I just recently posted a thread in the forum for my state about the demographics of the nursing school I will be attending. I recently attended a tour of the school, and every student I was introduced to was 21 years old, the oldest being 23. I didn't meet everyone, but considering that I will be 29 years old when I attend the program, I'm a bit concerned about feeling like the "odd woman out."
I may be wrong in my assumption, but I've always heard that one of the great things about nursing is that people begin their careers at all ages. It is one of those fields where no one can say, "you're too old to pursue that," if that makes sense (not that I personally feel that there is any field one would be too old to pursue). I assumed that I would come across people in nursing school who were around my age group and even older, but this tour is making me think I may be wrong about that.
Is this a stupid concern? I won't be deterred by it, but I'm not loving the idea.
For students who are "older" like myself, how was/is your experience?
I'm 34 and graduating. You'd be right in the middle in our class. That said, there is a local private university where there is only ONE mom in the entire class (of I think about 50 students), and yes, she feels very old among all of the 20 years olds whose parents are paying their way!
Consider that 30-somethings don't have time to go on school tours. Same goes for the extracurriculars- if you judged based on our nursing club, you'd think everyone was 22-26. 30-somethings are probably working and raising kids and balancing all of this with spouses, etc. Two of my closest friends in my class are 48 and 50. So if they ARE in your class, they probably won't make an appearance until the first day.
Try not to stress! :)
One thing I recommend is starting a Facebook page for your class, so you can all communicate. We have found this is the best way to get news to everyone, and we can post links to things we mentioned in class or ask if anyone can clarify an assignment or whatever. But this will also help you to connect with other people in your class, and you can get a sense of who they will be.
Good luck with your program!
Thank you so much for your tips! I'm glad I posted on here, the responses have all been very helpful and reassuring! :)
I really wouldn't sweat it. My program had a lot of people in their forties or fifties- about 10 in total out of 70 students. 29 is a good age, don't worry about it.
I'm 38. I will graduate when I am 40. I go to a community college right now where pretty much everyone is my age or older. Some people are younger but not really a whole lot. I find at the community colleges you will find the older people. A 4 year university is where all the kids go to start and then come back to the community colleges later in life to do what they really want to do. But you are still way young. Not even 30 yet so do not whatsoever think you are old. Honestly you are there to get your degree and not make friends and party. That's the nice thing about going back a little older and wiser. Just keep that in mind and you will be fine.
It's funny how we don't realize how young we are until we're older. Youth really is wasted on the young, I guess.
I'm 29 and was on the younger end of the spectrum in my cohort. We had a few true babies (19-21 years olds) but for the most part I was the one who was being called the youngster in my group of friends. But the bonds I made in nursing school spanned the age range. I absolutely adore some of the youngest girls. Some of my closest friends where over a decade older than I. Nursing school has a way of leveling the playing field.
Ugh! When I see the topic of this type of post, I cross my fingers and hope the OP is at least older than me...alas. Another young one worried about being too old. This thought has NEVER crossed my mind (and I'll be turning 38 when I graduate). But considering it has crossed yours, I really and truly believe age is simply a number. If you act "old" your peers and instructors will treat you as such. You're going to do great, but only if you believe in yourself and work hard.
I'm graduating in December, I'll be 36. I also have a lot of kids, so that makes me an oldster in my own category! Lol probably half my class is not married and a traditional student. The other half are like me, either just older or on their second career. Cheer up, 29 is very young in the scheme of things! Think of all the life experience you have over them.
Honey, 29 is for sure not old to begin nursing school. I'm 10 years your senior and I don't think I'll be the oldest in my class. How many have you met from your class? Many many people are going to nursing school far older than you are. I would not be worried. Be best of luck!
Ugh! When I see the topic of this type of post, I cross my fingers and hope the OP is at least older than me...alas. Another young one worried about being too old. This thought has NEVER crossed my mind (and I'll be turning 38 when I graduate). But considering it has crossed yours, I really and truly believe age is simply a number. If you act "old" your peers and instructors will treat you as such. You're going to do great, but only if you believe in yourself and work hard.
Thanks for your words of encouragement! I just wanted to clarify, for everyone who is reading this: I didn't mean to say that I feel like I'm old, just that I wouldn't feel particularly comfortable being the oldest of my class. Of course, if I had to be I wouldn't care or be deterred from my goal, but it wouldn't be something I was particularly enthused about.
I'm graduating in December, I'll be 36. I also have a lot of kids, so that makes me an oldster in my own category! Lol probably half my class is not married and a traditional student. The other half are like me, either just older or on their second career. Cheer up, 29 is very young in the scheme of things! Think of all the life experience you have over them.
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mical
16 Posts
Thank you so much for your tips! I'm glad I posted on here, the responses have all been very helpful and reassuring! :)