Pip: okay, I will try this again: go for the BSN. I too was awful at math and in HS took only what I needed to get my HS diploma. Just get the help you need and go for it. You will not be sorry that you got the BSN. You will hear many tell you that the BSN is not needed unless you want to go into administrative or management positions. This information is only partially true. Yes, the BSN will get you into management positions. The BSN will also make you a better RN. You will get more education and classes that are not offered in the AND program that will greatly contribute to your nursing knowledge.  

I am also 52 years old and am just getting started on my nursing degree. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl. I served 23 years in the Air Force and when I retired I went from job to job. My last employer offered to pay for me to get a degree but he wanted it in Human Services so that's where I started. I had 3 more classes to finished in that degree when the program I was working in closed due to budget cuts and I found myself without a job and no money to finish my degree. When I went to apply for unemployment I decided to talk to the Veteran's representative and found out that I qualified for the Vocational Rehab program for veterans. Because of this I finished my associates in Human Services and I only have 3 more prerequisite classes left and then I will apply to be accepted into the RN program at my school. I just love it!!! I can't wait until I get into the nitty gritty part of nursing. I just pray that I am accepted. It is very competitive at the school I am attending. You basically have to get all "A's", & get a good score on the HESI test, in order to be accepted. So far so good so hopefully my next 3 classes will be "A's" too. 

I agree with everyone else it's never too late to start a career that you've always loved to do. I first started out of high school and I left life get in the way and regret it to this day for leaving school but I have the opportunity to go back and I'm taking it. I started nursing school when I turned 37 and I pray that I finish before turning 40! Never let age stop you, seek your passion and live out your dream!

 When I started my LPN program in 1988, I was one of the youngest in the class at age 24.  The average age of my classmates was about 47.  

I'm not 43.  I'm going back for the degrees.  I've busted my hump in the trenches and now want credit for what I know, what I can do, and be able to teach others what I know.  

I worked 47 years as an Administrative Assistant and was approaching retirement.  I am single, in good health and thought about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and knew I wanted to be "hands-on" helping people.  I had loved reading medical books and often thought I would like to go into the medical field.  I read a poster that said, "It is never too late to become what you might have been".  I thought this was so true and I felt that God was leading me into the medical field, so I decided to become an RN.  I took the prerequisite classes at our Community College at night and completed them with a 4.0 GPA. 

I was accepted into Nursing School at age 64 and have just completed my Junior Year and will be going into the Senior Class this Fall 2008.  I will be graduating in the Class of 2009!   I can hardly believe that I have reached this point and am excigted about the future.   I am in the Summer Intern Program and enjoying it very much.  Eventually, I would like to do Home Nursing, Hospice Nursing, volunteer with Red Cross or Compassion International during times of catastrophes and participate in short term Medical Mission trips.

Even though I am the oldest in my class, I have made many friends of all ages.  There are students who are 19 and 20, some in their 30's, some in their 40's and some in their 50's.    We have laughed and cried together, studied and worked together in clinicals.  I have found it harder to learn than when I was younger but I use all kinds of tricks to keep things in my mind. 

I can truly say that you should not let age stand in your way of fulfilling your dream.  You can make it!!!

It's never too late to back to school. I started my medical career at 19 as a medical assistant, then at 34 attended LVN school, now at 56 finally finshing pre requitsites , which I had started and stopped many times, for the RN program. Two more classes and I can apply for the step-up program, I will enter the third semester of the  4 semester RN program and be done.  Yeahhhh before I'm 60.

You will get done. Don't give up.

nursegela:  OMG that was so funny and i laughed so hard. 

I am 45 and am trying to fit going back to school for LPN or RN into my life right now.  I am thinking that NP would be a great place to finish, but I don't know.

but your never to old for nursing, ok so you may get your walker wheels tangled with your pts, and so what if the EMT's coming to transport an elderly pt to the hosp grab you first, its ok.  Just remember when you hit 100 you no longer have to pay property taxes in some states, maybe the government will figure you won't be able to pay your student loans on what they give you for social security and you will only have to pay the interest. 

gregs_brat says ...

I have wanted to be a nurse for going on 25 years. I got bit by the bug when I was 15 doing candystripping to keep me out of trouble. All these years I was a CNA with a little dream in the back of my heart that I would get to college and be the woman I was meant to be. When I met my husbad 5 years ago, I had been off and on homeless with 3 boys who 's father didnt keep jobs for 10 years. Had lost everything I owned 3 times and still had nothing. So I knew I was not worthy of getting a college education if I couldn't support my family. However, 2 years ago my new husband secretly filled out the form to apply to our local college. He works there so tuition is paid for spouses. I had told him of the desire to go but was worried I was too old and dumb.  Behind my back he got all my school records from my mom, applied, then sat back to see me open the letter of acceptance. The shock on my face when I opened the letter you can imagine. First it was thought to be a mistake on their part for sending the letter, then my husband and mom told me what they had done. I am proud to say 2 years later I am working 2 jobs 1 full time, 1 part time and going to school 3/4 time carrying a 3.8 (those darn A&P grades lol) Next semester I am to apply to the last 2 years of the nursing program.

So the moral of this is I was not too old because I have had many classes with people older or same age as me. I was smart enough to succeed and I'm half way to my dream job. The most important part is you can change your life for the better and build self esteem just by taking a few classes toward your goal.

Oh and by the way, I haven't even got my BSN yet and I have already got plans to get my MSN with a thesis picked out. LOL

 

Wow! You are a true inspiration to many. Thank you for telling your story, it goes to show you to never give in, never give up and always follow your dreams! Good luck in the nursing program. 

NEVER......I new a lady who starte a career in Nursing at 70....go for it!

I am twenty six years old and even though I have alot of school loans to pay off and alot to deal with at home, I decided to go back to school for a second degree in Nursing.  Then I want to go back and get my Nursing Teaching certificate.  After that I want to get a Ph.D in NP.  It is something I really want to do.  I don't think you are ever too old for Nursing school.  Besides as long as anyone works in the health care field they will continue to learn throughout their career. If you can see it through and you want to do it, I say go for it :-)

I just found this site, what a wonderful experience reading through posts from people who feel the same way I do.  I am 38 and have been working in a nursing home as a Nursing Assistant for 2 years this July.  I love this work, and keep saying that I want to go to Nursing School, but am SO hesitant.  Am I too stupid? Am I too old?  I have two boys who are 15 and 12, and they are special needs, I have no babysitter for them, and they are not responsible enough to stay home alone.  My husband works a 50-60 hours workweek.  I also have Bipolar Disorder, and wonder if that will inhibit me in any way?  Any advice? Anyone who wants to talk to me?  How do I find out about pre-requisite courses? How do I afford Nursing School? Help!!!

You are never to old ... Tomorrow in my pinning ceremony for my Practical Nursing   and I am already working on my RN  as my next step  Good Luck  in what ever you chose  but never let age be a hinderence.

ladybug911 says ...

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 just graduated from LPN school in December. It was a great experience and very rewarding. You have to dedicate yourself and yes it is a lot of stress and work but like I said very rewarding. I am 53 years old, graduated on the dean's honor roll at a 3.50 grade point average and also received a perfect attendance award.  Nothing is impossible......stay with it and don't ever let anyone tell you that it is crazy or impossible. My was all about God's timing and it was the time. I am now back in school and starting on my pre-req for RN school.