Any other "older" new nursing students out there?

RNsomeday · Jan 4, 2003

I am 48 and a male student in the second semester of a five semester program. There are 8 male students in a class of 55 and I am proud to be one of the "survivors" of geriatrics. Being older is really a blessing to me in school because I have raised my kids and I am happily married to a wonderful woman and have been for 18 blessed years. If I can do this, anyone can. Good luck and God Speed!!!

Dublin37 · Jan 25, 2003

I love hearing about more guys out there, breaking those stereotypes about nursing. Geeps, I wish I had your upper body strength for all that lifting! My godson is 15, and is really interested in nursing, but too embarressed to mention to any of his hip, too cool, low pants, etc other guy friends. You guys are paving the way, keep it up! Heather;)

studentrn2003 · Jan 26, 2003

Hi everyone!

I have really enjoyed reading your replies to Bronxbaby... I am 34 years young, and a single mom of a 10 year old boy. I have just started my first nursing semester and I absolutely am enjoying every moment in class! I really look back now and realize all the "life experiences" of mine have helped me grow into the kind of person who can really appreciate everything I will learn from nursing school! Good luck to all the mature students, there are several moms in my class over the age of 30 and some over 40...

and 5 male students alone in one section of our course! I have realized that learning never ends and I am thrilled to finally be pursing this worthy career!

Studentrn2003:nurse:

debRNo1 · Jan 26, 2003

Im an "adult" student. Got my LPN at 30 and my RN at 40- still working on BSN now. No its not easy to work all day and go to class all night.

I usually took classes in the evenings because there tended to be more "adults" in the class. I took an AM pych class and wound up with a kooky professor. He had us rip up a peice of paper and then each student had to stand while the others

wrote "something" about that student and then they were delivered to us. To this day still not sure what the point was- we werent allowed to look at the responses during the class ??

I nearly cried when I read them later on :imbar each and every one said something like "your old" "you look old" "why are you in class with us" "you look like my mothers age" ect ect. They were so mean to me and I wrote nice things about all of them.......

Professor never brought up the "project" again and I was soooo ready to give those kids a peice of my mind and mouth but never had the chance. Next class I took had 3 senior citizens in it. Oh I was just thrilled to see them when I walked in- Im not the oldest one in the class this time !

Its not easy being in class with a bunch of kids especially the chatty snack eating cell phone ringing ones who dont give a crap cause mom and dad are paying for it !!! It really amazes them when you start pulling A's and they are dropping and failing out. Pretty good for an old lady HUH I always strived for A's and like to accumulate them- but remember that a C is the same credit as an A

Good luck all

keep at it and you will succeed

deb

Mkue · Jan 26, 2003

Originally posted by Peeps Mcarthur
The older students always excel beyond thier expectations because thier expectations are tempered with reflection on past failures.

So we are destined, say predisposed to not repeat what was maladaptive(use this word alot in papers, they eat it up) and will find a path to greatness of our own chosing.

Well said Peeps !

Dublin37 · Jan 26, 2003

Hey studentrn 2003! Congrats on being in the program, and your great attitude about the first semester. I have to say your the first I've ever read who was ENJOYING the first semester! Everyone I speak with or read about is sooooooooo OVERWHELMED with the work load. Gee, you give me hope, thanks! Heather

studentrn2003 · Mar 31, 2003

Hi Deb,

Thanks for the great response to my thread I started awhile ago. I have been extremely busy with this first semester. I guess I am loving it because it definitely challenges me as to what I can accomplish. I am also seeing that the younger students that don't really have the drive to be in this program are starting to suffer. They show up consistently late for class in the morning, and some started showing up half an hour late. On presentation days, these students strolled in late which caused their groups to have to change their schedule. We have already had a discussion during one of our classes about the disruptions to the classroom when people are late. Hopefully, next semester, these issues will no longer be issues. My perception of the people in this program has definitely taken a huge turn because I see that the mature students are the ones who are getting the good marks due to their strong work ethic. I had to work on several group projects and found that the mature students were the ones who were the leaders in the group, they led by example and were the ones instrumental in the progression of the group. I always try to get A's in my courses and have consistently achieved good marks. Yay! Good luck on your BSN and remember, don't ever give up!

Future RN - Krystal

WisdomSeeker55 · Jul 29, 2008

Hi All, :redbeathe

I am 53 years old and just beginning my prerequisites.

Have spent most of my adult life as a single mom. Am now married and my youngest child is headed into high school finally!!! Am scared of this whole process. My head keeps telling me that I am to OLD. I have tried many other jobs but I always come back to Nursing.

This is the question that I asked myself. If I were turning 110 years old tomorrow and knew that it would be my last day, would I look back at this life and regret not trying to pursue this DREAM. The answer is ABSOLUTELY.

So I have no choice. There is such a shortage of Nurses right now that I believe there is room for us all. The road is not an easy one. But, nothing worth having usually is!!

I love and appreciate you all!! This is the place that I come to when my head begins to give me all the reasons why it is to late. Thank you for the encouragement.

Good Luck Everyone :bow:

mnbvcxz · Aug 6, 2008

Hi all! I am new to this site and I am a brand new nursing student. I am a retired NYC police officer and a single mom of 4 (2 at home, 2 on their own.) I am excited and terrified all at once!! I am starting my pre-req's in January 2002. I will hopefully be done with them within a year. I guess what I am worried about is the fact that I'll be going to school with people my older kid's ages and I don't wanna be seen as the "old lady!!" I am doing this not only for myself, but I figured after all these years, I cannot preach college to my children if I've not gone myself! Any advice for the new, old woman?
Thanks for letting me get started...I'm sure I'll be here a lot!!:)

How old is "old" in your opinion?