Any non-traditonal students out there?

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · May 4, 2008

i was a traditional student. however, i will say this - the non-traditional students did so much better than the rest of us in our bsn program. they had their stuff together, you know? i started at 18...and therefore was a teenager...aka i did not have my stuff together!

also, one of my preceptors didn't start nursing school until after her children grown, and her daughter was already an rn! she is quite a bit older than you are, and she did well.

i know you can do it!

jess

suzy253, RN · May 4, 2008

Well, I'm no longer a student but two years ago I graduated nursing school at the age of 53. Go for it!

zimsaint · May 4, 2008

I find that non-traditional students do well because they are more mature and more focused. In addition we have already been there and done that with the whole "party" *wine scene and are now trying to make up for those mistakes :bowingpur.

I am 41 and a new RN (ADN). I wasted no time enrolling in an RN-BSN program at a local University. I have such admiration and respect from many of the younger students. When they need help with an assignment they always come to me. Several of them refer to me as "momma." I don't feel out of place in the least and my overall GPA is 3.8 ( include transfer credits) and institutional GPA 3.57 ( institutional credits only). GO FOR IT!! It has been life changing for me; I am so glad I did it. :lol2:

ladyarawin · May 5, 2008

Well I be 42 when I finally get my LPN done then off to RN.. Plus I refuse to grow up so think that helps on some of it.

SaderNurse05, BSN, RN · May 5, 2008

You can do it! I went back at 41 and graduated at 43. I was a much better student this time around. I have thwo children as well, and I agree it was a good example for them to see how important an education can be as well as how hard you need to work in college to be successful. There were several late 30-early 40 year old women in my class and lots of mothers- one even delivered at Christmas break and was back in January.

notadoc · May 5, 2008

Just wanted to throw my two cents in. I just graduated yesterday with my BSN!!! :grad: So, at 37, I will be starting my next career in about seven weeks. My grades were pretty unimpressive coming in. My overall GPA was 3.006 in a program that required a 3.0. My institutional GPA at graduation? 4.0. I am no smarter now than I was oh so many years ago. I am older, though, and that translated into an unbeatable work ethic and desire to succeed.

My advice to you would be, if you know this is what you want to do, then do it. Most importantly, don't let anything get in your way. These last three years were rough (four deaths in the immediate family plus a week-long hospitalization three weeks into the last semester), but I stayed focused on my plans and kept trudging forward. Now all I have to do is pass NCLEX... Good luck!

notadoc

snazzy-jazzy, BSN, RN · May 5, 2008

41 yo first year student, with 3 kids youngest is six.

The most stressful part is making sure I can get the kids picked up and dropped of at school, I leave for clinical prac at 4.30 am and don't get home until 5pm. If I was at the local hospital I would leave at 6.30am and be home by 4pm, so I may have to make a change and see if I can switch training hospitals.... But I'm at the best hospital in the State. Anyway thats the only thing, decisions don't just include yourself they revolve around your kids....

shelly304 · May 5, 2008

I felt the same way when I decided to go back to school. Imagine my surprise the first day of school when I walked into class and realized it was pretty much a even split between traditional/non-traditional students! Even many of the younger students were moms. I have no children just horses,dogs, and cats......And I didn't marry until after I was 40:D,too busy with the first career to commit! And my husband is 7 years younger than myself:w00t:Traditional? None of the woman in my life are traditional! You fit right in. Get going and best of luck. :grpwlcm:

dreameyes1 · May 5, 2008

yep. I am 38 mother of two. A 3rd Grader on Honor roll and a soon to be 7th Grader in the Honor Society and Academically gifted program . Going to school and graduating in July while working full time.:chuckle Yes, You bet Ya it can be done!!!!! :lol2:Oh forgot to mention Single mom. As women we already know how to swing things , how to be more efficient and how to keep our eyes on the price . So Jump right in the water is fine and You will be a great asset to your future Patients, and probably fellow students. We also don't stress out quiet as easy as the "young ones". That can be a great assest. I have not regret it yet.

I read an article in Advance for LPNs about a gentleman that got his LPN at age 65 , so if he can do it so can YOU:D

Good LUCK !!!!

kristenncrn · May 5, 2008

I got my RN at 32. Went to school with a 61 year old grandfather. Now HE was non-traditional (and he kicked butt.) I had several friends who were older than me in my class. And had lots of very fun friends who were 19-ish.

I have had a rough time sometimes going from business to nursing - but not because of age. I have a wide activist streak in me - so I get pretty hot about the respect side of nursing... Nursing and nursing school can have its challenges, but there's nothing like it.

And my daughter doesn't have to go to school saying "mom sells computers on a computer." (yawn!)

Good luck!

denise0815 · May 7, 2008

I just want to thank everyone who replied to my post :redpinkhe.....it has made such a difference in my outlook. The responses were so supportive and gave me the courage to move forward. I am hoping to get started with my science pre-req. this summer.

Good luck to all of you, and thanks again!!

:bugeyes:

dhammond3 · May 8, 2008

50 and finishing first year of BSN program. How's that.