Any Over 30 Pre-Nursing Students Here?

carrienoka · Nov 4, 2018

I am 35 and just went back for LPN to RN, graduated in May. I worked more than full time (ft plus 2 per diems) and managed it. For me, I found an overnight job with a lot of downtime and then was able to study at work. You may be able to find a HHA job overnight or a sitter position that would allow you to do some studying. One thing you need to do is just let go of things that do not concern you that other people put on your plate. It may seem like its hard to do, but you have to put yourself first for a period and really structure and be in charge of your time. Anything that someone can do to help you, just let them....don't be making dinner for a spouse etc, it is time for them to step up. I don't have a lot of outside obligations, so it was easy for me to just focus on myself. But, start your prereqs because time will pass anyways. While you do that try to get into a position like I mentioned where you are able to be paid and get some studying done. Also figure out what works for you in terms of studying and how you learn while you take them. For me, I stayed away from study groups even though I think others thought I never studied because I don't learn best in a group. I rewrote my notes, organized information in a way that made sense to me and tbh didn't have to spend a lot of time studying because I knew what worked for me. I probably was way less close than everyone else in our class, but oh well. It is totally do-able. Somehow I managed to be the class valedictorian! You can do it, don't let your age or needing to work stop you! If you have to, find a part time program. Most people in my class were working full time.

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2018

I went back to school when I was 31-32.

I had a previous degree in social policy, but to work at it, I would have had to do my masters and decided I didnt like it enough

It was either a choice between masters in clinical social work or nursing, didnt like social work enough so decided to do nursing

There were many in my nursing class who were older than me, so no, you arent too old

rnhopeful82, ASN, RN · Nov 5, 2018

I'm 36 and single, living on my own. I have 2 semesters left after this one (and my school does trimesters). I had money saved up but nowhere near enough to pay for my bills and tuition. I also need health insurance and my job is the cheapest way to do that. I would review powerpoints for my pre-reqs while having downtime at work. Got through all of those with a 4.0 while working full time and taking 2 classes a semester.

Luckily, my school has a Saturday clinical for MOST of the nursing program. I am able to work full-time, go to class after work one night a week and go to clinicals Saturday. Doesn't really leave much "me" time, but my bills are paid and I don't study every day. Some people do, I can't, that's not my learning or study style. So figure out your study style first, use your pre-reqs to help figure it out and knock it all out of the park.

When I started school back in September 2016, my friend said but you will be 37 when you graduate!! I said I will be 37 anyway, might as well have a job that I love. :) Good luck!!

sgc29 · Nov 5, 2018

Thanks for the advice! Are you in OK...or Tulsa even? Just curious.

flameofsuzaku · Nov 5, 2018

I'm 32 and I'm heading to nursing school hopefully next summer: you and definitely not too old. I also have a previous 4yr degree. Where I am there are a few Accelerated BSN programs and that's what I'm trying to get in to. Its intense and I absolutely cannot work while I do it. I'm saving up and fixing up my house to sell next year. I'm hoping to live off my savings and whatever I get out of my house. The rest is student loans. I'm also lucky that I can move back home so that significantly reduces my bills.

Have you looked at part time BSN programs in your area? That'll allow you to work at least and have some income.

rnhopeful82, ASN, RN · Nov 5, 2018

Thanks for the advice! Are you in OK...or Tulsa even? Just curious.

I am not in OK, not anywhere close, but I figured it's still true!

mindofmem, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2018

I'm 42 and a mother of 3 and am wrapping up my ADN prerequisites this semester! I will by no means be the oldest student in the 2019 cohort, either. My previous degree was accounting (back in 1998) and I elected to do the ADN (I plan to begin my RN-BSN bridge within a year of my graduation) because it was cheaper and frankly, less stressful than an ABSN. Age is a non-issue nowadays; lots of people are "re-careering" in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond!

sgc29 · Nov 5, 2018

I unfortunately don't have the option to move back home. But, I'm just trying to find a way to be able to work enough to support myself while school. It seems like it's definitely possible. I'm in Tulsa, Oklahoma, so I'm not sure if there any part-time programs here. I would love to do the accelerated BSN, but I wouldn't be able to work at all really while doing that. Just trying to figure things out. I know there are hospitals in my area that will pay your tuition in exchange for working for them for a couple years after you graduate, but haven't found any yet that would help with living expenses. Just doing my research. Thanks for the support!

garnet83 · Nov 28, 2018

I'm not into my 30's yet but it's great to read stories about people who are and are getting into nursing!