'd drop a note and say that I am 54 years old, I've been thru medical assistant training, phlebotomy training, and now CNA training. I still don't have a job :( I have tried everything I know to get a job, whats up with the health field? Am I too old ? I even have 18 years as a EMT behind me. Whats up with Michigan? Liz

I dont believe anyone is ever too old to go back to school, Iam 44 and went back to school for my LVN pre req's in the summer of o7 and still plugging along. Its been hard and being a wife of 25 yrs and mother of 2. I felt that now my children are in there 20's It was time for mom to do something I have always dreamed of, and to take care of me. I have been a CNA for 28yrs and I need to grow. Its tuff and the waiting lists are long and the GPA criteria is high especially in ca at the community college level and at 27-32,000 for private schools I will continue to higher my education until my applications are accepted, who knows what the world of education can bring you, except higher knowledge and be well rounded for the future in the nursing fields... Good luck you can do it..