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Discussion

any concerns for older students?

Are there any problems or issues that are unique to the older nursing student in the clinical setting? I am 45 years old with a masters degree in chemistry, so academic work is not a problem for me. I have been a chemistry teacher for 23 years, so I have lots of experience working with teens and difficult adults. I am starting a part time RN diploma program in Sept. 06. I want to retire from teaching and try nursing. I like the idea that I can do travel nursing, or work part time. I also like the fact that nursing has a lot of different educational avenues that will keep me from getting bored. I can't imagine retiring and doing nothing.. I crave constant mental stimulation! Any advice for a new old student?

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Good luck to you.

My only suggestion is not to be judgemental of "kids these days" and never let the words "when I was young..........." pass from your lips.

my only suggestion is not to be judgemental of "kids these days" and never let the words "when i was young..........." pass from your lips.

excellent advice. i had a teacher in my clinical group (me, being the instructor). older than me and most of the students. when you have a lot of life experience, it's very hard not to impart your wisdom on others, especially when they are close to the ages of those who you taught in your former life.

also, note that nursing school is very different than regular college, esp if you are in a diploma program. i teach in a hospital based adn (formerly a diploma) program. and it is structured very differently than 'college'. even the younger 2nd degree students had a little culture shock with the way things are done.

  • Author

In what ways is the diploma school different from college? Of course the hands-on training is a different component.... Any other observations?

In am an older (gag) student. In my class, the average age is 30. Yep, I am the oldest student. I love the energy of the younger students.

I feel that my biggest advantage (at my age) is that I am not embarrassed to ask any question.

I have worked for many years as an engineer and am looking forward to starting the next best part of my life.

While I suspect that there may be some issues when I start actively looking for work (ageism does exist), I believe that my life experience will be seen by some as a benefit.

Good Llk in your endeavors

  • Experts

I agree with what the previous posters have said. Here's something else to think about:

I have worked with some "older" new graduates who have been wonderful to work with. However, I have also worked with some who seem to have expected to bypass the "beginner" phase of their nursing career because of their previous experience in another career. They weren't willing to "start at the bottom" and work their way up the ladder of seniority and professional respect. While there may be a few things that can be bypassed, there are many things that can not.

For example, some were unprepared to work the unpopular shifts. Others were unwilling to have their practice directly supervised by the preceptors, educators, managers, senior staff nurses, etc. They seemed to view these apects of being a beginner as a "demotion" from their previous positions. It might be that -- or at might just be that they had blinders on when they chose to become a nurse. It might be that they focused more on the positive aspects of nursing as they were looking to escape from what they didn't like about their old career. Either way, some people just don't handle the "demotion" aspect of career switching as well as others.

llg

  • Author

thanks for the input everyone! I wholeheartedly agree about the 'not embarrassed to ask ANY question.... When I pay $1200 to take a course I get my money's worth! Any other oldies out there with an experience to share?:)

Yep...I'm an oldie but goody. Started nursing school almost 3 years ago at 49 and will graduate (hopefully!) in May '06 at age 53. I'm also in a diploma program. the diploma program is very hands on training. Start clinicals almost immediately in freshman year with clinical rotations in all settings, starting 1 day a week in your 1st (freshman) semester; advancing to two days a week, etc. It's been a wonderful experience for me. I never thought I'd be able to do it or keep up with the others. Even the instructors--most younger than me--always say that they gotta hand it to me just to return to school at my age.

If you have any other ??, please feel free to PM me. Good luck. I'm sure you'll do fine.

in what ways is the diploma school different from college? of course the hands-on training is a different component.... any other observations?

well, at least where i teach, it is not structured like a traditional college. there is one class on each level. it is an integrated program- meaning everything is within one class- peds, maternity, psych. we team-teach, meaning i have a certain number of lectures i am responsible for. i may be teaching one component in the morning, and another prof. teaches a different one in the afternoon. so come test time, each prof.is responsible for their content's questions. the students are there one or two full days a week (depending on their level), not a 3 hr block (equalling 3 credits, and so forth). kind of like elementary school, but with many teachers.

i don't know if this is how your school operates, but i get the feeling most hospital-based programs are similar. can anyone agree with this??

I am an older student (43-Years-Old) to be exact. I started part-time distance education 3 years ago. I am going to graduate this coming May with my ADN in practical Nursing. I hope to then apply to the ADN RN program and start in the spring of 07. I will only have 3 semesters to take in this program. Anyways, I have never had any problems as far as my age goes. But I am told very often that I do not act my age:roll . I dont feel 43 so I guess that is why I come across as younger. I get along well with all the younger students and some of my best friends are only in their late 20's. I dont act like a "know it all" and I never say when I was younger. My advice, is enjoy the younger students they will keep you young:chuckle .

WOW! Masters in Chemistry??! So far chem was my hardest subject, and I am getting an A in all my nursing classes. I think you will do just fine. No worries! I still have nightmares about chemistry! hahaha

~J

  • Experts

I think the only problem you're going to have (if at all) is being on the same side of the desk as some of the young air heads. You're probably used to them. Their inexperience and know-it-all attitudes drive me nuts. Otherwise, your years of life experience will be the biggest plus of all.

We had a LVN who was also an elementary school teacher. She worked at our hospital during the summers and on weekends. She liked working both jobs and enjoyed the change of environment of each. Her school adventures were very intriquing to the rest of us. Even though they had a school nurse (who was only at the school certain days and times), she often got called when little medical emergencies came up with the teaching or school staff.

i started part-time distance education 3 years ago. i am going to graduate this coming may with my adn in practical nursing. i hope to then apply to the adn rn program and start in the spring of 07. i will only have 3 semesters to take in this program.

so you'll have an adn as an lpn after 3 years of pt study? and you'll now go for the rn?

anyways, i have never had any problems as far as my age goes. but i am told very often that i do not act my age:roll . i dont feel 43 so i guess that is why i come across as younger. i get along well with all the younger students and some of my best friends are only in their late 20's. i dont act like a "know it all" and i never say when i was younger. my advice, is enjoy the younger students they will keep you young:chuckle .

that's the attitude!! you're young at heart, and it shows.

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