Can I accomplish becoming an RN at 26?

Nurses Men

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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?

Specializes in Critical Care, Flight Nursing.

My grandmother went to LPN school when she was 68 or 69 years old! She graduated top of her class & worked in a nursing home until she was in her mid 70s. The Raleigh News & Observer had a great article about her in the paper years ago. Passion is the key! You have to have the "want to" and persevere to achieve any goal. I was 31 years old when I began an Army medic school (I was a combat engineer at the time.....I fell in love with healthcare and it was a "duck to water" scenario. I attacked with abandon and became a medic, then LPN, then RN. It is my calling. I nurse therefore I am! You can do it!

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I'm 56 starting my second semester in an ADN program. So I'd say 26 is a bit young! Your grades sound good. Take the TEAS test as soon as you can and see where you stand. I've been out of school for longer than you've been alive!!!! I took mine the week after I enrolled in prereqs and passed the first time. It's Math, Science, Reading, English. If you don't pass, you'll know where you stand and can concentrate on those areas. You do sound negative, so work on getting rid of that. I know, easier said than done!

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Supervisory, HEDIS, IT.
Despite some of the similarities, nursing isn't The Hunger Games. Twenty-six is hardly too old.

This made me laugh :)

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Specializes in Mental Health, Gerontology, Palliative.

I sat and passed my state finals (NZ version of NCLEX) at 35.

26 is a spring chicken

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I'm 26 and just finished my first year! I'll be about 30 when I get my license, it's not too late!

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Just graduated at 27 and starting my first job in the SICU in 2 weeks. You definitely can do it. My grades were very similar to yours. Cumulative GPA was 3.25 going into a pretty competitive nursing program, and was placed on the alternate list until 1 month before classes started. Just don't give up and keep on digging and pushing toward your goals.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Although I am a woman I gitmy RN when I was 38 - if it is your passion go for it

Hppy

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Just graduated from nursing school a few weeks ago at the age of 30 & plan on some more schooling. Remain motivated and believe in yourself.

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Academically, anything can change. In my nursing class, a few people that had 4.0 in the prereqs barely made it, or didn't make it. And some students that entered the program by the skin of their teeth made through just fine. It's different in a sense that you are studying to care and help people, it has a bigger meaning. This alone, helped me focus on understanding the content and thinking critically (get use to hearing critical thinking) to achieve my objective.

Some tips:

Know what and what not to study. You can't learn everything in nursing school, as much as you want to, you have your whole career to be filled with non-stop learning. Focus on what your professor/instructor is lecturing on, take brief notes while keeping full attention in class, and always read over what you talking about in class prior and after.

Find a study buddy that will keep you committed. Bouncing ideas, thoughts, and questions back and forth helps fortify information. Sometimes if you understand something and teach another person it, you are able to recall is easier and vice versa.

Stay organized. By no means am I the most organized person, but there are so many dates, write everything down so you can remember.

Lastly, you will be nervous. We were all nervous to a point of anxiety and fear. But you will overcome it, it will get better. I would be worried if someone wasn't nervous!

Best of luck!

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Specializes in Mental Health, Gerontology, Palliative.

I'm femaie but I got my degree at 35 and registered the same year

Yes you can do it

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I know this was posted awhile ago, but you can do this if that's what you want to do. Nursing became my second degree earned back in December...at 41. :) I do know I wasn't mature enough at 21 or 22 to do this (I skated by in my first go-round through undergrad) but a couple of years ago seemed like the right time to go for it. I don't regret a single thing!

Good luck no matter what you decide to do.

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Just turned 43 and became an RN. 26. LOL, I wish.

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