[merrywhiterose]

I'll be 52 when I graduate in 2010! There are others about the same age as me that are 1/2 through the Nursing program here, now.

[nmoore67]

I've worked in healthcare for almost 20 years and just got my RN last year. Being a 40 something new nurse also, I can say it is a bit harder just for the sheer fact that I just don't have the energy for those 12 hr+ shifts of running around at the hospital and trying to learn everything that is required all at the same time. The 20 something girls seem to do much better. Say what you will, but 20 years on the old body does make a difference, both mentally and physically. Good luck to her.

[FA to CRNA]

Originally Posted by jml444

I am 42 yrs old and getting ready to graduate next week with my RN. The BEST part of all of this was attending class with my 23 yr old daughter who will be walking across the stage with me with her RN as well!!

How do you 'graduate and walk' with an RN?

[Absolutely13]

Originally Posted by nmoore67

I've worked in healthcare for almost 20 years and just got my RN last year. Being a 40 something new nurse also, I can say it is a bit harder just for the sheer fact that I just don't have the energy for those 12 hr+ shifts of running around at the hospital and trying to learn everything that is required all at the same time. The 20 something girls seem to do much better. Say what you will, but 20 years on the old body does make a difference, both mentally and physically. Good luck to her.

Mmmnnnn....I've had days like this, but I couldn't have been able to do my current job when I was twenty-something. Maybe that's just me though.

[westwardbound]

Way to go !!!!! You are NEVER to old to learn! That is what my great-grandmother always told me and she lived to be 97......I will be graduating May '09 with my BSN and I will be 52......raised my sons (been divorced a long time), and decided it was time for me to go fullfill my dreams.....Yes, I need my glasses to read anything, but I LOVE what I'm doing and can not wait to graduate and begin my "second career"! So keep your spirits up, and focus....push thru when you get discouraged, and always, always remember why you decided to go after this. ...... Keep those glasses clean and clear !!!!!!:d ance:

[classicdame]

I started nursing school when I was 45 and got my ADN, then BSN and MSN. Still working and teaching full time. I believe goals are good for us and I know nursing has been good for me.

[Absolutely13]

You are classic and I strive to follow in your footsteps.

Is it strange I don't feel old? If anything, my learning has gotten easier in maturity.

[squeaker]

I'm thrilled to have come across this article "43 year old nursing grad". I am 45 now and am just starting school, working on my prereq's. I'll be about 50 when I finish nursing school. It sound's likely that I will not be the only one in my age range!
How wonderful!!!

[gradRN2007]

I am going to be 53 and just finished by first year of nursing on a cardiac step down unit, and love it! love it and the patients are the best. I believe being "mature" has helped in many ways and have been told by management that they love hiring mature nurses that have life skills. I love working with younger nurses and absorbing their energy, I just seem to be able to go with the flow better at times and enjoying what I do helps.