any concerns for older students?

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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?

Specializes in Pediatrics.
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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Daytonite,

Wow, a full time teacher that works part time as a nurse! Amazing; she must have an incredible energy level. I'd love to talk to her about how she handles both. Does she appear on this forum? I thought I might have to retire early from teaching to work as a nurse...

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I was 49 when I got my license. On the plus side, patients thought I was the more experienced nurse because of my age. I did not have to convince them I knew what to do (but I DID have to ask a lot of questions to my co-workers). On the negative side, I got tired before the 12 hours were up. I have not encountered or heard of any ageism around here - they are in need of nurses of any size, age or gender!

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

I am 49 & will graduate in May'06 . I am older than all the students & a most of the instructors. I have never had any problem w/the other students as a matter of fact....If something is going on they want me right in the middle of it. I have made some very good friends that are much younger than me. It is kinda of funny my phone rings off the hook w/these younger classmates wanting to talk or invite me & my hubby to some outing. I treat them w/respect & don't hand out advice unless asked. I love'em & have had so much fun that I don't think I would have without them. In class or out I treat the instructors w/the respect they deserve & address them as mr/mrs so & so. I may be older than they are, but I am the student & they are the teachers. I just try to treat others as I would like to be treated & it has worked out fine. Good luck

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I think the hardest part of being a bit older is having the co-assigned nurses at clinicals being (much) younger than me. I can handle it but sometimes I wonder if they think I should know more based on my age.

I like that our school has such a spread of ages from 18 probably to up around 50 or a bit older.

I did get to know a fellow student this semester who would be *perfect* for my son lol.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
i did get to know a fellow student this semester who would be *perfect* for my son lol.

in my clinical group last semester one of my students' son went to high school with another students' brother. the 'mom' thought it was amusing :chuckle

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Specializes in Pediatric ICU.

I don't like to refer to myself as "old" or "older".....we are "returning" students. You wouldn't believe how many students are my age or more. I know of one friend who is in his 50's and is doing an accelerated program. It is perfect for him since his kids are grown, wife has a job and he has time to spend on himself!

We tend to make more dedicated students, bring more wisdom to the table and have a tremendous drive to succeed.

I am, however, concerned about those long shifts that lay ahead. We also have to be very conscious of lifting correctly. Injuries could possibly put us out of comission for a long time.

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