30+ club! Lets do this together.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · May 16, 2013

Well, I was half-way through my pre-licensure coursework when I turned 30. I started a direct-entry MSN/FNP program when I was just shy of turning 29, passed the NCLEX when I was 30, and will finish my master's portion at 32. Several of my classmates are 5-8 years younger; some are close to my age and a few are older.

I will say this: returning to school at almost 30 was refreshingly different. I had such a new appreciation for learning that I could not have had when I got my bachelor degree at 22. Not that many years difference, yet a world away in maturity! I'm glad to see this thread since I feel most of the folks I've bonded with in nursing school are younger and not at the place I am in life yet.

And yes, age is only a number, good luck!

nursefrances, BSN, RN · May 16, 2013

I think you make an excellent point-- we are more mature and more focused than some of our younger classmates. I know that I am far more level-headed now than I was fresh out of high school, and I do believe that has had a positive impact on my experience with school thus far. We also, for the most part, understand what a huge opportunity an education is, and we don't take it lightly. I had a 17 year old classmate in one of my first pre-req classes-- it was online and she constantly emailed me a few hours before the end of each week, asking questions about the assignments. She didn't understand how things worked, and she really wasn't focused. It became a joke of sorts in our house-- around 9 each Sunday my husband would say 'so, any word from xxxxxxx yet?' Sure enough, usually if I would check my mail, there it would be!! At the end of the semester, she thnked me for helping her. I wrote her a long email, telling her how blessed we all are to be getting an education, and asked that she please not take it for granted. Among other things, I also asked her to remember that she needs to do this for herself, because it really is te best gift she can give herself. She wrote back and said nobody had ever encouraged her like that before, and she got straight a's last semester. That's my girl!!
It seems to me we have an advantage- we can put things into perspective and have life experience. Hopefully less drama. I'm excited to see there is such a large group of us on here-- very encouraging!! I'm proud of all of us for being so brave. We can make such a huge difference if we work hard and make this happen. I can't wait to see where we all wind up and what we wind up doing!!!

I remember when I was doing my pre-reqs and quit my job to go to school full time. Day classes were much different than night classes because so many young people were in the morning classes. I remember people sleeping in classes, they still had their wristbands on from clubbing the night before. :no:

One guy I sat by, in philosophy, never brought paper or pencil to class. He just sat there or would fall asleep. I always took notes and was getting an A. Halfway through class he asked me how I was doing so well. He said his parents would be mad if didn't pass this class. I told him: stay awake, bring paper and pen and take notes, engage. He did and he passed. You would think these would be obvious things right?

nursefrances, BSN, RN · May 16, 2013

This is a great thread. :)

I started my nursing program at 32 (I went part time off and on taking pre-reqs from 1995 to 2005). I graduated with my BSN at 36. I am now 40 (and a 1/2 )

The week I started nursing school, my daughter started her freshman year of high school and my son started kindergarten. You could say it was a milestone week for us.

And yes, age is just a number. Two ladies in my graduating class were in their 50's. many were in their 40's or late 30's. If you want something bad enough you CAN do it. :up:

If you have kids, especially teens I think this is a good example for them to see too: that hard work pays off. I involved my daughter when I went to college. She was with me when I toured the campus of the university I transferred to, at my honor society inductions and of course when I graduated.

jendee · May 16, 2013

I remember when I was doing my pre-reqs and quit my job to go to school full time. Day classes were much different than night classes because so many young people were in the morning classes. I remember people sleeping in classes, they still had their wristbands on from clubbing the night before.
One guy I sat by, in philosophy, never brought paper or pencil to class. He just sat there or would fall asleep. I always took notes and was getting an A. Halfway through class he asked me how I was doing so well. He said his parents would be mad if didn't pass this class. I told him: stay awake, bring paper and pen and take notes, engage. He did and he passed. You would think these would be obvious things right?

I have had the same experience with classmates. It's funny, because I used to have the same mentality. You live and learn. :)

aywl · May 16, 2013

I like this thread, I changed my career at 32, got lpn license at 36, then raised kid, I plan go for ADN at 45.

shoegalRN, RN · May 16, 2013

Hello All!

This is such a wonderful thread for encouragement! I would like to share my story in hopes to encourage others.

-I started nursing school at the age of 33 after doing a career change from corporate America.

-I am a single mother of a now soon-to-be 17 year old, he was 11 at the time I started nursing school.

-I graduated with a BSN at the age of 35.

-I have been a nurse for 4 years.

-I am about to become a travel nurse in March 2014 to fulfill my dream of seeing the country.

It was hard, and there were many sleepless nights, and plenty of tears. But I wouldn't change it for the world. I had the support of a wonderful family behind me and they kept pushing me when I wanted to give up. Now, I'm an ER nurse and I'm about to complete another goal of becoming a travel nurse. All, in all, I'm glad I switched careers.

Don't give up, no matter how hard the road less traveled seems.

Remember, if someone else OLDER than you can do, so can you!

Good luck everyone!

tammyn · May 16, 2013

I am 40, married and I have two daughters 20 & 10. I started my prerequisite when I was 35 and after having a few health complications, I'm back at it. I am going for my Associates. I only have to take A P II, Micro. Nutrition, and I'm going to retake my math over to bring up that C. I am applying for the Fall 2014.

rache1rotz · May 16, 2013

I am 29, I have a 10 yr old daughter and 4 yr old son. Started my prerequisites at the age of 26 and I start my nursing program this August on my bday at the age of 30! So excited!

Flnolegirl · May 16, 2013

It's amazing to see how many people go through some of the same things you go through. Everyone keep up the good work. Today I wanted to give up but reading all you guys stories tells me I can't so for that I say THANK YOU!!

blizz108 · May 16, 2013

I'm going to toot my own horn a moment: I graduated from undergrad 5 days shy of my 40th (and I kicked a$$). I worked for a year and then started my prerequisites. Just finishing up with a 4.0. I'm starting grad school in the fall and I'll be 42. On one hand I think YIKES, but on the other I feel better than I have in years and I am so much more driven than I was when I was younger. Here's to hoping that holds!

Helano · May 16, 2013

I am 32 with a two year old and a 9 month old. I start my core in September and will be going RN to BSN as soon as I get my license.

**emergenceRN17, ASN, BSN, RN** · May 16, 2013

I'm 35 years old and have two classes left (A&P II and Micro) Once I finish with them in December I will be applying for Fall 2014. I am recently married and have been a dental assistant for 17+ years. Very excited yet scared at the same time. I wish everyone the best of luck!