Can I accomplish becoming an RN at 26?

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So I just went back to school to become a RN. I have a 2.78 GPA, and a 3.28 cumulative GPA. I am worried I won't make the requirements for the RN program. My counselor thinks I am a good candidate, I am worried I am not intelligent enough for the nursing program. I have a 95 in algebra an 89% in Stats, and 93 in med terminology. I have yet to take the ATI tease test. I would love to make nursing a lifelong commitment, but I do not have any degrees, or certificates. My counselor advised me to shoot for the RN program. I was close to finishing an associate in science when I went back. I am worried I will not make it into the program. I took a big risk taking coreqs Before acceptance into the program. I intend to start studying for the tease test this summer, but I have so far to go. So much to do, and achieve before I feel secure in this career. It's only going to get more difficult. I am committed to this, and I would love to become a RN, but I am worried I don't have an academic record worthy of the program. I have a very high drop rate from the past. I am a 26 year old male who would love to make a career out of nursing. Any advice on how to accomplish my goals?

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I think if you really want to become a nurse you will. You need a true passion it sounds like you have that but DONT doubt yourself. You are definitely not too old. All the girls I work with are about the same age and are just applying to nursing. I suggest you volunteer, get your CNA and get your foot in the door of nursing. Just stay focused and don't loose sight of your dream you can do it!

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Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

Honestly your post doesn't make enough sense to answer.

Are you already accepted into a nursing program and finished taking pre-reqs? What degrees or certificates are you talking about? Do you mean a TEAS examination? Does a high drop rate mean you are a quitter?

You are worried about a "career" and "lifelong commitment" and getting way ahead of yourself. What makes you think you even want to be a nurse? Great advice to check out being a CNA before you waste any more time or money on school. Nursing jobs are hard to come by, you have a lot of competition.

And No, 26 is not too old.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I'm gonna be brutally honest here Gavin....unless you can change your attitude you won't make it in nursing. Nursing doesn't require above average intelligence so you can take your concern about your ability to "pass" off the table. What nursing does require is a confident, determined, individual who can make independent decisions based on critical thinking skills you pick up in training. Considering your history your first priority is to be accepted into a nursing program....next goal is to graduate and obtain your license...then, and only then, will you start to learn how to be functional as a nurse. So, take it one step at a time, be focused on the task at hand and you'll be fine. I started nursing school when I was 38.

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Thanks for the honesty. I should have posted this in prenursing. My apologies. If I don't get in in the fall I am going to take a cna course. I want to make a future out of healthcare. The profession requires a lot of hard work, and determination. Something I am beginning to be aware of. Since you were brutally honest with me. I will be honest with you. I have been hospitalized on multiple occasions. Which is why I want to do this. I am just worried I don't have what it takes. Honestly without government assistance I could not afford to go school. So I want to give back anyway I can. I like to think I am compassionate. Something that will be required along with hard work, and determination. I am going to give it everything I got. Thank you for the advice. I just started down this path so forgive my ignorance, and attitude, thank you. My nurses have always been the best so I want to pursue something where I can be a model citizen like them. As far as the career goes you have to make a living somehow. Nursing is what I want to do. I have never been so sure of it in my life. I am getting ahead of myself though. Guess I am just overly excited, and doubtful at the same time.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Ah!! Music to my ears. March forward. Keep us informed!

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I didn't start nursing school until my mid-20s and I graduated just before 30. I had a job within 6 months and just celebrated my year anniversary. Its not the easiest field but its a lot of fun, and there's always something interesting or new to do or learn.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I started nursing aged 26, I took it as a job to do until something better came along (UK, different system - I was paid as an employee to train). Here we are 30+ years later and I still haven't found "something better"

Go for it. You may actually enjoy it.

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I'm in my first semester of my RN program and I'm 39. It is very difficult, but if you're determined and passionate about nursing, you can do it! :)

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I just earned my BSN at 48. Good luck!

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26 is much too old to be a nurse. I like my nurses to be teenagers.

Seriously though, I say go for it. Your counselor thinks you're a good candidate, and his job is advising students. So what if your track record isn't perfect? Doing good in nursing school will improve that record and it will show people what you can do.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Supervisory, HEDIS, IT.

Dude, I went back to school with basically the SAME grades that you are talking about. I got into nursing school, wanted to quit EVERY DAY because it was consuming my life. I eventually graduated, got my RN and now am a happy practicing nurse. YOU CAN DO IT!! :) I graduated in 2013 and I was 29.

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