Nursing School as an Older Student

[Jonelrob]

I was accepted to the Towson Nursing Program after much deciding this is for me. I do pretty well on my exams at the community college, but I'm a little concerned since I am going to be 50 years old. I'm in good health and really happy they want me. My concern lies with age being a problem with the other younger nurses and that I have slowed down some since my youth. Feels like I take twice the time for studying than other students. I wish I had my "young" brain as I know I'd be perfect for this career. I was wondering if there are any Towson alumni from the nursing program that could give me a heads up. I haven't taken a full load in a while. Since the kids were home I just took 2 or 3 classes .. or sometimes 1... so I was able to focus well on my classes. I'm concerned will I be ABLE to keep up when taking 4 classes. All week long? 8:30 til 5:30 every day....does any one have a great game plan. When do you study? How do you divide it up. One hour on pathopharmacology, one hour on another subject and clinicals. How do you all do it and maintain a household? I suppose I just want to hear some great stories of how an older lady or several took the same path I'm taking and managed well. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks for your insight, and guidance. I appreciate any help.

Thanks

Jo

[darmor11]

I am 43yo with a husband and two children (16 & 10). I am starting an ADN program this fall. I am more focused now than when I was in my early twenties. We will be fine and we will do great..

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm 43 and I think my biggest fear is that I'll get one of my "brain farts" during an exam. You know what I mean...where you can't remember a word or phrase no matter how hard you try? UGH! Ever since I turned 40, I swear my memory just isn't as sharp as it used to be. I'm still making excellent grades, but I have to work a lot harder at studying to achieve it than I used to when I was younger.

I'm pretty technically savvy, so I feel like I can handle any technology they throw our way. I know in my pre-reqs, I really felt like I was everyone's "mom". Heck, I was older than one of my professors last semester! But our advisor said the average age of nursing students in our program is trending upwards, so that's reassuring :)

I say...let's be proud of ourselves for pursuing our dreams! Better late than never

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Wanted to add that we had a student in my accelerated BSN who was 53. She's now one of the best nurses I know!

[michfish]

I just turned 40 and I start my ADN program in August. You can do it. I know that I was really scared when I started working on my prereq's 2 years ago. So much had changed technology wise since I was in college the first time around. It took me about 1 semester to adjust to how technology has changed the classroom. I embrace it now.

I wondered if I would be able to keep up academically with the younger kids. I have found that not only have I kept up, but I have surpassed many of them. I have found my age and life experiences to be an asset rather than a hindrance. I am better able to manage my time than when I was younger and my grades are vastly improved from my first go-around (I have a BA). I may have to work harder at it now but I also want it more than when I was younger. I am definitely more motivated. I know what I want and I work very hard to achieve my dreams. :)

[kbrazell]

I'm 46 and one of my very young classmates told me, " Ms. Karen I would much rather you took care of me if I was ill instead of any of these young ladies in class". I was really glad he said that I guess he could see the my mothering nature lol!!!!

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

I am 55+ and got my BSN and now working on my FNP online. If I can do it...anyone can! It takes a bit of reorganizing your brain, but within a few weeks you will find your groove. The only problem is we bring a lot of "but, what if, well in this case" to the class and I find that just makes me learn the subject better. The other thing to note with us "older students" is we learn the stuff, not learn to take a test.

[Jenngirl34RN]

I am 32 and have two kids at home and will be starting my ADN program in the Fall. When I did my interview for my ADN program the administrator said she often prefers older students because they bring maturity and life experience to their work. You may have to study harder but you come to the table with experience that younger students just out of high school cannot have yet.

[Jonelrob]

I hadn't checked this in a while. :) been busy. Thanks for all your words. Very helpful and yes I'm still hanging in there. Sometimes really really hard wanna walk away from it days and some really really enlightening - I'm in the right place kind of days. I know I have what it takes mentally. Confidence will come with experience so I'll just keep hanging in there doing my best as that is all anyone can do. Besides I already paid a bunch of money :) lol

Thanks again!

[JBudd, MSN]

One of my students was 62 at his graduation. He'd never had to a chance to study higher ed, and when he had the chance he went for it! Did just fine too.