confused new student

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Hi,

I just started essex county college in new jersey for nursing. I am 41 years old and a career changer. I have decided to change careers from banking to nursing. The comments posted are a little scary when it comes to new grads unable to find work. I wondering if I just wasting my time and efforts. I'm not even sure if I can grasp the material as this age. Does anyone have any advice for me. I am at a crossroad in my life. I want to make a difference in other peoples lives. In my heart I think I have the umph, but in my mind I'm not so sure. Please help:sniff:

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

It will take you a few years to get done with the program, I doubt anyone can predict the economy at that time, it's down right now but it's bound to pick back up. At least that is what I tell myself. LOL

Majority of the people in my class are in mid 30's to 40's so I don't think you are to old. If it's something you want to do, go for it!!

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Specializes in ICU.

Totally agree. There are quite a few 40+ students in my program and they seem to be doing fine. Times are tough right now for new grads; this won't always be the case and there's no reason to believe that this current trend will be a problem 2-3 years from now. If you believe that the economy will eventually get better, than you pretty much have to believe that the job opportunities will come back as well :)

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Alot of students are in their 30s and 40s. I am 37 myself. Of course, you can grasp the material! Plus people our age have more maturity, work ethic, people-experience, and focus than teens might have. Focus on your strengths!

Maybe the hiring in nursing is slowing, but it's still better than almost all other professions. And the way I see it, when I graduate, the recession should hopefully be going away & hiring freezes ending.

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I'm 47 and a career changer as well! I just finished term 2 of NS and will graduate Aug 2010. Although the hiring has been off, I believe much of that will begin to turn around....more so by the time you graduate! Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

Why in the world would you think you are too old to grasp the material? "Older" students notoriously do better than the younger ones. I am 51 and graduating in January. I have had all A's. Too old? No way! If you want it bad enough you will do it. If you're unsure don't bother because it's extremely challenging in more ways than one. Nursing school is hard on you and your family and all your relationships. it's hard on your self esteem dealing with instructors who are possibly younger than you and are not easy on you at all. As I said if you want it go for it,, but don't blame your age...

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Don't despair! My father is 53 and is taking his pre-reqs at nassau community college on long island. His peers do call him "old guy" but he gets the best grades his classes and he hasn't been to school since high school! If you want something enough, you can make it happen.

As for new grads getting jobs, I'm hoping the market gets better too. I'll be graduating in 2011.

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Specializes in Float.

Hey Mo

Welcome to ECC! :yeah:If you've been accepted than you had to have taken the NLN PAX and apparantly passed it. That should be enough confirmation for you. I'm finishing up my last pre req @ Essex and have already applied pending this last grade. I'm sure I'll be taking the PAX in March and I'm over thirty. I agree with the other posters about the basic 'life' experience we have as older adults. Your age is too your benefit if you've learned your life lessons. I wish you well and maybe we can stay in touch to compare notes.

Bless you :redpinkhe

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Specializes in Float.

Wait! Did you start the Nursing Program or just the core classes? I re-read your post and was a little confused. Either way, you still had to take a test either placement or PAX so take heart in your abilities.

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I am a 46 year old, career changer myself. I love nursing school. It is the hardest thing I have ever done, and I was a VP working 16 hour days running a plant. This is so much more forefilling. You can do it be be prepared-it is a lot of work, but I find that the older students tend to put more into it and not waste time.

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Thank you for all your comments. Your responses truly have lifted my spirit. This is the first time I'm using this forum, so I'm not sure if I'm responding to one response or all. In any event I'm going for it. It's nice to know you guys have my back.

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No I have not taken the NLN PAX. I have only take the placement exam and had to take remedial math and english. I have finish the math and will be taking the english final Saturday. I am doing well in those classes I'm sure I passed to the next level. Since I never took Biology in High School. I plan to take Bio 100 in January to set my foundation before I attempt A&P.

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