I am new to posting here. I do read posts on occasion although Anatomy keeps me pretty busy! I was hoping to meet others near my age and hear your stories.
I am 51 and have another year of pre-requisites and I will apply to the local JC's ADN program. It's on a lottery system which has its pros and cons. I take one science class per semester and am fairly well challenged, but am holding my own with Bs.
I never finished college and once I finish the ADN program, I'd like to get my BS, hopefully the hospital I work for will pay!
I have 3 kids and a very supportive DH. Sometimes I get feeling like I'm too old for this and then I learn something new and it gives me the resolve to keep going. I love all that I'm learning!!
Hi I just graduated in May and I turned 54 this year was 52 when I first started the ADN program and now I am about to start the BSN program in January so if it is what is your heart's desire you can do anything you put your mind to, no matter the age
In 01/2004 I started taking A/P classes to work toward an ADN. I already had a BA that was around 28 y/o so I only had to do the A/P, Micro, & several other courses. I started with one course per semester, to get back in the swing of things. At that time I was 48 y/o, had a son in college, & a married daughter in college. The biggest challenge thru out, was applying to Nursing Schools, & not being accepted. I was finally accepted in June, 05, to start classes August, 2005, just before Katrina hit N.O. That October, 2005, I turned 50. Did I question my sanity, everyday for awhile. Graduated May, 2007, and enjoy working, and learning something new everyday at my job of 2 years M/S/P. My advice is, you're never too old to learn, & start a new career. Just don't get discouraged if you have challenges along the way. They will only make you stronger. I had even been accepted into an LPN program, when I got into the ADN program, at the last minute. Have a Plan A, B, & possibly C, especially with the JC program, being a lottery. For every applicant accepted across the country, there is at least 10 or more well qualified applicants, that did not get accepted. Apply to several nursing programs, to have a better chance of making the cut. Good Luck
I originally studied and qualified in Engaland in my early 20's. The advantage being i had no other responsibilities and nursing was my first priority.
However, moving to Texas, not working, and coming back to study in my 40's with a travelling husband and two children, has proved more challenging. I have to organise study time around everybody elses schedules.
But i happily make time and it is rewarding to feel you can study as an older student.
i am looking foreward to experiencing nursing in America. The hard work will be so worth it!!!!
Go for it!!! I am 30 and still trying to pass my ged math test!! I am hoping to have this done by the end of November. Then in January I am hoping to start all my pre reqs for nursing. I am a single mother so I am hoping I can do it. Best of luck to you.
Welcome to the world of nursing Elle, I am 48 and an LPN now going for my RN. I am finishing up my prerequisites then I wait for an opening in the nursing program. It WILL be worth it for sure. Always be positive and always be willing to learn something new. Congratulations on your adventure.
Elle, Hang in there. I started a 15 month accelerated nursing program in the fall of 2007. I was 54 years old. Graduated in December of 2008 at 55 years old. Received my nursing license February the 25th of 2009. After 9 months of trying (I only wanted to work at a particular hospital) but applied at many places including out of state, I will start work full-time at the hospital I wanted on the 16th at the ripe age of 56! The first day is orientation (one of many) and I know when I see my name tag.......RN BS Clin I...I will probably cry like a baby. I remember all the lonely nights studying and I cannot count the number of times I thought about walking. I had wonderful "young" classmates who kept me going and pushed me when I needed a push. Just keep going and I know it's difficult, but try to forget about your age......You have years of experience just interacting with people that can only be developed over many years.....and this experience cannot be found in any textbook. You are already almost an RN just from your life experience. Take care. I will keep pushing you on in thought. Things most always work out in the end and getting to this end can sometimes be quite harrowing. Remember though after the end you are going to have one wonderful and exciting beginning!
Hi. I was nearly 47 when I finished my ADN program. I started a nursing program right out of high school, but failed my classes miserably and didn't get through 1 full semester. Needless to say, I was terrified to try again "at my age." However, I discovered that I had developed a desire to succeed that surpassed my desire for a social life. It was far from easy, but I had three nearly grown very supportive kids that I couldn't let down. I knew they believed in me because they kept telling me they did. They also gave me things like T-shirts with RN logos on them long before my anticipated graduation date. I then had more incentive - they had spent the money on them, I had to earn the right to wear them!
Anyway, it was the best thing I have ever done for myself! And I have just enrolled in an RN - BSN program. My employer is paying $3000.00/year of my tuition.
Keep going, one class at a time, one exam at a time. If you need to re-take a class, it's OK. It is all well worth it in the end!
Elle, I know some would say don't think about your age but we are what we are the good thing about being in the 50's is we can bring wisdom and some life experience to our learning---we older ones (no cut on the young ones but it is a proven fact) tend to be more enduring and resilent we have to study a little harder and probably a little longer but we seem to retain it longer in a different way---so it has been my experience with my younger classmates--of course we learned from each other but they seen me as the mother of the group and still call on me even since we graduated and passed boards for advice. But just b/c we are our age doesn't mean we can't learn far from it, we've sowed our wild oats and tend to be more settled--don't let your age be a hinderance but the motivation to push forward in obtaining your final goal
It is never too late to start a new career or continue your education. I am 52 and will be graduating with my ADN in five weeks. Although it has taken three and a half years to get to this point, in retrospect, it went by fast. Good luck to you!
I had to share when I saw this posting. I too am going for Lpn and will be 50 this month. I tried another program 2 years ago and I did not pass my last clinical site. The teacher seemed to have it out for me. However time has passed and I am in my second semester at another school. It is hard but it can be done.
I still get nervous at clinicals when I do not use my "critical thinking skills" but I am not discouraged. I am learning so much though. There are several older people starting a new career so times are changing & we all need to pump each other up.
Eaglelady
201 Posts
Hi I just graduated in May and I turned 54 this year was 52 when I first started the ADN program and now I am about to start the BSN program in January so if it is what is your heart's desire you can do anything you put your mind to, no matter the age