Am I too old for this?

Katnip, RN · Feb 18, 2003

You can do it. I'm 46 and in my senior year. I'm more than keeping up with the young 'uns.

And not knowing the difference between an axon and a dendrite will not kill anyone. Unless maybe you're a neuro surgeon? Even then I doubt it. :)

Just remember life experience counts for a lot, too. And clinicals are scary for everybody, no matter what your age, at first. Hang in there, and good luck.

mrh1953 · Feb 18, 2003

Jeepers! I hope you two (previous posters) are not too old! I'm a mere 49 and returning to nursing... I, too, worry about whether or not I'll be intellectually up to the challenge. I guess I'll just forge ahead and see what happens...

We are by no means the elders of those entering/returning to nursing, by the way. It just feels that way from our point of view sometimes!

essarge · Feb 18, 2003

OK...I'll fess up....I'm 47:eek: Went back to school full time two years ago and will be graduating with my BSN in May '04!!! It takes a little more effort to remember things now than when I was younger but that's ok. My life's experience has gotten me the right answer on more than one question on exams!!

You'll do fine!:)

Nurse2bSandy · Feb 18, 2003

I'm 46 and about halfway through my BSN. I don't feel too old, but I do worry about my stamina. It has encouraged me to be more diligent with working out.

I notice the difference in my ability to memorize things from my younger classmates. But, I also see that I have much better study skills than many of them do.

Hey, I think I am in that same chapter in A and P... I was dreaming of ligand-gated channels last night!

Hang in there! We are finally realizing our dream!

Sandy

Katnip, RN · Feb 18, 2003

Yep. Forget memorizing these days. We have to KNOW the stuff. As far as energy, well pulling back to back 12 hour shifts might be beyond me.

But I'm doing a senior clinical emphasis (135 clinical hours in our specialty of choice) in the ED and find I have more than enough energy to finish those 12 hour shifts because it's what I love, and that is energizing.

mrh, You're right, too. We are by no means the oldest nursing student out there.

ggfifirn05 · Feb 18, 2003

I started my prereqs last March at the age of 45...I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I still had enough brain cells to learn new things, and have ended up with a 4.00 GPA so far...I'm waiting to find out if I've been accepted to my school's nursing program; hopefully I'll know in a month or so.

I do agree with the other posters, that I bring life experience, maturity and self discipline to my studies, and I think that will help me in my nursing classes. I worry that I'm physically up to the challenge, but as long as I stay in shape and take care of myself, I think I'll be fine.

My family is extremely supportive of my return to school, and career change, and I think that is half the battle. Good luck!

Tookie · Feb 18, 2003

You are not too old and with you , you will bring lots of life experience - and coping skills that sometimes much younger people are still learning to manage

Go forit and Good luck

BTW - you are all younger than me and l am 'contemplating' further study at the moment.

tookie

Angelica · Feb 18, 2003

I'm graduating in May--I'll be 43. I know a nursing student who is 65. I have to admit that at first I wondered why she would be going into nursing at her age. But then I realized that there are probably twenty-year olds that think the same of me.

We've lost 32 students out of our original 50, and I don't think any of the ones who dropped were over 30.

Good luck to you!

KatieBelle · Feb 19, 2003

Wow! I admire you all. I am a youngie-21...but my fellow student is 53 in nursing school and I look up to her. She has so much experience in life and I think that adds to it. Good luck to you and keep studying!

jdomep · Feb 19, 2003

I am 37 and am in an evening program and my class ages are 24-52 so you'd be right in the middle :) I feel I know so much more now.

Go for it - you will love it!

NICURNtobe · Feb 19, 2003

I'm 49 and starting an ADN program June 2! I work 3-4 12 hr shifts as a PCT in a hospital and love every minute of it. I pray that my legs and my brain hold out for at least 20+ years to come!!!