Any other "older" new nursing students out there?

foxynurse · Nov 6, 2001

Hi, I will be entering nursing school this January 2002 after 17 years in the corporate world and another 8 years of stay at home mom. I'm excited and nervous. I've wanted to be a nurse for a very long time now. I am just finishing up Microbiology this semester and my last Psychology prerequisite. I just wanted anyone else out there who will be a little older " new student" not to feel alone.

Katnip, RN · Nov 8, 2001

I'm 45 and first year of nursing school. I've got 3 kids, all at home still. I'll graduate in 2002. So far I haven't run into any 'ageism' in this school. There are a few in our class older than me, too.

Just hang in there. Since this is what you want, nothing can stop you.

nurseybikerchic · Nov 9, 2001

Hi. Im another member who came to nursing as a second career. Im only 31 but the university seems to consider me a 'mature' student. We have a wide range of ages in our group, from 17 to 46. Dont let anyone tell you your too old, I look at it like this, you bring life experience with you which can only be a good thing. I've got two children ages 2 and 3. it makes me really proud to hear my daughter tell anyone who will listen that "my mummy's learning to be a nurse". When I finish my course in 2 years, I might go on to do midwifery as well. Ive also thought about training as a paramedic, so who knows where Ill finish up. So all I can say is good on you and stick at it

:) :) GOOD LUCK:) :)

BRONXBABY · Nov 9, 2001

I appreciate the kind words. You're right. I do bring lots of life experience with me, I figure that will at least help me along the way.

Good for you, you sound like you're well on your way to a great career!

I admire your "gumption", as we call it here!!

Go get 'em, girl!!

Love-A-Nurse · Nov 11, 2001

Hi and Welcome!

I started taking pr-reqs last Fall and I am taking 5 classes this semester with only one general course left to take, (and all pre-reqs completed). Dev. Psy.

I wil begin clinicals in January.

I am 41, and I have 3 children, 21, 14, and 12 and I work full time in LTC. I was 30 when I went to LPN school and at this time my children were, 10, 3, and 1.

We can do it! :cool:

Notanurse · Nov 12, 2001

Hello...I am 36, MALE (which has it's own stigmas attached), married, one child. I will be back in school this January completing my pre-reqs, and hoping to get my GPA up enough to get in. They said I will "probably" make it.

Good luck to you and don't let anyone steal your desires just because you are mature. They aren't!

Gry · Nov 13, 2001

Bronxbaby,

Don't worry about how old you are! Your age and experience are only an asset when it comes to college! I'm 30 and am going back for the second time and I have to say I appreciate college more with every passing year. The people in your classes won't think twice about your age, they're there to get a degree, not to judge their classmates. Good luck to you and much success. :cool:

KatWright · Nov 13, 2001

I love this subject!!! I can totally relate !!

I am in school now and I totally agree with annies reply about students who are talking while the instructor is talking and then asks a question that the instructor just went over.

However, I am already an RN and I am working on my masters.

I hope to finish by the time I am 50 (What an odd number, I remember when my mom was 50, and she was soooooooooooooo old, but some how I'm not, Oh well......)

Last year we had 2 new grads that were 53 years old nad have been VERY successful !!

They have an excellent work ethic, and years of varying experiences that bring so much to the field.

The only problem that they say they have is that people treat them as though they know alot since they are older. But both of them have been able to gracefully explain that they are new nurses and you would not bel;ieve how much the doc's respect that and then take the opportunity to teach !!! It is great.

Take advantage of any and all learning experiences. After 25+++ years, I am still learning....I learn from the new grads as well as the "more mature" nurses !! Actually, we learn something new every day. (I think I have heard that somewhere before)

Good luck and welcome

Kat

nurseybikerchic · Nov 13, 2001

Ive got to agree with that last comment about docs being helpful. Ive found as a (mature) student that if you ask a doc about what he or she is doing, nine times out of ten they will give you a full run down, explanations, rationale and all. I think its a good resource to take advantage of whilst your a student. They will often give you far more detail than any lecturer will and lets face it, they love to prove what they know. I think the day of the great divide between docs and nurses is growing ever smaller and thats good. We should after all be working as a team. Admitted ive come across the odd one that got out of the wrong side of the bed that morning, but hell! you get that in any job and in any case, a good doc will tell you that if they treat you right, the favour is returned. Isnt that right all you nurses out there?. So use the info, its there if you ask:cool:

AlmstRN · Nov 17, 2001

Don't let age hold you to anything! If you want it, go get it!

I am 42 with 3 small daughters ages 4, 6, 9 and a husband. I am going to graduate from a 2-yr program in May 2002. Been taking my prerequisites since I was pregant with the first one in 1991!!! Between pregnancies, breastfeeding and infants to care for, I am amazed to find myself at the near end of my nursing school journey... it's YOUR life....go get it!

AlmostRN Amy

eventsnyc · Nov 18, 2001

In all my classes there are many non traditional older students, some with grown kids. They do really well & very helpful to the rest of the students. Before I started school this Jan., I went to a few open houses, the situations were the same: lots of second career students in their 40s & 50s. Only a few younger prospective students. I think as people live longer and healthier, age is not as it was many years ago.

Best wishes and lots of success to you all!

Christina

nyc

swkbmckay · Nov 19, 2001

Way to go Bronxlady!

In case no one's said they're proud of you, I am!! Don't let ANYTHING stop you!

I'm starting my third career - three's the charm! My degree was in Criminal Justice, minor in psychology, then 18 years in cardiovascular testing in hospitals. Finally got sick and tired of being told what to do by the nurses, tired of being passed up for the "good" projects by the R.N.s in the department. I got situated (husband's help) to be able to go to school. I'M there and SO EXCITED!! Dream come true!!

GO FORTH! You'll do great! We older gals have had experiences that are immeasurable and somethings that can't be taken away or have a price hung upon! (poopy diapers, fussy husbands, sick or injured kids, you know!!!!) And If you can survive NYCPD, girl, you can survive nursing school!! You'll do fine! Don't give up or let anything stop you!

God bless! Have a great Thanksgiving holiday! Best wishes!:)