advice for soon-entering student

allnurses Guide · Oct 5, 2011

I am middle aged with two teenage boys and about to graduate with my ADN and going right into BSN bridge. Welcome to the club!

My only advice would be.....support hose under your scrubs for the long clinical days on your feet, patience with yourself and no telling yourself "I am too old to do this!" allowed. It is an awesome feeling to know as women at our age we now live in a world where we have opportunity and ability to create the lives we want. You are going to do great!

bigeyes4 · Oct 6, 2011

Not.done.yet - Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I'm glad to have found a kindred spirit. What state are you in? I'm in Rhode Island.

As days go on, I have less and less fear. I intend to do a BSN program too or go into an online MSN program with Drexel University in Philly for people who have a bachelor's in a non-nursing field like me.

Thanks again.

allnurses Guide · Oct 6, 2011

I am in Texas. Feel free to PM me any time :)

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2011

Middle-aged mom here. My kiddos are younger though. My advice; find a way to read smarter. Unless you absolutely love reading text books and can stay awake through 80 pages of acronyms and technical jargon, look for boxes that have information organized for you. The italicized wording is usually the truly important stuff. Find a way to understand the reason behind why things are done a certain way, even things you think are simple.

You are at a perfect age to understand the material, perfect your clinical skills, and be a person with perspective for your patients.

bigeyes4 · Oct 6, 2011

Hi - yes - In my studies these past few years (prerequisites) I have found all sorts of efficient ways to learn. Rather than attempting to retain everything word-for-word, I acquire an understanding of the material and also look for key things such as italics, boxes, etc. CDs that come with texts are also useful.

THanks

Alpine Hiker · Oct 6, 2011

Hi, I'm a middle-aged mom, 3 kids (10, 7 and 5) and I just started my BScN in September. So I don't have a lot of experience or 'wisdom' to share yet, but from what I've experienced in the last few weeks, is that I'd just say be yourself and keep on top of the courseload. In my class we're a good mix of just out of high school, and 'second career' types. Everyone is still getting to know each other, and forming friendships. It is great.

Be yourself and have fun. :-)

Best of luck and go for it!!!!!

Guest413699 · Oct 6, 2011

Do a major house cleaning before classes start and buy a crock pot!!!!

bigeyes4 · Oct 7, 2011

two great ideas! I was definitely thinking of the crock pot!!! The house cleaning is coming little-by-little.

ha ha.

Luckily, I have a supportive husband.

allnurses Guide · Oct 7, 2011

Yep, I second the crockpot idea and clip pizza coupons

See if hubby will get you six months of a housecleaning service once every two weeks (or whatever works for you) as a Christmas gift.

bigeyes4 · Oct 7, 2011

a good idea! I could even due with a cleaning woman once a month now that our two daughters are now away at college and we have only our 15 year old son who really is not too messy.

Thanks

theantichick · Oct 7, 2011

I'm about to be 42, am a single mom of a 14yo daughter. There's quite a lot of career changers and non-trads on the boards. I'd say about 30-40% of my class is non-trad. Keep your head up, and know you can do it. :) I'm also in TX.