Mediocrity anyone?

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 16, 2003

I am not a fellow "older" student. I am an older nurse who has been around the block a few times.

I think it depends on what you are struggling with and why. If you are struggling with jumping through certain hoops that have little or no effect on the delivery with patient care, I wouldn't worry about it much.

For example: as an undergraduate student, there was an instructor who didn't think I should become a nurse and did her best to get me out. However, it had nothing to do with my knowledge base or my ability to give high-quality patient care. I was miserable at the time, but now, I've gotten over it. If, on the other hand, your struggling is related to your ability to care for patients, then you need to take that seriously. After all, you wouldn't want anybody you loved to be cared for a "minimally commpetent" nurse ... so, you shouldn't be satisfied with being "minimally competent" yourself.

You should probably analyze exactly what it is that you are struggling with and why you are struggling with it. If you are going to be a great nurse ... the relax! Grades aren't everything -- it's what you are learning that counts and just as important, what you do with what you learn.

Good luck,

llg

kavi · Apr 16, 2003

Dublin, count me in as a squeaker. I'm an older student. Had to take a Chemistry course just to understand the textbook for MicroBiology and Physiology. I am definitely not a super achiever. I struggle long and hard for every ounce I learn. I'm at the beginning of the road. But I'm determined. So we'll cheer each other on, okay!!!?

fergus51 · Apr 16, 2003

You don't really know how someone is doing anyways. We had an older superachiever who got kicked out of school for a drug habit, so I wouldn't worry about how you think others are doing.

allnurses Guide · Apr 16, 2003

Don't beat yourself up . . . I went back to school in my late 30's and graduated when I was 41. I drove or rode the bus 70 miles one way and had 3 kids and a hubby. I did the best I could under the circumstances but wasn't a straight "A" student. That bugged me at first because I'd always had a pretty easy time in school before. But, I cut myself some slack and just took it a day at a time and didn't try to get perfect grades. I just tried to understand the material.

You are not alone. You can do it.

steph

Dublin37 · Apr 17, 2003

Thanks, it's good to hear I'm not the only one out here! I'm trying! Gosh, maybe I should take chem? Heather

renerian, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2003

I just got my masters and I am 46. I started my BS at 44. Took me one year and my masters took me one year. I did distance classes and took six or seven at a time. It was very hard. I loved it though. I went back to college when I was 22 and I was one of the oldest in my class. Took me four years to get it done since I worked two jobs and had several very small kids. I know if I could do it with all that you can too. Have faith. Bite it off in little pieces. Talk good about yourself.

Glad to meet you,

renerian

FutureNurse2005 · Apr 17, 2003

My only advice is to forget about the others! Just worry about yourself. Are you giving it your all? If so, then just be proud of that! Some people just learn quicker/more easily than others.

Hugs to you and i'm wishing you all the best!:)

FullMoonMadness · Apr 17, 2003

Dublin. I was one of those super achievers until this semester. I am so looking forward to my C. School is really hard, no matter the age of the student, I am 44. I was very competitive(mostly with myself), but at the rate I am going this semester, I'll be very happy just to come away with understanding.Good luck to you.

Dublin37 · Apr 17, 2003

Wow, what would I do without this website? I keep looking for women who have gone before me for wisdom. You know someone around my age, with kids, home etc. I can't find ONE! Anyhoo, boohoo hah? I don't think I've given my time for this class so it's my own fault. But I'm feeling encouraged, even tho I'll probably have to retake this class, darn it! Oh well, it's worth it if I want to do well while in the program. You guys are sooo great, and I feel hugged, thanks! Heather