Terrified about starting school late in life...

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I am 34 years old and after having marriage and children first instead of school I am now finally going back to school. I have wanted to go back for nursing for almost 10 years, I worked for years in a home for the developmentally disabled doing CNA work and as a Med Tech but never went for the certification but always knew nursing was my calling. I have been told by many nurses and people I've worked with that I should be a nurse. Am in currently taking the CNA as it is the prerequisite to nursing where I live and I am so excited to start school (hoping to start in the fall) but I am also I am terrified!! I have been out of school for 17 years and am wondering if I can do it. I work with a young girl who is in the nursing program now right out of highschool who keeps telling me how hard it is and how she it having a hard time passing. Now I'm wondering, Can I do it? After 17 years can I handle nursing school? Did anyone who started this late in life have the same reservations and can you offer any advice???

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Specializes in Oncology/hematology.

I started school at the advanced age of 41! I'm hoping to get accepted for this fall's nursing program. I'll get my associates when I'm 44, my BSN when I'm 46 and who knows when I'll have time for my masters? Am I old? Yeah! So what? I'm going to be the same age no matter what, but would I rather be a 44 year old nurse or a 44 year old stay at home mom? Yep, I'm picking nurse.

As far as how hard school is, I'm actually a better student now than I was when I was young. I'm focused and my life is really stable, plus I have a wonderful support system in my husband and son. I'm kicking the butts of all those young students right now. I'm taking 6 classes, have a 4.0 and am in the honors program.

You can totally do this, no problem!

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I started LPN school a month before I turned 39, graduated at few months after turning 39.

Now I'm a month away from turning 42 and I'm starting the 2nd year of the RN nursing classes.

I worked full time during LPN school and currently working full time during the LPN to RN bridge program, I have two daughters (college sophmore and the other in 5th grade) and I'm married.

It seems daunting to go back to school so long after high school or your last college stint but it's not bad at all. My classes average age is early to mid 30's. I find myself being a better student now than as a kid. I know what has to be done when, what can be pushed off till later..I know the priorities. Much more serious about keeping grades up because I'm shelling out the money, its not mom's money this time.

I understand fully how you feel, but let me tell you..it CAN be done at later ages. I won't sugar coat it and tell you its easy..its not. But on the same token it's not impossible either. Best of luck to you.

Oh and I always said during my LPN school..yup I'm 39..i can't do it at this age..guess what..in 5 years, I'd still be 44. But I coul be 44 and a nurse or I could be just 44.

I also graduated LPN school with honors and I am currently holding a 3.65 GPA.

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Thanks to you both, even though you know your not the only one in a situation but at the time you feel that way. Its nice to know other people who are or were in similar situations. I know nursing school is hard but I think I just let this girl get to me a bit, everytime I talk about starting she has something negative to say but I won't let her get to me anymore. And I agree I feel I am more focused now then I was 17 years ago. Still excited to start, hoping I can get the prereq's out of the way over the summer and then do good on my TEAS test. I think I'm more scared of that then school, lol.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

You can do this! I was 35 and had four young children when I started prerequisites for the nursing program; I was 38 when I graduated. In retrospect, you never realize how young that is until it's been in your rear view mirror for a long time. :-). Go for it, and NEVER look back...I've learned that the only real regrets in life are for the things we didn't have the courage to do. Good luck!

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I will be 51 in May and I'm just now starting. I took my Compass Test a couple weeks ago and April 6 I go in to register for my first pre-req class for this summer. I am taking my CPR course right now. Sometimes, I feel like you do, wondering, "what am I doing??" But, I keep telling myself, "I have to do this, I will do this, I can do this". I agree with CT Pixie. I feel like I am a better student now that I am older and more focused.

I also like her comment about being 44. When I finished, I will be 54/55. I'll be 55 no matter what, or I can be 55 and a nurse. Thanks for that concept.

Here's to us for going after our dream.

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Specializes in L&D.

YOU absolutely can do it! And guess what, us "oldies" have an advantage over the young nursing students...Want to know why? Because we have experienced life! Those life experiences not only make you a great nurse, they also really help you understand the disease process.

Im almost 30, have 4 children, and quit a full time well paying job as a child protection investigator, and I am loving this!! Im in my 3rd quarter(2nd of med surg) and was terrified of going back, but it is worth it!

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Specializes in Transplant & HPB Surgery, Heme/Onc, LTC.

Welcome to the club! I'm 46 and will be starting a master's entry nursing program this fall. You know how people say, "If I only knew then what I know now?" Well, now we know it and we can finally put it to good use. Best wishes to you, you'll be in good company!

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This late life gal (me) graduated a part time VN program at age 42, past boards right after,completed my A.S in psychology at 43 and working on my sciences for entry into a BSN program this fall. All while my active duty marine husband was deployed for 2 years, my father passed away my last term of nursing school and I still have a teenage son at home. Believe me, you can do this!!!

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I started my nursing prereqs at 47. I just finished my first year as an RN at the ripe age of 50! AND I did it all while working FT and having hubby in Afghanistan and still had a couple of kids at home!

It can be done!

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I am 38 and started my pre-reqs for BSN nursing school last summer. In addition to two college classes a semester, I work about 25 hours a week and have 3 kids, 3-years-old and under. Yes, it's scary, but as far as I'm concerned, I have to make this count -- no option! I'm kicking butt (4.0 gpa) and doing better than I did the first time around when I was young and stupid. Stay focused, utilize the support of your counselors and other "adult learner" peers, and make it count! You can do it.

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Joining the party!! I'll be 35 this year and hope to start a BSN program next fall (2013) after I knock all my pre-reqs out. Being back in school has been interesting - esp bc I am working FT and have 2 small kids. It's hard work, but I feel like what experience in life I have, a lot of things make sense that didn't really when I was in college at 19. I'm excited about a new chapter in life!! Good luck to everyone starting, too :)

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