nursing

[ilovemarkb]

am i too old to start nursing. i.ll be 40 next year, additional to that i would have to go to college to gain another 2 gcse.s (then i would have 5) couldnt i just sit an entrance test rather than wasting another year getting gcse.s that have nothing to do with nursing whatsoever???

[saxy_jag]

They wouldn't be able to turn you down on the basis of your age alone. I have a friend in her early forties who's just qualified. However, you would need to show that you have (or would be able to develop) the required stamina, fitness, intellectual capacity and attitude for the work (which can be at degree standard, and that's hard work).

It seems that the 5 GCSE's requirement isn't written in stone:

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.a spx?Id=125

Could be you have other qualifications or experience that could be taken in lieu of this. If you're not already, then finding work as a health care assistant for the NHS or a reputable organisation could be a good start, because then you'll have access to stuff like NVQ programmes that can be used to get you onto the nursing training ladder, plus gaining experience as you go.

[frantic14]

You are definitely not too old!! I started my nursing course 3 years ago ( when i was 30) and will qualify this year.
I do have one suggestion though. Rather than just doing another 2 GCSE's i would consider an Access course. These are usually run at the local college and take a year to complete. They cover subjects such as psychology, sociology, maths and biology. As well as that they teach study skills such as referencing and academic essay writing, which you will do plenty od during nurse training