Any older students?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm over 35 and working my way through pre-req's to apply to my CC's program in the spring.

I notice a few things being an older student: availability, memory, conflicting responsibilities.... I was just wondering if anyone can relate and what are your favorite tricks to make it work.

Hi! I am 40, mom to 3 kids (elementary, middle, and high school). I am finishing up my pre-req's. AP 1 ends this weekend. I also work full time and take on all responsibilities since my husband is currently disabled (awaiting transplants!). I KNOW I am older than most students, but I also have all 'A's so far and push myself very hard to do so well. I have NO 'me' time and hardly any family time (unless it's their sports). Only 2 years left, I know I can do it and it will be worth it in the end. It's HARD though, and my house is falling apart, and I feel like I've missed out on Christmas already :(

Tracy

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I got accepted into 4 Nursing programs and I am just now 32. So I think older students bring a world of personal experiences to the table with rearguards to Nursing School. Heck two of my good friends are 54/56 and just finished the pre-req's so if they can... I can if we are talking about age.

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Hi! I am 40, mom to 3 kids (elementary, middle, and high school). I am finishing up my pre-req's. AP 1 ends this weekend. I also work full time and take on all responsibilities since my husband is currently disabled (awaiting transplants!). I KNOW I am older than most students, but I also have all 'A's so far and push myself very hard to do so well. I have NO 'me' time and hardly any family time (unless it's their sports). Only 2 years left, I know I can do it and it will be worth it in the end. It's HARD though, and my house is falling apart, and I feel like I've missed out on Christmas already :(

Tracy

You can do it!!! Your amazing and setting such a great example for your children!!! Good luck in everything you do.

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I'm married with 2 children and a full time job. I began LPN school a month before turning 38. Graduated 2 months after turning 39. At the time I started my oldest was in 10th grade and my little one was in 1st grade.

I went back for my LPN to RN and graduated at 44 still with a full time job. I am currently in my RN to BSN (now close to 46 yrs old). I have a full time job and a part time job.

It can be done. You just have to be organized and know what takes priority over what. #1 tip, use an organizer (I use my phones calender as well as a paper one (as back up should i lose my phone or it dies for whatever reason). Make sure you enter everything! Plays the kids are in, sports games/practices, doctor/dentist appointment as well as due dates for assignments and tests. When you have it all in front of you, you are able to see what has to be done now, what is next in line and what can wait.

I have the best husband ever. He took up a lot of what I use to do. He loves to cook and does all the shopping and cooking. He is my biggest and loudest cheerleader when i want to throw my hands up and say forget it, I have RN after my name, I don't need a BSN. You need a good support system (whether that be your SO, spouse, parents,friends..whomever). And again, know your priorities.

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I am 37 years old, and just completed my first year back in school. I had classes from the 90's that carried over (English, sociology, etc.) and I was pretty much a B student due to my age (bringing my 4.0 down to a 3.7,) and lack of experience and priorities. I am a single mom with a 2 year old and 5 year old (1 and 4 when I started!) Anyway...I have completed AP1, AP2, repeated algebra as a refresher for the TEAS, and Microbiology. My lowest grade in any class since returning to school has been a 97 in AP1, my first semester back.

I have to say that studying does take me much longer than some of the younger 'kids.' I have way more on my mind to deal with including multiple breaks to change diapers, get snacks, water etc., and I do question if my mind is as sharp anymore....but my determination and drive is much stronger than it was 15 years ago! I am so determined to make it, and I have 2 little bodies counting on their mommy to be successful.

This was a tough decision...leaving a very secure job, making $60k/year, but I was not happy when the company took away the ability to work from home and I missed my kids. By the time I am through, both will be in school. This was an amazing opportunity to be home (even though it is hard to study with little ones.)

As for techniques, I am not sure...except for me, I read, read again, and again, until it really sticks! I always picture how it will feel to get my grade back, and regret not knowing what I should. This always motivates me to learn more ;) It does take me tons of time, and my house pretty much stays a disaster, but I do well in school, and my kids are happy, loved, and fed. I am really nervous when nursing school starts, but I am determined to succeed!

My mom always says, with age comes wisdom...and I now understand and agree! We can do it!!!

PS, If you have to take the TEAS, I think being out of school so long is a bit of a disadvantage! However, I still managed to pull a 91 so am not too disappointed.

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You can do it!!! Your amazing and setting such a great example for your children!!! Good luck in everything you do.

Thank you! I do like to point out how HARD I had to study for that "A"... :)

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Specializes in Pscy / Mental Health.

I'm a 43 year old mother of 5 with a grand child. I work part time and have 1 year left in my psyc nursing program. I have manages to get mostly A's but have had to work my rear end off. Scheduling my time effectively is the most important for me as well as utilizing to do lists. I'm very visual. So being able to cross off finished items is rewarding!

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Specializes in Med-surg, home care.

I am 34 with 3 kids and I work full time. I find it harder than it was the first time around (I already have a non-nursing degree) but I think that has to do with having more on my plate than my age as someone else stated. I completed 4 prerequisites so far and my gpa is about a 3.6 which is OK but I hope its enough for nursing school. Still have 3 more to go and I also want to try to do a weekend PCT training so its a lot but I just do one thing at a time.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Just keep at it. One thing is don't worry about "hard" or "easy" classes. If it is required to become a nurse then you have to do it. So..embrace and figure out a way to be successful. On this site many people write complaining about classes or instructors. What they don't get is it doesn't matter. It has to be done so just figure out a way to succeed and get it done. You seem motivated and that is half the battle. All I say is don't fall into the blame game...just get it done! Good Luck!

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One thing that has helped me were flash cards. I bought a&p and med terminology flash cards for last semester. I got an A in med term and waiting to see what I got in A&P.

Also I bought a filofax agenda. I bought the Filofax brand because its like a binder so I can add stuff to it and take out what I want just by opening the rings. I have all my credit cards in it and my planner as well plus I keep a section for school related stuff such as classes needed to finish, classes in progress, or syllabus. It helps to have my planner as my wallet and my calendar because no matter where I am I will always be able to check my schedule to see what needs to be done or if I can schedule an appointment for a certain day and make sure that its not on a day/week that is cram packed. Plus I have a section with just plain paper so in case something pops in my head while out that I forgot to check or need to do for a class I can write it down and do it when I get home.

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I forgot to add take advantage of study groups and tutors that your school has to offer.

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I'm a mother of 5 and will be starting nursing school in January. The biggest thing for me is i schedule study/homework time.

During pre-reqs I tried to take all my classes on 2 days. They were long days where my first class would start at 8am and my last one ended at 830pm but I would have about 4 hours worked in between those classes to read, study, whatever.

Now this might not work for everyone but no matter how you do it you have to leave your house to study otherwise your other responsibilities will always pull you away.

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