Being a young Nurse.

They might also treat you differently because you are new! Also being qualified at 18 is something of a novelty. You've only been there a couple of weeks - once they see that you're competent and diligent despite your age you'll soon become part of the team.

They might also treat you differently because you are new! Also being qualified at 18 is something of a novelty. You've only been there a couple of weeks - once they see that you're competent and diligent despite your age you'll soon become part of the team.

Dude, enjoy the attention! Let the ladies take care of you! When I was a young nurse 35 years ago the older female nurses treated me like their son, shoot, some of them treated me like I was their grandson. When I didn't know how to do something they took the time to show me in great detail how to do it right. If there was something special going on they made sure I got a chance to participate. And they fed me all the time (night shift of course)! I got such a great start that within 6 months I was the charge nurse over the CCU and the PCCU! That was unheard of back then. They supported me and took direction from me because they had "raised" me up. It was the best time of my work life! Enjoy it, it will soon be gone!

They are taking you under their wing and trying to teach you. They will have your back if you have theirs. always be willing to learn, and never be afraid to ask/give help. I was young as well when I started (27), and I eventually got married to a co-workers daughter. she's the love of my life. good luck. Just keep on doing it.

BTW that's awesome to have your degree at 18. but don't think that you know everything, defer to those with expeirence.

Dude, enjoy the attention! Let the ladies take care of you! When I was a young nurse 35 years ago the older female nurses treated me like their son, shoot, some of them treated me like I was their grandson. When I didn't know how to do something they took the time to show me in great detail how to do it right. If there was something special going on they made sure I got a chance to participate. And they fed me all the time (night shift of course)! I got such a great start that within 6 months I was the charge nurse over the CCU and the PCCU! That was unheard of back then. They supported me and took direction from me because they had "raised" me up. It was the best time of my work life! Enjoy it, it will soon be gone!

x2

Work this in your favor... Being young (and smart) has its advantages. Go to work, try hard and do well. You will move up the ranks quickly

Well I think that being able to be something as great as being a nurse at the age of 18 is a spectacular thing. I personally believe that being treated as a child is something special. You gain the experience and wisdom of others as they pass on knowledge and guide you along.

My advice is to accept the treatment and view it as optimistically as you can because you are as people already stated, "are only young once."

Live and learn .

21 years ago, I was in the same situation. I graduated HS at 16 and went right into a Practical Nursing program. When I graduated, I wasn't eligible to take boards with my class because I was only 17. Graduate nurses were able to work in the hospitals as GPN's or GN's since boards were only held 2 or 3 times a year. When I started working med/surg, I needed a work permit! I wasn't able to work nights until I turned 18, and thankfully I was able to sit for boards shortly after my birthday.

I experienced the same "Mom-kid" relationship with my classmates, and truly expected the same kind of treatment when I started the job. Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was "the kid" instead of "the new nurse." If you thought being the new nurse on the floor was rough.....

Your competency as a nurse (and your acceptance by your co-workers) has more to do with maturity than chronological age. Teens, college students, and nurses have social structures that are very different from each other. Being on the youngest part of the curve puts you at a real disadvantage. If I had it to do over again, I would have taken part in social activities that would have helped me develop adult communication/socialization skills so that I would have had a better shot of fitting in as a peer rather than a novelty. Sure, I had a great time with the other floor nurses and learned a whole lot, but when the stuff hit the fan, my co-workers wanted assistance from a nurse, not a kid.

One last note...if you're thinking about getting your BSN, do it as soon as you can afford it. If you put it off for a little while, it can end up being put off for longer than you can imagine. When I graduated with my bachelors I intended to take a few years off...the next time I set foot in a classroom, I was old enough that my classmates could have been my children!

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I, am a young nurse, at age 24 now, I've been a RN for 4 years. I am treated like the 'know-nothing youngster' everyday but like other responses have noted, I take advantage of the knowledge I receive from the seasoned nurses. It takes time to prove yourself but when that day happens, you have a built a relationship with the older crew that isn't describable! You have taken their knowledge and used it to establish yourself and usually they appreciate that as much as you do. Never take for granted the insight the seasoned nurses provide for they are our foundation! I can admittedly say too, I enjoy the attention! I bond a lot easier and quicker with the older generation because I respect them! My advice to you, try to absorb all the insight and knowledge you can from them, it'll make you a better person and nurse!

Its part of growing up. People treat you as they see you. You are very young to be in the biz, but just keep your head on straight, soak up all the knowledge you can, and soon you'll be the old salt.

No matter what social sphere you're entering, whether it be work or school or whatever, there will ALWAYS be a first impression you make on your peers. In your case, your age is what first defined you. The good news is, while first impressions may always stick with you a little, your real reputation is built over time. So wait it out. Do your job to the best of your ability. Be an asset not only to your patients but to your coworkers as well. Eventually they will see that you are a competent and skilled coworker that they value having around. In the mean time though, learn from the oldies on your floor because they know a hell of a lot more than you will ever learn in school. Seriously, never underestimate how much an experienced nurse knows (even when their techniques and terminology aren't always textbook), and never overestimate how much you know just because you breezed through nursing school. Let the petty stuff about your age roll off your back and once you've proved that you are an asset to the team, your age will just be a playful jab someone brings up from time to time and no longer what defines you.

I'm pretty young compared to most of my coworkers (not the youngest anymore, though) and that's after I've been in nursing for several years (over 5 now if you count my LPN experience). I'm still younger than the kids of most of my colleagues, and that's OK.

My advice is just to roll with it and learn to appreciate the help and attention. Be positive, open to learning, and helpful. In a few years you'll be an old hand (or at least it'll seem that way).

Man, I'm feeling kinda old now. My hair is starting to go gray. It's just camouflage, though, I swear.