Any "50-ish" Pre-Nursing Students?

Eaglelady · Nov 14, 2009

I live in Central Virginia and have had some health issues, failed lap band surgery and 3 hernias...does this mean I cannot be a nurse?

No way there are many different areas to nursing you can still find the area that suits you the best and that u will enjoy never give up on a dream no matter what anyone else says

Eaglelady · Nov 14, 2009

Hi everyone! I am officially a nursing student! I start in January.......It took me a long time to get this far but I did it!!! If I can do it being a older student and a single woman with children anyone can. I still have a long way to go but I am excited to be at this point!!!!

Congrats and I wish you all the best on your new future as a Register Nurse!!!!!!!!!!!!!

anurseatlast · Nov 14, 2009

When I started to take pre-reqs at our local community college, I was 46, recently divorced and worked numerous part-time jobs that fit around homeschooling my daughter (who was a high school junior at the time). My plan was to be done with all the pre-reqs so I could start the ADN program when my daughter started college. At the beginning of my daughter's senior year, my mom, age 80, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I added managing her healthcare and being her advocate to my life. I continued to take most of my classes online and did many tests at 2 am. I knew that I would not be able to start nursing school while providing end-of-life care for my mom and thought I would have to delay for one year. While finishing my pre-reqs, I heard about an accelerated BSN program in my area. Instead of taking time off of school, I took a couple extra classes that would allow me to apply to the accelerated program. My mom died in Feb 2005 at home surrounded by her family. Two weeks later, I began my final quarter at the community college for my associates in pre-nursing. In May of 2005, at age 49, I graduated with associates and I began the accelerated nursing (BSN) program January 16, 2006. I was by far the oldest student in my class. I had a son older than most of the other students!! I definitely think that being older was an asset. I had so much life experience that I could apply to what I was learning. I also dealt with the stress of the program well. One of my instructors said to me, "You never seem very stressed like most of the students. Why is that?" I replied, "Last year at this time, I was working 4 part-time jobs while being the primary caregiver for my mom when she was dying. You know, it kind of puts things into perspective. No one is dying." Was it stressful? YES! I definitely did not deal with sleep deprivation as well as I did when I was younger. I had responsibilities that the younger students did not. I was not nearly as computer saavy as my fellow students. But life experience won out! I am proud to say that I graduated with highest honors with my BSN in March 2007 at age 51. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Being a nurse is who I was meant to be. I am a public health nurse and work with teen moms and babies. I love my job.

Do not focus on your age. In five years, you will be 5 years older regardless of whether you pursue nursing. Go for your dream! It is worth it in the end!

betty67 · Nov 15, 2009

Congrats and I wish you all the best on your new future as a Register Nurse!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You!

scrapworking · Nov 15, 2009

I'm 46 y/o, just finishing up the rest of my pre-reqs this Spring to apply to the Fall 2010 program at the local college(s). Applying anywhere that's financially feasible, even though it's meant taking a couple more classes here and there. I will be 49 when I finish, assuming I get in to a 2-year ADN program next fall. My boys are 19 and 15...I've been a single Mom for the last 12 years and I really don't think I could have done it much sooner. It really helps now that they're older. I was laid off back in April (business/computers) and am looking forward to a career change - one that makes a real difference in people's lives and not just working to collect a paycheck or make someone else well off. The other thing I keep in mind is, that if I don't do this...in 3 years...I'll still be 3 years older. Why not make something of that time?! Good luck to all of us older/wiser students!!

Sharon

aehtela · Nov 15, 2009

Hi Everyone,
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!!
Looking forward to meeting you!
Elle

Hi Elle16

I personally happen to be younger than 50 - but one of my friends who I got really close to throughout the course of our science pre-req.'s is in her 50's. She has 2 kids and her husband is employed in a career which requires him to travel across the country constantly - so she basically is raising them on her own for the most part. Let me tell you, my friend was SUPER dedicated while taking the science pre-req.'s. She was also taking other general ed. classes as well. She managed to drop off and pick up the children to and from school daily, attend their school events, make time to enjoy herself -- and got straight A's in ALL her classes!

Just yesterday, my friend and I both got into our first choice nursing program - which happens to be a JC & uses the lottery system (just like the one you plan on applying to)! So, even though those science classes may get to you at times -- know that there are others just like you & they have succeeded in getting into a nursing program too! You can do it!

Eaglelady · Nov 15, 2009

Thank You!

UR very welcome :)

epjacobsen · Nov 16, 2009

No way there are many different areas to nursing you can still find the area that suits you the best and that u will enjoy never give up on a dream no matter what anyone else says

Thank you! I am going to an Orientation Meeting today! Elizabeth

God Bless All Nurses!!!:loveya:

espo44 · Nov 16, 2009

I just have to say, this thread is so inspiring!! I will be 35 on Thursday and I'm in the process of taking pre-reqs to hopefully get into a ABSN program in 2012. My DH is super supportive but the rest of my family thinks I'm "crazy" and "too old" to be back in school. You guys are proof that not only can it be done, but that it is as rewarding as I'm hoping it will be! I'm following my gut because it tells me that becoming a nurse is what's in my heart... and if one more family member tries to give me the speech about how they know SO many people that are trying to become nurses and how I'll never get in because of that, i'm wasting my time, etc. I'm going to SCREAM! I just want to say Hey, leave me alone and let me at least try, you know?

Anyway, thank to the person who started this thread. It's a good one!!

Eaglelady · Nov 16, 2009

I just have to say, this thread is so inspiring!! I will be 35 on Thursday and I'm in the process of taking pre-reqs to hopefully get into a ABSN program in 2012. My DH is super supportive but the rest of my family thinks I'm "crazy" and "too old" to be back in school. You guys are proof that not only can it be done, but that it is as rewarding as I'm hoping it will be! I'm following my gut because it tells me that becoming a nurse is what's in my heart... and if one more family member tries to give me the speech about how they know SO many people that are trying to become nurses and how I'll never get in because of that, i'm wasting my time, etc. I'm going to SCREAM! I just want to say Hey, leave me alone and let me at least try, you know?
Anyway, thank to the person who started this thread. It's a good one!!

GOOD FOR YOU !!!!!!!!!! Follow your heart NOT what is being said to you and you will make a GREAT nurse :)

berrygal · Nov 16, 2009

Hi Elle, I'm 49 and just started a regional psychiatric nursing diploma program. I'll be almost 52 when I graduate. Just want you to know you are not alone and you are never to old to learn. Keep going and stay strong. :yeah:

TamiLee · Nov 16, 2009

I am not 50ish, I am almost 35. I have a son who will be 15 this weekend and well, I am feeling "older" than most of my friends my age who are just starting to have families. I have been married twice, and I have recently reunited with my highschool sweetheart from 20 years ago.

I have been attempting nursing school, and the idea of it for some time now. Some of the classes I took have already "expired" and I have to retake them, but I have had a revelation a few weeks ago... and I am pursuing it harder than ever and nothing will hold me back.

My family is very supportive, and in fact, my BF is actually considering nursing school himself. He enjoys the sciences and he's good at caring for people. The more I talk about it and he reads what I read, the more he's thinking it will be a good fit for him too as a career. My son wants to be a doctor and has already approached me about going into the military after highschool to pursue his education and training.

I have gone through Microbiology, Psych, Nutrition, Stats, and even Biomedical Ethics. I am a former EMT, and I am getting re-certified so that I can work nights as I go through nursing school.

I know none of this is easy. And no matter what age you are, if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.

I am a friend to all here. :) Good luck in your studies.

Tami