“Am I Too Old to Go to Nursing School?”
Are you too old to go to nursing school? If we had a nickel for every time we have been asked this question, there would be no more nickels in South Florida. To answer this question quickly and succinctly: No, absolutely not, get that out of your head. There is no “appropriate age for nursing school.”
We have had students from age 18 to 55 years old in our NCLEX Exam Prep Course and all of them go on to become great nurses. The issue isn’t age and it never will be.
Why Are You Apprehensive About Going to Nursing School?
That being said, we understand why some believe they are too old to go to nursing school. This stems more from the apprehension to switch careers to nursing more than anything else. The older we are the more comfortable we become.
You are scared to change careers and essentially begin again, starting fresh as a nurse and not understanding anything, having to learn new concepts and change your environment. Of course you are going to be slightly nervous, we completely understand.
But that should not stop you from going to nursing school. If you need help deciding whether you should, try a fear setting exercise or a self-authoring exercise. Both might help you put things into perspective.
Can I Keep Up With Younger Nurses?
Yes, you can. Is nursing a physically and mentally demanding job? Yes. Can it be done very well by an entry-level nurse in her 40s? Of course!
There is no “best age to go to nursing school” requirement. If you want to be a career nurse from a young age, then the best time to go to nursing school is as soon as possible. If you are a teacher considering a career switch to nursing, then the best time is now.
There is a proverb that states: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” You can start today.
Remember There Are Different Types of Nursing Jobs
There are so many jobs available for nurses. You can work in a hospital, in a private clinic, in a retirement home, school, or mental health facility. Those are just a few of the examples. The point is to remember that there are options available!
Don’t be discouraged from attending Florida nursing school because you think you won’t be able to keep up with the hectic hustle of a hospital. Again, there is no “best age for nursing school”. There are so many places you can use your training.
FVI has a nursing school in Miami, FL and a nursing school in Miramar, FL. Start your nursing career today! Apply now or contact us, our admissions team to discuss our nursing program options.
