Well, I certainly hope there isn't a problem getting a nursing position due to age.  I'm 46 and just finished my first of four semesters in nursing school.  Thirty-five seems young to me... and, I'm sure 46 seems young to someone else.  All I have been told is that age won't matter.  Nurses are in demand!  Besides, we a breadth of background and experience, older nurses can be a valuable asset.  Perhaps someone else has a different opinion and I hope they will weigh-in on this.... 

Best of luck,

Rusty

YES i feel that the older you are the more advanced in knowledge! I am always intimidated by older people when it comes to career/educatiom.

I really can't speak about the medical field and the age factor, because I'm so new to it.  From my observations, it seems that they (medical field) are a bit more understanding.  It's probably more fair to say that they realize what a great value they are getting by hiring people with some miles on them.  Since I'm going into nursing, that is my hope anyway.

As for the world outside of the medical world, I think age is a huge factor; depending on what sect is in question.  Many definitely tend to hire younger people.  It serves those of us that are middle age to remain fit, open minded with progressive thinking.  I think becoming rigid and closed minded only serves to close the doors on many opportunities.

My parents never offered me the option of going to nursing school upon completion of high school.  I finally went to LPN school at age 36, graduated in the top 1/4 of my class.  Now, at age 55 am doing the LPN-RN bridge, online.  You are never too old to start something new.  You are only old if you tell yourself you are too old.  Time to start thinking young.

There's no question in my mind that looks and age are factors that influence a person's social and career development.  Though it (especially physical beauty) certainly does entice people to utilize thier physical assets for personal gain; it usually turns out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing..........so to speak.  By the time a person realizes that, they also realize that they may have sold their soul.......so to speak.  I'm sure others have a different take on it, but I've witnessed it a multitude of times in my life.  I've seen many people regret having to utilize physical attributes to promote themselves rather than actually being valued for having merit.

I agree with everyone.  You are never too old to learn something unless your mind set is different.  I'm trying to change careers from a medical transcriber (of 18+ years) to nursing and I am 48.  Plus I am trying to get my employer to pick up the tab since I work in a hospital.  I have been experiencing difficulties since starting this, back in September 2008, from "too late to turning in the reimbursement form" to currently trying to get into a filled class with the teacher's permission.  But I feel that persistence is key.  I want this but not sure if a transcriber can turn into a nurse?  I like helping people and have worked as a nurse's aid years ago, so I am not a stranger as to what I would be doing.  I would have an edge on people changing careers from the business field into the medical field, I all ready know a lot of drugs, medical terminology, have a previous 2-year degree in medical records so I know all about that, plus a bachelor's degree in organizational managment that didn't help me at my current employer.  I need to work another 20 years at least (boy, isn't that bad!!) and the nursing career keeps staring at me in the face.  And thinking about getting into case management or maybe nurse educator (of course, after I get my experience).  Any comments or ideas?