Older Nursing students

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I am finishing up pre-reqs and applying to an RN program for the fall - I wonder how many of you are out there that are non traditional nursing students - I have a feeling I may be the oldest nursing student on this site.:)

I will be 39 when I apply to the LPN program and in my 40's when and if I bridge to the RN program.

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39 - just entered a BSN program...will graduate next year at 40! sometimes i actually do feel old, yet there are many people in my program older than me...i just wish i had did this at 25 instead of now...no sense in regretting: coulda, shoulda, woulda: whatever...i just need to do this! good luck

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I'm in a 2-year program and will be 41 when I graduate (hopefully) in 2011. There are definitely a lot of whipper-snappers in my class but also plenty close to my age and a few older. I'm not sure which of us is the oldest in our class, but it ain't me. :p

Exactly the same here! ;)

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Specializes in LTC, wound care.

So what? In 3 years you'll be 3 years older anyway. Older nurses have lots of life experience they bring to the table!:D I say, go for it!

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Specializes in Revenue Integrity, Rehab, RAC Auditor.

I am 51 and working on my ASN through Excelsior-god will and the brain holds out I will be done by the end of this year!!! :D The women who convinced me to go back and get my RN got her pharmacy degree at 36, her BSN at 45, MSN at 50 and running a hospital at 65!! So we have plenty of years ahead of us!! :w00t:

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I teach clinicals--we have plenty of older students. Some do just fine, but for quite a few, it takes them longer to grasp concepts and master the manual dexterity of equipment like putting together IV tubing, etc. If this is your case, then you MUST put in the time to get these skills--the other student will progress leaving you bewildered and confused if you don't get it and clinicals will not go smoothly for you. Again, this is not every older student, but I do see a trend.

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I'm 42 and in my 5th semester of taking pre-reqs and of course the general education requirements to get a BSN. Since I'm working basically full time I can only take 3 classes at a time right now. I'm hoping to be able to quit my job soon so I can focus on school completely. I may still have to find something part time, but I would love to be able to concentrate on school work for more than nights, weekends and lunch hours. I'm hoping to graduate by 2013 at the latest.

There are several other people in my classes that are older, but I think I may be one of the oldest myself. Maybe I'll find out differently once I actually get started in the nursing program portion of school! Good luck to everyone!

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I am 49 years old and just graduated in December and am studying to take the NCLEX exam. I felt that same way you did when I started but believe me there are all ages in the nursing program. Do not worry younger or older you will bond with your classmates as you will need each other in order to get through. We are never to old to learn. Good luck!!!!:)

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I was 47 when I graduated from my second degree BSN. There were about 35 in my class - 1 was a year old, then a ten year gap to the 36 year old. Most were in their mid-twenties/early thirties. We did have a couple of 21 year olds fresh out of college. I loved being around the "youngsters" - they included me in their social stuff (imagine getting carded for a beer in Georgetown by a bartender young enough to be my kid!) You will do fine and really have a great time. You will find that your life experience will make nursing so much easier for you than for them!

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I'm 37 here, just finished pre-reqs and will start this fall. I will be close to 40 when I graduate and start working. :yeah:

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Specializes in Cardio-Pulmonary; Med-Surg; Private Duty.

I am 40yo (will be 41 in April) and I have my pre-reqs done, so I should be starting my nursing program in Fall 2010, with an LPN diploma in Spring 2011 and an RN in Spring 2012.

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Hi, I'm 47 and have applied to a bunch of private schools, and am on the waitlist for 2. I am in class with a 52 and 54 year old, (for the pre-reqs)

There is no such thing as "too old". It's a fallacy and a waste of energy worrying about it.

However, it would be fun to start a group of some sort.

Signed,

retired dancer & mom of 4

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