Am I too young?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Ok so I'm a 21 yr old LPN. I feel so out of place at my job. Most of my co-workers(nurses and aides) are way older than me. I feel like I am not taken seriously because of my age. I don't tell most people how old I am but I definitely look it. I am done with my pre reqs for RN school, but I think I should maybe wait until I am older to enroll. I feel confident in my nursing skills but like I said, will I be taken seriously?

Specializes in LTC, HomeCare.

I too am a 22 yr old RN. Most of the students in my class and clinical settings were older. But that doesn't mean we know any less or more than our older colleagues. As long as you know your skills and job, this shouldn't affect your performance. Age is nothing but a number, be it less or more.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know how you feel! I'm in school now to become an RN. I'm 20, but I've been told I look 16. There are a lot of older people in my class. But you should go for it, don't delay. Be glad you have the chance to get school done now, get a career and save for your future now before you have children and all of those other responsibilities to worry about. I'm graduating in a year and the thought that I will be 100% independent with a secure career at such a young age is really impressive. so go for it!! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.

I am in the exact same boat.. I am 21 and I'm a LPN and I also have all of my pre-req's to start a bridge program.. The only thing that is different is that I am proud that I am young and am getting my career started at an early age.(No offense to older students) Just be confidence and make yourself happy!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just turned 21 and I'm in nursing school. Everyone will take you serious. Most of us are all around the same age :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would have loved to have my head on my shoulders at that age- I just got my RN license and I am in my 30's :) Don't let other people affect your decision- everyone else is right about you knowing your job. You can be in your 50's and be a terrible Nurse or in your 20's and be excellent! Age is just a number.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Ok so I'm a 21 yr old LPN. I feel so out of place at my job. Most of my co-workers(nurses and aides) are way older than me. I feel like I am not taken seriously because of my age. I don't tell most people how old I am but I definitely look it. I am done with my pre reqs for RN school, but I think I should maybe wait until I am older to enroll. I feel confident in my nursing skills but like I said, will I be taken seriously?

No, not too young I was 20 when I graduated with a RN (THREE year diploma).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
Ok so I'm a 21 yr old LPN. I feel so out of place at my job. Most of my co-workers(nurses and aides) are way older than me. I feel like I am not taken seriously because of my age. I don't tell most people how old I am but I definitely look it. I am done with my pre reqs for RN school, but I think I should maybe wait until I am older to enroll. I feel confident in my nursing skills but like I said, will I be taken seriously?

Don't wait to get your RN. If you feel ready, then why let the false opinions of a few stop you from obtaining your dreams. I personally have held my RN since I was 20. I'm now 22 and definitely still look very young, but people assume I'm much older at work because I am very responsible and mature acting, and have confidence.

If you feel like you aren't be taking seriously then perhaps try speaking up for yourself and being more assertive. Age should not alone be the issue.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you're ready, why wait?

I've had people look down on me at other jobs because I was their boss and they were older than me. They didn't like the fact that a 20 year old was teaching them how to do this job. I know it was about my age, because of the comments they made.

I never said anything about their comments, just continued to teach them. It took a while, but once they realized I DID know what I was doing, they stopped the rude comments. Usually by the end of the class, they would end up loving me!

Though, I did have 1 flip me off for telling her to stop playing on the internet. LOL! Oh well!

Keep doing your job well, and eventually, they will let up. Don't let their ignorance get in the way of your education.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry,, Med Surg. LTC, Home Health,.

I was 22 when i received my LPN. Most of the nurses I worked with were older also. Don't let that get to you Go for your RN it's ok. I am RN now have been for a while, Now I am the "seasoned" nurse, I enjoy helping the New ones find their way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with all of the posters. If you conduct yourself as a professional and know your stuff it shouldn't matter how old you are. Heck, there are alot of nurses out there who are older and don't know how to act professional and don't know their stuff!

I envy you. I wish I was 21 again. I'm in my 40's now and finally feel like I've found my "niche" in life when I decided on a career in nursing. I think it's wonderful that at 21 you know what you want to do and are passionate about it!! Don't ever let someone tell you you can't do something--either because they think your too young, not experienced enough, etc. If you have that confidence in yourself, are passionate about what you want to do and willing to work hard, then what others say and think is not important. Why? Because you have that belief and confidence in yourself and know that you are capable and can do it!!

Many times when I was around your age, I let what others say influence my decisions and I didn't have enough confidence and belief in myself that I could do it. Now when I look back, I wish I had not done that. Why? Because I have regrets. You never want to look back and have regrets. I wish I could go back, but I can't. All I can do now is move forward and learn from my mistakes.

Now that I'm in my 40's I've developed the attitude of "Who gives a s***. I know I can do this. F*** them!! Why? Because I've learned from past mistakes (trust me, there were many!) and have developed that "quiet" confidence and belief in myself that I can do it. I've done many amazing things with that concept. Things that I never believed I could do. It's truly amazing what the power of the mind can do when you have that mindset.

My mother told me that concept many years ago (she was in her 50's by then) and at that time I was about your age. I thought to myself "Why is she saying that? Shouldn't you care about what others think? Oh she's SO WRONG. She's old and doesn't understand things nowadays." *Sigh*.........Well now that I'm older--once again mom was right!! Like I said, I wished I had done some things that I wanted to do, but can't go back, can only learn from past mistakes. So I hope you follow your heart and go to nursing school NOW and accomplish your dream. Sorry to keep blathering on here forever!!!

One more thing, you know the one beauty I see about nursing and it fascinates me--is that so many people from all walks of life and experiences come to nursing. Sometimes I wonder what happened in their lives to bring them to nursing. One thing that we all have in common and one aspect that has brought us to nursing is that we all have empathy and care about helping others. Never lose that focus, cherish it-- for it is a wonderful thing!! Especially now in this world we live in. Seems like that quality has vanished and most people have forgotten about it. It saddens me sometimes when I think about that.

I've learned so much from nurses--young and old. Sometimes I've looked at some situations with blinders on, but those I've encountered and learned from--both young and old alike--have helped me to look at situations from different angles and perspectives. Keeps me in touch with reality and gets rid of my "preconceived notions." I'm very grateful for that and really appreciate that.

Doesn't matter how old or how young you are--WE ALL have something to offer. You have SO MUCH to offer!! Again, sorry about my blathering and that this is so long!! I pray that you will take everyone's advice and push forward and accomplish your dream (NOW!) of becoming an RN!!! Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

5 Years ago I precepted a new grad RN who was 18 years old. She was shockingly smart and learned very fast. She became an exelent ICU and trauma nurse. She was such a good nurse that she was well respected by other RNs and physicians too.

Now, after 3 years of ICU experience, 2 years of travel nursing experience and an online RN to BSN she has been accepted to CRNA school and start next May.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Office, Home Health, School Nurse.

I started LPN school a month after I graduated high school...I was 17 years old. I graduated LPN school and got my license when I was 18. I just turned 24 and I've been an LPN for about 5 years. Don't let anyone give you a hard time about your age, I'm sure some will try but just keep in mind that age does not determine how well you do your job. If you can do the job and do it well, then don't worry about it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment