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?

Hi every one I am back Thanks every one for all your positive feedback. I am sorry I have not responded. I ended up in the hospital with an 11cm lung abscess at the end of my first semester back. I managed to still squeeze two high Bs, and an A out of the semester which I hope will be good enough. I was very close to three As last semester kind of disappointing not to get them honestly.The trip to the hospital kind of just reinforced my desire to do this. My lung abscess has shrunk from 11cm to 6cm thanks to all the wonderful doctors, and nurses I have had. I was kind of a little jerk in the hospital in hindsight I kept freaking out saying no you don't understand I need to take my finals for two weeks. My doctors eventually did let me out just at the end of the year, and despite missing two weeks I still passed all my exit exams, and did fairly well. The reason I wanted to become a nurse was because I got very ill at 19 when I developed chron's disease I lost fifty pounds and my red blood cell count was at 69%. Rather than dwell on my misfortune any longer I want to do something to give back because it was/ is the efforts of doctors, and nurses that are helping me to get better. It is why I want to be a nurse because I want to make an impact on people that are ill. I know my infirmities at times has had a profound negative impact on me mentally, but instead of dwelling on it any more I have decided to pursue this .I know it is not going to be easy, but I believe nothing worthwhile is easy. All the nurses and doctors I know are for the most part outstanding people, and I am getting better thanks to their efforts. They are some of the most bubbly excellent people who maintain both their professionalism, and optimism despite the things I can only imagine they must go through. So I want to give back in some way I want to be a part of it if that makes sense. I am hoping my school will let me tutor math this semester when I take bio 226, micro biology, and chemistry, my last prereq!. Anyways I apply in the fall for the nursing program at Malcom, and I hope I get in. I will have two shots at the tease test so I will let you know How it goes. Thanks everyone.

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

graduated with my BSN at 27.

1.7 high school gpa.

2.33 college.

When I wanted to become a nurse I locked down on school and turned it into a 3.5gpa and a 3.75 science gpa.

If you want it, you can do it.

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Old dude gave some spot on advice. It's never to late. I started a PN program when I was 34 (36 now). Failed second level and hoping to get back in next spring, took some time off to rethink things only to realize that I love working in the medical field.(CNA for 2 years). Thing is, I was average age for my class. Had one guy pushing 60. But it has to be your passion and you have to want it either way. Took me some time to realize that.

My plans are to finish LPN then bridge to RN to BSN to DNP. I'll be in my mid 40's likely by the time I finish, but what else am I gonna do anyway? I could probably shorten it a bit, but this way I don't have to drive over an hour to school everyday. At least till I get to my BSN. Then I'll be making enough it won't matter.

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Specializes in PCU.

55yo and just finished nursing school. Dedicate yourself and you'll be fine.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

You're bit young but I don't see why not. Good luck.

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It all has to do with how much you want it. I went back to school at 27, right after my wife had given birth to our son. I already had a degree in biology so that helped. Age is not a factor, it is never too late for education. If anything at 27 I was more determined and focused than when I got my first degree. I'm enjoying my career as a RN and my future plan is to become a FNP.

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I have no illusions about it. It's going to be loads of work, but the feeling of accomplishment should keep me going. I graduate with an asociates in general studies this fall with an emphasis on SCIENCE excelsior! I also will be eligible to apply to the program I want into at that time, assuming I can manage to pass the TEASE test. I got the job tutoring stats and Algebra which helps. The trust the school has put in me hiring me on has done loads for my confidence. Miles yet to go though. I may not get another opportunity to do this. So I intend to give it everything I got, and not look back. I feared it might be to late at this stage. Fortunately so far it seems like I have been proven wrong. Thankfully! Also The lung abscess has shrunk to a size where the doctors feel comfortable taking me off the antibiotics. My experiences lately have been very humbling. I am trying to balance confidence without being arogant, or filled with self doubt. thanks again every one who took their time to post on here.

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Well folks my luck has just run out... I take the tease test this year. Yes the dreaded Tease test. I am in a good position in my most crucial prereq bio 121 to get an A. Sorry about my posts I was freaked out when I went back. I thought I had a fairly competitive GPA, and was somewhat encouraged by it. Then I got disabused. I got a B in stats, but I now tutor the subject so I hope that helps. I know grades are not the most important thing as a nurse, but right now its all I have to show to get into a RN program. Thank you all for your honesty, and responses. I am trying to mold myself into what I need to be, so I can become what I want to be. The best person I can be. I had a rough go of it before I went back on my quest to become a RN so the hope of becoming one is what keeps me going.

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TEAS, not TEASE. And good luck to you.

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TEAS, not TEASE. And good luck to you.

Thank you!

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Specializes in Occupational Health/Legal Nurse Consulting.

You eat an elephant one bite at a time. You can do it! I did!

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Good advice! When I decided I wanted to do this I wanted to put my running shoes on, and go at break neck speed, but given the difficulty I am glad my counselors slowed me down a bit!

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