Do older students have an advantage

Nursing Students General Students

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over younger students? I'm 40 and starting ADN program this fall. I don't think I've been so determined to accomplish something in my life. Pre-reqs have been difficult, but I still managed a 4.0 GPA.

Nursing school is supposed to be difficult. The instructors are supposed to mean. The tests are supposed to be unfair. I say "BRING IT ON!"

Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

I've been in both situations- when I obtained my ASRT degree, I was right out of High School. Looking back, I wish I had enjoyed my education more and complained less. I graduated with a 3.4, but could have done so much better.

Now, as a returning adult student, I have a new perspective on my second education. I love being in class (most days :rotfl:.) I want to get the most out of my nursing education, not just get through it. However, now I have the guilt of being away from my children and husband. Oh yeah, less energy! :uhoh3:

I think every student is so different, it's hard too generalize who has it easier. Family & financial circumstances impact an education as well.

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Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.

I certainly think that the "older" (not that I am calling anyone old here people!! :rotfl: ) do have certain advantages that have been mentioned here.

As a younger student going into college and then nursing school and graduating from nursing school at 23 after five years of school (that first year of college was my fun year :p ), I can say that I am glad that I took the path that I did. I knew that nursing was for me...not because it was a "Calling", it just seemed like a good fit that had everything that I wanted at the time. Now at 25, I have a good job...a nice house, nice car, no kids yet so I can have toys and time with my husband...it worked out. I had fun in school. I was determined to do well and I did...but because of the lack of family commitments and having to hold a "real job" down while I was in school I was able to have a good time, play college spots, and still get good grades...It can be done both ways...The older students in my class sometimes had a harder time juggling their lives with kids/money/husbands etc just because they have more on their plate. But they were (with a few exceptions) dedicated students that did bring interesting life experiences to the plate...There are advantages at any age...it just depends on how you approach it...

I wish you luck in school...it is a fun time...

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I find this thread funny because people in my study group were discussing how the students at our school are soooo fashion concious. I'm lucky to walk out of the house at 6:30am for an 8:00am class with clothes on at all. Even for a 27 year old like me I feel more focused than I was when I was 18. We have a lot of older people in our class too who are just as dedicated. I started college out of high school and went for two years when I quit. I started working for the airlines at 20 and have been there 7 years. Two years ago I realized that customer service in the airline industry isn't a good career and decided to go back to school for nursing. Luckily I took most of the classes already and just had to take a couple more in order to get into school. I began the nursing program this past Monday and I feel my life finally has some direction. Yeah I probably could have done it when I was 18, but partying and hanging out with my friends was more important. Now I just want to have a fulfilling career and get my life together.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

I have to say that I am much more dedicated to my studies as a 37yo than I was ever before. I didn't apply myself at all in HS, and had the grades to prove it (LOL!), though I know, and even knew then, that I could have been at the top of my class if I tried.

Since I made the decision over 12 years ago to become a nurse (4 kids along the way have slowed down the process some), I have never gotten less than an A in any class I've taken. I know I'm more driven, but I also thinks it makes a difference when I'm the one paying for my education - I want to squeeze every "drop" out of it I can, and make sure that I'm doing the best I can possibly do for myself and my family.

I had some very, very immature teenagers last year in some of my classes, and also some very mature ones (one in my English Comp class was 19yo, and a mom of 2 kids already. She was trying her darndest to make a good life for her and her kids - I gave her a lot of credit for doing what she was doing).

I have yet to run into an "older" immature student, IYKWIM, but I'm sure there are plenty out there.

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