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.:)

Specializes in Med Surg, Homecare, Hospice, Rehab.

As they say: Age is a function of mind over matter - if you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

I was 50 when I started nursing school, almost 69 when I finally retired.

Recognize you are probably more dedicated than some younger folks, but your physical body may not be -

Please, remember to get lift help. You are right - been there, didn't do that, til I learned better, the hard way.

Nursing is best when it is team-thing.

thnx,

ned

Don't be afraid. Never be late! I am 31. I like those classmates elder than me. I think nursing is a unique career. They had more life experience to share in class and always teach and help me. They are more mature mentally. I believe you will be a great nurse.

Specializes in Psych. Nurse.

I'm glad to see that there are so many "older" nursing students out there. I was 52 when I started my prerequisites, male, had just moved to So-Cal, and was on disability as a result of my Bi-Polar illness. It would seem like a "stacked deck" for failure, wrong. You can let people talk trash to you, but you don't have to believe it. I slowly got my way through the prereq's and got into a nursing program, in the high-desert, where the director really believed in me as much as I did myself. (She now is helping many other students through her position in the Board of Nursing) I had my set-backs, even a bogus cheating accusation, and it took me 4 years to do the 2 year program. As an older student or nurse we bring many more life experiences to the floor. The challenges and adversities we conqure serve to forge strong character and impart honest empathy for the populations we serve, this is not lost on those clients laying in a bed for hours each day. They know who cares! I am now 58 and serving as a mental health nurse to a population most people in this country have forgotten, or wish to forget. Never give up on a dream.

Specializes in Med Surg, Homecare, Hospice, Rehab.
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

I was 62 when I looked at MSN-NP from Univ. Phoenix. It said you can do this in 5 years (and $15K).

I thought what would I do with that at age 67?

When I got to age 67 - I saw how much I could have been doing ! Yup: coulda-shoulda-woulda!

Don't put off all you can do - it is a bitter pill, looking back at the good that could have been . . .

I still spent the $15K anyway - on other stuff not as good.

May your steps, your studies and your service be guided by the Ultimate Healer.

Sic 'Em! Stat.

thnx,

ned

Reading this thread brought a smile to my face! I think that it is incredible that so many people are going to nursing school in different stages of their lives. One is never to old to learn and should never be intimidated by the academic environment that all too often caters to younger students. I am not the oldest student but sitting in a class with 18, 19, & 20 somethings made me feel old, or at least more mature at 26! You'll probably laugh at me for saying this but I felt embarrassed about going back to school for nursing. I already have two degrees (BSW, MSW). Health care has always been my passion (nursing was the major I select at junior college when I was 18). I thought as a medical social worker that I could be an advocate for patients but the opportunities are not there. I contemplated nursing before pursuing a master's but allowed worries about the way I'd be viewed by others influence me. I had a great internship experience at a cancer specialty hospital and had a chance to see what oncology nurses/NPs and palliative care NPs do & instantly knew that I had chosen the wrong path. I say all of this to say, kudos to anyone who has the courage to follow his/her dreams at any age that falls outside of the "traditional" student box, when it can mean leaving a job, changing professions, studying while taking care of kids & a family or doing it after your children are grown and maybe starting college at the same time they do! Research has shown that older nursing students make excellent nurses and are able to cope with stress better!

This thread made my day! I wish you all continued success!-WOAJ

Hi Marie,

I just turned 54 and graduated with an Associates in Nursing Dec 2008. I started nursing school when I was 51!! The best thing I ever did. Am working part time as a Charge Nurse at a Care Center and love it. Currently I am attending an adult program to get my bachelors degree in nursing, too.

So,,,,,, do you still think you are the oldest one??

Debbie, RN

I am 39, and working on my prereq's. I should finish my prereq's (A&P I and A&P II) by fall 2010, and apply to start nursing school in Spring 2011. I am taking A&P I right now, then hopefully A&P II next semester.

I am an "older student" also. I just turned 52 and shouild be finishing up my pre-reqs by this fall. My kids are all grown and I took this opportunity to do what I wanted to do since high school but life got in the way. I am getting all A's so far, things are looking good!

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 am 54 and in my last semester of an ADN program. Have absolutely no prior healthcare experience. I am doing well. I work full-time, too. After this, I plan on an online RN-BSN program.

I have been wanting to do this for many years too, but life got in the way here too!! I have three kids, a 19 year old son (who has a 1 year old son), a 10 year old son, and a 2 year old daughter. So far, I am getting all A's too, but I'm a bit worried about my A&P class this semester!! Good luck to you.

Specializes in Critical Care, Organ Transplant, Educ.

It is never too late to go to school if that's what you really want to do. I am also a nursing instructor....and one of my top students from my prior graduation LVN class was 69 years old. She was able to provide excellent patient care and was an example and mentor to her classmates. Even when you enter the world of nursing...the learning never stops. So...don't let age stop you from achieving your dreams.:yeah:

I have been wanting to do this for many years too, but life got in the way here too!! I have three kids, a 19 year old son (who has a 1 year old son), a 10 year old son, and a 2 year old daughter. So far, I am getting all A's too, but I'm a bit worried about my A&P class this semester!! Good luck to you.

Good for you! You may want to look into getting A&P flash cards from Barnes & Noble or some other book store. Also if you don't have the chance to spend extra time in the lab try looking up videos from medical or nursing schools about a particular topic that you want to learn more about through a general google search or youtube (i.e. blood typing). Good luck & best wishes for continued success!

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