[spitfire02]

As you know I am a new member as of today, and spend a lot of time reading comments and enjoying each and every one of them. I about to take the NCLEX Monday and I am 50y/o and I feel a 16y/o trying to study for a big test, had the nervous stomach and all it entails.
BUT I feel this is worth it and I am not going to stop until I finish what I set out to do years ago.When I started Nursing school, just went through a divorce, my daughter was pregant with my first grandchild, my youngest child was graduating high school, my life was changing so fast and getting MY RN title will be the last thing left on my agenda to acommplish, AND I WILL MONDAY MORNING......
Spitfire02

[WDWpixieRN]

Originally Posted by spitfire02

...getting MY RN title will be the last thing left on my agenda to acommplish, AND I WILL MONDAY MORNING...

Best wishes Spitfire!! You sound like one determined graduate nurse and my thoughts will be with you as you accomplish this next goal....the last thing we will accomplish in this life will be dying....don't ever stop setting and reaching for new goals!!

[HM2Viking]

Originally Posted by SMILEY411

I am 39 and attempted to attend nursing school about three years ago, but because of personal isuues,such as my mother having surgery and having to move back home to help I did not do so well, so I pushed aside my desire to become a nurse...after reading all of these wonderful inspirational stories about returning to school at all different ages I am ready to go and no longer ashamed!!!!! Thank you all for your words of wisdom you have given me the strength and courqage to try again!!! I am excited and look forward to this challenge....good luck toyou all and I will be back with some stories of my own!!!!!

Keep posting and let us know how you are doing at achieving your goal...(I didn't start nursing school until 45. (Pinning 12/15/07). Best of luck!

[sharona97]

I was a medical receptionist at age 18. Became a CMA at age 22. Started LPN school at age 23. Today I'm 48 and taking courses for the bridge program. And really nervous if I can do it, and do well in school.

[WDWpixieRN]

Originally Posted by sharona97

I was a medical receptionist at age 18. Became a CMA at age 22. Started LPN school at age 23. Today I'm 48 and taking courses for the bridge program. And really nervous if I can do it, and do well in school.

Have you been working in the field? As a 51 y/o student, I never had any exposure to the healthcare field and VERY limited science exposure (had avoided them like the plague)....I am doing fine and am not the oldest student at my school. If you've been working in the field, you've got a huge leg up on me and others like me. We have at least one bridge student who has joined us in our third semester and I am constantly amazed by how smart she is, lol!! She knows a LOT more than us, probably from being out there in the trenches already!! The most important tip I can give you is to stay on top of any assignments; our instructors won't stand for late assignments (as it should be) and some folks seem to have issues with this.

Best wishes and let us know how you're doing!!

[longjourneydream]

Sure you can...

You have tons of experience.


If you really want this, you will do well.

I'm 46 and just got my RN in June and was a tech for 17years.

I have an edge.

I just love it when an ER nurse says she needs to find a tech


because she cannot do a splint, or a sling and swath or set up a


suture tray for the Doctors.

I can say "hey , I know how to do

that, as well as the nursing type things.

So yes, experience has an advantage.

Originally Posted by sharona97

I was a medical receptionist at age 18. Became a CMA at age 22. Started LPN school at age 23. Today I'm 48 and taking courses for the bridge program. And really nervous if I can do it, and do well in school.

[sharona97]

Originally Posted by wdwpixie

Have you been working in the field? As a 51 y/o student, I never had any exposure to the healthcare field and VERY limited science exposure (had avoided them like the plague)....I am doing fine and am not the oldest student at my school. If you've been working in the field, you've got a huge leg up on me and others like me. We have at least one bridge student who has joined us in our third semester and I am constantly amazed by how smart she is, lol!! She knows a LOT more than us, probably from being out there in the trenches already!! The most important tip I can give you is to stay on top of any assignments; our instructors won't stand for late assignments (as it should be) and some folks seem to have issues with this.

Best wishes and let us know how you're doing!!

Thank you for the kind words. I have 28 years of exposure. I'm feeling like I would be the oldest and the slowest even though in my earlier years I did just fine in class. Thanks again, I needed that!

[Franemtnurse]

I graduated from nursing school at age 55. This was my second career, so I know you can do it.

[Im2exclusive]

Hi, I'm New To This Site And I Need Some Advice About Getting Started In This Career. I Have 3 Children 8,6 And Three Months. I'll Be 28 In Jan/08 Is It Too Late To Start Nursing?

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by MsT718

Hi, I'm New To This Site And I Need Some Advice About Getting Started In This Career. I Have 3 Children 8,6 And Three Months. I'll Be 28 In Jan/08 Is It Too Late To Start Nursing?

It's definately not too late. If you have good support and childcare and don't mind not sleeping, then you can do it. j/k....good luck!