I retired one year ago after 33 years of service. I am 59 years old and i would like to get a masters degree on line. I am hesitating because I do not need any more bills. I think my good health and physical ability play a major role. I do not have to do this but i want to stay in touch with nursing. I would hope to teach after completion but i am only planning one activity at a time. I plan to take one semester and than I will decide if I should go on. Is anyone else going through this?

Congrats to you Michaela

I 2nd that..

I am 50 and a new grad from an accelerated nursing program (BSN). It's never too late unless you've convinced yourself it is. I've always believed in the will power to do something overrides any physical barriers we may have. So many experiences have proven this true even within the hospital setting. Don't let people, friends, or family discourage you from achieving a goal, dream or desire that advances your lifecourse and expecially if you are over 50. Middle aged doesn't have to mean old unless you want it to!

Oh! Thank God i found such a greate forum! Its is amazing how much knowledge is available for me and those who really want to make a different .....Im 52 years old and have  worked as a CNA and work with the public with the health department. Looking forward to go back to college....starting soon again. It is never too late. I have a friend , she became a nurse at age 47  and now at 54  became a pedriatic nurse practitioner.  Please keep me in touch .

I'm pushing the sixth decade and still pursuing the goal I started when I was 15!  So what if it takes a lifetime!  Better to go after what you want all your life than to realize you are still unhappy while you are on your deathbed.

I went to a counselor because I wasn't really happy in my job as an insurance biller.  It was boring and I enjoy people contact in person without haggling over a bill.  She also told me that I will get old anyway, so I might as well get old going to nursing school than staying at home and being unhappy in what I was doing. I have tried off and on over the years to get my degree in medicine of some sort, taking a class here and a class there while trying to raise a family and handle life's rotten tomatoes and I just finished nursing school with my RN in December 2010 and passed my NCLEX on 2/9/11.  I am 59 yrs old but don't look or feel that old.  Obviously I don't look like I'm in my 30's but I do get looks from people when I say that I just graduated with my RN.  Most comments are "I wouldn't have the stamina to do what you did" or they just look at me like I'm crazy.  My problem, and part of this is the economy, but I haven't been able to find a new grad job and most jobs posted want at least 1 yr of experience.  There are a lot of nurses younger than I that still don't have jobs, but in the back of my mind I wonder if it's because I am too old.  Maybe recruiters are thinking, let's give the job to the younger nurse because they will last longer than someone my age.  I have never, ever, let my age bother me about applying for a job because I feel I am capable.  Does anyone have any advice?

I am a 38-year old LPN. I attended LPN school last year beginning in Feb. 2010 and ending this year Feb. 2011. So, I believe you are never too old to start your nursing career. Age ain't nothing but a number. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I agree... you are never too old to follow your dreams!

I started nursing school right out of high school, but then I became sick with the epstein barr virus & was too weak to complete my first semester. A few years later I started bartending & did that for 8yrs. I then went on to become a pharmacy technician, but knew in my heart I would never truly be happy until I became a nurse. I am now 32 (almost 33) & just starting my long-awaited career as an LPN. I intend to go on for my BSN as well.

No matter what age you are, if you know that nursing is your calling, then NOTHING can hold you back!

Michele

I dont believe their is an age limit to what one can do! This is my second career I am embarking into- and I enjoy every moment. I believe one should follow their dreams and the world is open to them!

Quite late to this post but I am 44 and starting prerequisites for nursing school. I was feeling bad that I had not done this earlier but prayer and this forum has encouraged me alot!

I don't know how old is too old, but I will graduate on july 29th as an LVN, (23months part time school) and i have been working as a CNA while in school.  I turned 56years old in march!! Most of my fellow students are younger than my sons !!!

I have no intentions of slowing down any time soon as i plan on getting wound care certified and IV certified before my next birthday!!!

I got a kick out of something that I heard in the Student Lounge when I did my Masters (was 39 yo when completed).

My fellow MPH students (some were physicians) were talking about an episode of a Nickelodeon show, that my kids also watched.

That makes one feel old.

hi everyone, I am 45 1/2. (heehee) and I am going to be starting nursing school in August. I am so relieved to see that i am not the only person who is starting this career a little later in life. while doing my pre-requisites for this career i was usually the older or oldest person in class. It didnt really bother me much because i wasnt there for them, i was there to better myself. I wish everyone luck in the future and i am so glad this website exists.

Lori