Age and Nursing School

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So, I hope nobody takes offense to this but I've been wondering. In my pre-requisite classes for nursing school the ages ranged from 18-50 I'm wondering if nursing school is the same way? I'm also wondering because in my pre-req classes it seemed to me that people who were older seemed more focus where as my age group (i'm 19) did not. I'm just a focused person so it doesn't really phase me but have people noticed that in their programs. Maybe also since we are mostly all females there always seemed to be a bit of tension between the younger crowd and the older crowd. I really don't care if that happens in nursing school because it was hard enough to get in the program and I have way to much to lose but I do wonder if that is a trend that others see not just me!

Congratulations to everyone who got into their respective programs for Fall 2011 way to goooooo :yeah:

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

at my school there is still the same range (18-50) but most people seem to be in their mid-twenties.. and except for the really young people (18 and 19) everyone seems to be just as focused but i think that's because everyone knows how hard it was to get it and how easily it can all be taken away.

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Yea, I agree. I really posted this because one person in my class when they found out I was 19 was like oh you're not going to last in nursing school, you're too young and probably not focused. I was like stereotype much?! But, to me nobody knows anyone's story and why they are where they are today. I just got into my program and I will do whatever it takes to succeed because I have way way to much to lose. THANKS for replying!

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I had all sorts in my nursing class. I myself would be considered (I guess) a "non-traditional" student because of my age. I was very focused because I have had life experiences show me that this was the career I wanted and I was willing to work for it. By the same token, one of the girls in my class was straight out of high school and was remarkably focused and did very well. I told her I was very proud of her, as I wouldn't have been that focused at her age. You will see all types and ages; try not to fall into the cattiness that sometimes develops when a bunch of Type A women and men are in the same room! :jester:

Best of luck to you! :specs:

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Telemetry.

Same here! I haven't actually started my nursing classes yet, I begin this fall. But at orientation a few weeks ago, the age range was 20-50. I feel like I'm one of the youngest, when we graduate May 2013, I will be just a couple weeks shy of turning 23. With myself, I don't think not being focused will be an issue. The friends I've made while being in the pre-req classes and the CNA course, a lot of them are in their 30's, with husbands & kids. Personally, I feel it will be an advantage for me, being unmarried and childless, with virtually no other responsibilities other than school, so that I can put all my time and energy into making good grades! I definitely respect the women that can do it all, while taking care of 4 kids at the same time! I couldn't do it. Good luck in school :)

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

30 years ago, most of my class were younger, almost all under 30. Got my BSN at 21. I have noticed many more older students in classes now, the younger and just out of high school are outnumbered. As far as who makes the better student, that is totally individualized, can't make any generalizations. I've had young ones excel beyond belief, and "olders" blow it, and one in her 50s do absolutely great and get a job right off. People are unique in themselves.

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Thanks for these answers guys they are great!!! :D

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

Our youngest was 23 and oldest was mid 50's. The average age was 30's. I was 29 when I started my program. 25 when I started pre reqs and co reqs.

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Specializes in Mother Baby RN.

I am 25 and in my accelerated program, I'd say the vast majority are 23-30 and we have a handful of women in the 30-40 range. They are focused, but they also have a lot to deal with on a daily basis, so they tend to lag a bit. I'm fortunate, in my cohort ALMOST EVERYONE is really focused. Most of us have degrees already, so we know the drill on time management and not procrastinating. There are 3 people I'd consider most focused in our group and it's myself and 2 other 24 year old girls. None of us have kids, but 2 have boyfriends and I am married.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

In my evening nursing program at a community college most students are in their late 20's to early 40's. Our youngest is 19 and our oldest will be turning 50 in October. I am 27. I like the diversity because it brings about a variety of opinions and life experience stories.

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My program sounds alot like what you guys are describing... the youngest I think turned 21 a few months ago and the oldest are around 50 (ish???). I agree that focus is individualized and cannot be judged by age HOWEVER, the cattiness in my group is totally ridiculous. Of course my first priority is school and learning but I am always polite and helpful to the other girls and I would never go out of my way to trash someone. I certainly don't wish failure on any of my classmates. Many girls in the class do though and do their best to try to make eachother look bad in front of the instructor. Even a couple of the instructors are catty and it seems like their goal is to weed out as many people as possible. I am grateful that I have found one classmate that I can depend on and I know is a good person. I have found the best thing to do is lay low, do your work, be polite and help out whenever you can.

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My program sounds alot like what you guys are describing... the youngest I think turned 21 a few months ago and the oldest are around 50 (ish???). I agree that focus is individualized and cannot be judged by age HOWEVER, the cattiness in my group is totally ridiculous. Of course my first priority is school and learning but I am always polite and helpful to the other girls and I would never go out of my way to trash someone. I certainly don't wish failure on any of my classmates. Many girls in the class do though and do their best to try to make eachother look bad in front of the instructor. Even a couple of the instructors are catty and it seems like their goal is to weed out as many people as possible. I am grateful that I have found one classmate that I can depend on and I know is a good person. I have found the best thing to do is lay low, do your work, be polite and help out whenever you can.

I agree with your post. In my pre-req classes everybody was OVER THE TOP competitive, and actually tried to make me and a lot of other people feel bad about gettings A's in our classes. HAHAHA i'm not the type to care so I just laugh. That made them even more upset. Thanks for the advice. I'm so happy I have this opportunity and won't do ANYTHING to mess it up

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