Curious. How many "older" students

CappucinoMama · May 5, 2004

How about making it 40+? I think there are more similarities between 40 & 50 year olds than 40 & 25 year olds. (Creaking bones come to mind).

LOL..to funny on the creaking bones and believe me I can relate..:) I did want to add my thoughts as well tho that this would be a marvelous idea to have a thread dedicated for the 40+ non-traditional student on the student forum. It was/is so nice (and inspiring) to read of others who are in my generation returning to school to accomplish their ADN/BSN degree(s).

Would it be possible to have a dedicated thread for the older student?

I enjoy reading all of the contributions on several forums that I frequent - but many times it's nice to see a place that lets me know I am not alone at this stage in my life pursuing my nursing goal.

Non-traditionally yours, :)

*nightshift* · May 5, 2004

I'm 36 and will graduate from my ADN program in May '05. I have been an LPN for 15 years. I'm recently divorced which prompted me to return to school. I have a 15 yo son who lives with his father. I currently live in Central KY. My goal is to continue my education with a Master's in Forensic Nursing.

Silicone · May 5, 2004

Another woman asked me why I would want to be a nurse. Her daughter is a physical therapist and told her that nursing is the worst, because you work so hard and get paid so little!! I never know how to answer people like that.

I get comments like that. I just turn it completely around and say:

"Well if that's what you believe, *you* should not become a nurse!"

For some reason that response tends to irritate people.

Not my problem.

Samantha

Mandylpn · May 8, 2004

Hi I am 47, two boys 22 and 18, going for LPN, just finished my second clinical rotation in Med/Surg. It convinced me to continue for the RN (so I don't have to chase the RN's down to do IV pushes on my patients!). I graduate in Dec '04 from LPN. Hubby calls me the "professional" student. :chuckle :chuckle That's me and lovin' every minute of it too.

lunakat · May 8, 2004

I am 26 and have no children. I am doing ADN program. I finshed my pre-reqs and just got into program for fall. I live in the Central Valley of CA. I have no idea what area of nursing I want to get into. I imagine once I see it I will know. Best of luck to all of us...

RN123456789 · May 8, 2004

Hi I am 34, and married with 2 children, (ages 15&11). I am graduating May 23, 2004 Thank God it's finally over! I am currently in the BSN program at the University of Massachusetts, in Dartmouth. I switched to a BSN program, because the waiting lists for the ADN's are way too long! It was the best decision I have ever made. I am very much interested in Maternal/Child nursing. I spent 80 hours of my mentorship experience, on a level 2 nursery, and loved every minute of it. I currently have an application put in, and feel that I have a very good chance of getting in. Right now I am waiting for conformation from human resources. Good luck to all who have just started. Remember, when thing's get tuff, there is a light at the end of the tunnel :rotfl: :balloons:

camiluvsNURSING · May 9, 2004

ROLL CALL....

Hello, I'm a 27 year old mother of three ages 3 1/2, 8 and 34( the oldest is my other half :rotfl: ) I will be finished with my pre-reqs this summer and will be applying to an ADN program and a BSN program for Spring 2005 (May the best one pick the best...that's me!). My goal is to become a PA or NP specializing in Geriatrics.:)

samrogers · May 9, 2004

It seems that alot of people are doing nursing for a second career. Just curious. How old is everyone? Who has kids? Is it a mixed group in the professional part of the nursing program (I am still doing pre-reqs)? Where are you living and what school do you plan on going to. BSN or ADN? What area of nursing do you want to go into?
I am 32, will be 33 in August. I am married with 3 kids. I live in Phoenix and will be going to Arizona State University for my BSN. I am doing the BSN rather than the ADN because I would like to be a CNM. Although I am also interested in ICU too.

Hi, I'm 53. I was in business for 25 years and due to downsizing, I was laid off. They kept a kid that I trained for 1 1/2 years and let me go. I decided to go into nursing. I had been in a diploma program in 1970 and was married and became pregnant, so I couldn't finish. I am loving it and excited to finish. I am in an Associate Degree program for RN and will graduate in May, 2005. I just started working as a CNA to get my foot in the door of a small hospital and they said they are interested in my when I graduate. Life is good. I've been married to my guy for 34 years. I have 3 children, twins 27 and daughter 32. I wondered if I would still have it in me to study and I do. I will finish my BSN online after I start working. The technical college that I attend is very intense and very good. It is a lot cheaper than the bigger colleges and there seems to be no difference in the pay of nurses with BSN degress. Have a great day!

Kyriaka · May 9, 2004

I am 37. My children are no longer living but I still feel like a mom. :)

I am still doing pre-req's. I am changing careers. I originally went to college years ago to be an attorney but ended up in accounting. I have a whole lot of Political Science but I am missing regular science & math. So I am working on that.

I was fortunate that when I was laid off from ATT Wireless (the Cinglular merger) my parents had an extra house for me to live in. So that is where I live.

I am getting a BSN but have not decided on a school. I have 3 choices in the area. UAB, Spring Hill (a Jesuit college--nursing program limited to 4.0), and University of Mobile (Baptist college---$4,000 a semester and has lost accr. before but have it back now--I wont go there). I may go out of state.

I am a former burn patients and want to specialize in critical care burns. When I was a burn patient the only nurses that took care of me were former burn patients. Not many people want to go into that field. Later I would like to teach college level Bioethics. I am the Director of the Lyme Disease Support Group of AL and will continue to fill that job as a volunteer for the rest of my life as long as no one objects.

SCmomof3, RN · May 10, 2004

I am 37. My children are no longer living but I still feel like a mom. :)

{{{{hug}}}}

meemaw1 · May 10, 2004

I'm just thrilled to have had a few 50+plusers respond!!!

I feel so good knowing that there are others like me who still want to learn, grow, and contribute in midlife

Congrats to you graduating next year. I'm sure your kids are so proud of you and what an example you're showing to them that we are never to old

or used up to start a new path.

I have a daughter 32 and one 28. They are both behind me and proud of me

My hubby is my best supporter!

I start nursing this Fall, and the program will continue for three years, two semesters a year.

I'll be 60 when I graduate, but I'll be 60 in three years anyway, why not have a BSN-rn degree too!!!1 lol

I'd love to keep updated about your last year .

Go girl! Go girl! go girl!

Hi, I'm 53. I was in business for 25 years and due to downsizing, I was laid off. They kept a kid that I trained for 1 1/2 years and let me go. I decided to go into nursing. I had been in a diploma program in 1970 and was married and became pregnant, so I couldn't finish. I am loving it and excited to finish. I am in an Associate Degree program for RN and will graduate in May, 2005. I just started working as a CNA to get my foot in the door of a small hospital and they said they are interested in my when I graduate. Life is good. I've been married to my guy for 34 years. I have 3 children, twins 27 and daughter 32. I wondered if I would still have it in me to study and I do. I will finish my BSN online after I start working. The technical college that I attend is very intense and very good. It is a lot cheaper than the bigger colleges and there seems to be no difference in the pay of nurses with BSN degress. Have a great day!

Kyriaka · May 10, 2004

Thanks SC Mom and Happy Mother's Day to you!!

God Bless!

Kara