Any other pre-nursing students over 45?

Juryizout · May 14, 2010

I am 47 and on my birthday last summer decided nursing was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life...but looking at what I had to to do to get into school and first take the Compass pre entrance/assessment test... well, checking my long dormant math skills, I couldn't answer one practice math problem correctly to save my life!! How little I thought of my chances to get into my community college, much less nursing school!!!....But I bought books and studied studied studied and relearned math, algebra, and geometry and 4 months later I took the pre-entrance Compass test for CC and got perfect scores in English, Reading and tested out of developmental Math. It was then that it seemed like this all might be possible!
I just finished my first semester of AP1 and English (A's in both), and am taking AP2 and Micro this summer. I am studying for the NLN right now while I am between semesters because I am taking it in July. I am studying from the Review Guide for RN Pre-Entrance exam study guide by McDonald. I feel that the test should be pretty basic, based on what I am seeing in this Guide. Most of the science one would already know if they took AP1, AP2 and Micro, but I have been particularly studying up on the physics portion in the study guide since I've read on this site that a lot of the science was on physics. The word origins in the verbal/vocabulary section is a bit difficult, because a lot of those words I have never seen in my life (anyone know what pusillanimous means ???) even though I read a lot. And again, I am reviewing math since it will be timed and we are not allowed a calculator.
When will you be taking the NLN?
I am a little nervous but I know I can do this and you can too, if one devotes their time to studying areas they are weak and reviewing where they are strong they will pass this just fine...It's not an age issue, it's a determination issue!!!! [/quote
fleur-di-lis-RN2b, sorry that I am just getting back to you. I had a test this week in the Nurse's Assistant class we have to take before we make our application to nursing school. Sounds like you have it all together. I envy that. I haggle back and forth with the idea of getting my LPN first and then doing a bridge to RN because the school I go to has a huge waiting list. I'm thinking of going to EKU, (Eastern Kentucky) or KYU, (Kentucky State) and forget trying to get into LPN school. I wish I could tell you I know what I'm doing, but I haven't figured out my strategy yet. All I know is that I'm going to take A&P I and Intro to Psych this fall.
:)

aliveword · May 14, 2010

I wish you success! I'll be pushing 50 too!

minirn · May 19, 2010

omg, this is a good topic too because there was a guy in my A&P 2 class tonight that looked over 50. Dont take this the wrong way but I feel sorry for people who have to go thru this at that point in life. It would hopefully be a time when you feel settled in your life and done stuggling. I guess this is why it bothers me, it makes me think they must have lost thier job by downsizing or outsourcing.

I agree with what someone else said. Often the older people are doing this because they want to - different from the some young people that might just need a job. You said you feel sorry because these people should be done "struggling". In my nursing school, I am friends with several younger people that are really struggling. I'm 48, breezing thru nursing school, having fun and doing it because I've retired from my first career and now wanted to do something different, interesting and helpful. We are taught in nursing school to be cautious of making assumptions - so be careful about your assumption when you see someone who is 50 and you think "it makes me think they must have lost thier job". I can't imagine feeling sorry for anyone going down the path to be a nurse. What a great path to choose!!

tannemanlsu · May 19, 2010

53! In a RN program to pursue something for me this time around. If I can do it most anybody else can. Grades and scores are important. Math is nursing is rather basic- accuracy in dosages is critical. A&P is what you must retain when you get in a program.

bzfostermom · May 19, 2010

I will be 54 next month and I'm preparing to graduate from a tech. LPN program in September. It was the best decision I've ever made. Although I had years of business and management experience, I had no previous college experience and THAT scared the stew out of me!!

At this point I'm still maintaining a 4.0, in part due to the incredible support from my husband. He started his own business 5 years ago and knew exactly what I meant when I said that I wanted to do something that I would be good at and enjoy for the rest of my life! Our two childeren will be in college in Sept. and they are cheering me on. I plan on working for a period after passing state boards, and taking more prereq. classes in order to bridge to RN....then who knows, maybe BSN. I may be 60 by the time I finish, but I don't care. I'll still have a few good years left in me! You are never too old to follow your passion! Have no regrets and follow your dreams!

BuMan · May 19, 2010

Hi everyone --

I'm late to this party too! Second career for me and just turned 46, and I'm very psyched. Applying to entry MSN programs for Fall 2011.

It seems to me that age, regardless of what aspect of the process we're in, i.e., prereqs, entrance exams, etc., is a benefit. We've got experience (and hopefully wisdom) on our side and 99% of the time, others appreciate that. I really don't think we should be so concerned about it. I truly believe that if you want it badly enough, a number will not stand in the way. Good luck to all.

jv1063 · May 19, 2010

I'm not in pre-nursing now, but I'm 52 and will enter my senior yr. in the Fall. I, too, had concerns about going back to school at this stage in my life. However, this has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I am finally realizing a dream!! There are some students over 40 and many that are younger. I have been blessed to meet and make friends across the age spectrum. Follow your heart and don't let your age be a deterrant to do whatever is necessary to suceed. Best of luck to you!!

Joyce

USCB Class of 2011

2beanicurn · May 19, 2010

All the post have been very inspiring for me. I haven't reached 40 yet but this sure will make me hussle to get into nursing school. Not the age thing but that fact that age doesn't matter. Thanks for sharing

moma8gma1 · May 19, 2010

I just turned 48 last month, have been a mom at home of 8 children (7-24) for the past 24 years and have just A&P2 left to take in the Fall, although I will probably repeat Micro (took it 30 yrs ago.) I've found that my many years of life experience have given me a framework my brain uses to make sense of the information I learn in class. Some of my younger classmates have found a few things somewhat abstract, but it makes sense to me because of other things I've learned along the way to becoming 48. I'm not smarter, just more experienced. I'm hoping, if I get there, this will help make me an effective and understanding nurse. At least my patients will take one look at me and assume I'm a veteran RN! ;-)

I'm loving the learning, but down on myself when I can't seem to "get it." Coming at those hard spots from a different angle usually helps -- and the internet has been a HUGE aid as well. (Kahnacademy.org, getbodysmart.com, my textbook's website, Youtube, etc...)

By the way, I'm happy to have earned a B in A&P1 this semester! :)

wess · May 19, 2010

My wife and I just graduated from our nursing program, she is 46 and tomorrow i will be 48. All I can say is go for it.

passion to help · May 19, 2010

I began pre-reqs for becoming an RN at age 42, completed them at age 48 and began applying to ADN programs. Fortunately, I was invited to participate in an accelerated program here in Sacramento. I am now 52 years old and my words to anyone thinking about becoming an RN after age 45, believe in yourself and if it is your dream to become an RN, then follow your dream and go for it! You can do it! :yeah:

BacktotheBeach, ADN, BSN, RN · May 19, 2010

I turned 45 in February, UGH. I am finishing up all my prereqs, this year I took A&P 1 and 2, Micro, dosage and pharmacology. I am all set to start an ADN program this fall. I cannot wait to get started.