Do older students have an advantage

Energizer Bunny · Aug 17, 2004

I don't know if there is an advantage, but I notice that many of the older students are more serious and ready for the challenges. Maybe more prepared. I'm not really sure. And before anyone slams me, I am NOT saying that the younger students are ALL not serious...I just see more maturity and seriousness with the older students in my class so far.

klone, MSN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

*IMO, yes. More maturity, more life experience, more likely to buckle down and study instead of socializing.

*Please understand that I'm speaking in generalities and I realize there will be exceptions to the rule both ways.

Barryo123 · Aug 17, 2004

I started school way back when I graduated from high school with no motivation, no goals, no experience, etc. It soon showed and I left after two semesters - joined the Navy, served my time, worked as a Paramedic for many years and I am now, also, beginning/returning to school. Life happened in between, and that has made me more determined than I could have ever been as an 18 y/o. In my case - I have many more reasons for actually needing to be successful - it took me until 41 to make that leap! Good Luck to you!

startmeup · Aug 17, 2004

I started school way back when I graduated from high school with no motivation, no goals, no experience, etc. It soon showed and I left after two semesters - joined the Navy, served my time, worked as a Paramedic for many years and I am now, also, beginning/returning to school. Life happened in between, and that has made me more determined than I could have ever been as an 18 y/o. In my case - I have many more reasons for actually needing to be successful - it took me until 41 to make that leap! Good Luck to you!

I did three semesters after high school. I also left and joined the Navy. USS Yosemite, Mayport, FL. I've had quite a life since and finally decided to pursue my dream.

In my mind I'm thinking I can't fail. It's not an option. So good luck to you also. Remember, wine gets better with age.

2006 ADN graduate

Barryo123 · Aug 17, 2004

I was on the USS Saratoga out of Mayport! 2 Med/IO cruises and a ton of experience with Jacksonville Fire/Rescue (Paramedic training - part of a pilot program).

Small world. Similar story.

Iluvhospice · Aug 17, 2004

I did 3 1/2 years after high school, then quit, worked awhile, got married, had kids and now I'm back at age 42 (3 semesters left!)

I could have been a straight A student in my late teens and twenties, but I wasn't. I was a sorority girl - and I wouldn't have missed that for the world! - and grades didn't really matter. Now I am a straight A student and the instructors ask me to tutor others.

I love being a returning older student. The advantages I see are: steadfast motivation to finish, the ability to prioritize, and the self-confidence that comes with age. I am also better able to deal with people of all ages because I can better relate.

Do I wish that I had finished when I was 22 instead of 43? I don't know... because I'm not certain that I would still be in nursing. There are lots of yucky things nurses do, and I wouldn't have handled that well (if at all) when I was younger!

Best of luck to you. I am in nursing school with some of the neatest people I have ever known. Some older, some younger, but we're all in this together!

I hope you have the same experience.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

I feel like i had an advantage starting school later, because i was more focused on school, and i know i wouldn't have been as a 19 year old.

Animaniacs, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

i too also notice that the older students seems to be more determined with their nursing classes and they have more confidence applying what they have learned in class to the clinical setting.

maybe i should join the navy, and gain confidence in my abilities too.

just a quick question, is it better to join the navy right after i graduate, because i only have 1.5 years of nursing school left.

JUSTYSMOM · Aug 17, 2004

I was so immature right out of high school. I was not much better in my twenties either. I was very wishy washy- jumping from one job to another..partying...

I have always wanted to be a nurse. Life just got in the way. Now that I am 37 (soon to be 38), I am determined to go to school. I want my dream realized. I now have the focus, drive, & determination that alluded me when I was younger. It certainly would have been easier back then (no husband or child or mortgate etc). But I wouldn't have stayed with it.

startmeup · Aug 17, 2004

I did 3 1/2 years after high school, then quit, worked awhile, got married, had kids and now I'm back at age 42 (3 semesters left!)
I could have been a straight A student in my late teens and twenties, but I wasn't. I was a sorority girl - and I wouldn't have missed that for the world! - and grades didn't really matter. Now I am a straight A student and the instructors ask me to tutor others.
I love being a returning older student. The advantages I see are: steadfast motivation to finish, the ability to prioritize, and the self-confidence that comes with age. I am also better able to deal with people of all ages because I can better relate.
Do I wish that I had finished when I was 22 instead of 43? I don't know... because I'm not certain that I would still be in nursing. There are lots of yucky things nurses do, and I wouldn't have handled that well (if at all) when I was younger!
Best of luck to you. I am in nursing school with some of the neatest people I have ever known. Some older, some younger, but we're all in this together!
I hope you have the same experience.

Exactly! I think you have a good attitude. No regrets. Whatever paths we have chosen we now find ourselves here.

I like being around younger people. It makes me feel younger myself. And they've been pretty accepting so far. I'm really impressed how some of them are as determined as I. I wish I had been like that at that age!

As far as the yucky things...I've thought about that and I don't think it'll bother me (at least I hope!). My biggest worry is...well I have a few, but the big one right now is not going broke!

San Jac ADN 2006....

snuggy · Aug 17, 2004

I can speak only for myself... I know that I have an advantage now at nearly-33 than I did when I started the same courses at 17 and just out of high school. Not only do I have maturity and life-experience on my side, but I have truly come to appreciate just how important my education is. I am much more driven and motivated now than I ever was 15 years ago, and I truly believe that will benefit me throughout this journey.