Failed nursing school 22 yrs ago, should I try again at 60 yrs old?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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I was in a BSN program, and failed my 4th semester preceptorship. I felt no connection with my preceptor, and my course instructor was dealing with a lot in her personal life so was involved very little with my education. I understand my part in the failure - I transposed numbers in entering a patients vitals in the chart (pulse vs respirations), and she failed me; however it was my belief that it was a teaching hospital, and in retrospect that should have been addressed immediately with my course instructor and used as a valuable teaching tool. Instead, my instructor did not come for review until my final week (instead of regularly checking in on me), who then got an earful from the preceptor (who was entering her third trimester of pregnancy, and seemed to be quite short-tempered). 
I was not granted permission to re-enroll to repeat the course the following semester due to a full class.
As an aside, I was also being mentally and physically abused at home by my SO, so this just added to his reasons for belittling me.
With all that being said (and I'm aware that the above summary sounds a bit biased), I have been longing to complete my BSN; I am now a single individual (my child is now an adult), and after years of working many types of jobs, I feel it is a past due move I need to make. However, I am now 60, I was in college 22 years ago, and I need to know if it even makes sense to take this journey. What would I need to do? Is any of my previous coursework still useful? Or would I basically have to start all over again? 
Thank you for your time - sorry for the long 'question' 🙂

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Thank you for sharing your story and reflecting on your experiences. You've faced some challenging circumstances in the past, but your resilience and desire to complete your BSN is commendable.

It's never too late to pursue your dreams, and it's important to look at it realistically before you decide.

Here are some thoughts on how you might proceed:

Assessing the Previous Coursework

You may have to repeat some general ED and prerequisites since you completed them 22 years ago. 

It is not likely that your BSN coursework will be accepted, as you did not complete the program. You are most likely looking at repeating the nursing program. Having said that, each school will evaluate you on a case-by-case basis. 

You'll need to contact schools directly to ask for a transcript evaluation to see which of your credits can be transferred. 

You'll need to apply to a nursing program, complete any required prerequisites, and probably take The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), a standardized exam assessing a student's readiness for nursing and allied health programs.

Re-Entering Nursing School: What You Need to Know

  • Program Options. You may want to apply to an accelerated or "second degree" BSN program. Some programs offer students with previous nursing education opportunities to "bridge" into their programs, potentially allowing you to skip certain basic courses.
  • online programs. Some nursing schools offer online or hybrid BSN programs that could give you more flexibility in managing your schedule.
  • Re-enrollment. I'd recommend applying to multiple schools to increase your chances of getting in. Some schools offer rolling admissions or consider other factors like previous coursework or life experience.

Considering Your Age and Timeline

Being 60 doesn't disqualify you from pursuing your BSN, but you should be realistic about the time and energy commitment. Nursing is a demanding field, and it's essential to consider:

  • Workload. Nursing programs can be rigorous, so you must be prepared for academic and clinical challenges. 
  • Career Longevity. If you're thinking about starting a BSN program now, it's essential to think about how long you want to work in the field. Many nurses continue working well into their 60s, but physical demands can increase as you age. However, there are non-bedside roles (such as nursing education, case management, or administrative positions) that may be better suited to your preferences in the long term.

Emotional and Mental Readiness

Given what you've shared about your personal struggles, I encourage you to make sure you're emotionally and mentally ready to take on this challenge. Nursing school is tough, and while your past experiences may make it difficult, your strength and determination will also serve you well. Rebuilding your self-confidence and self-worth after difficult experiences will be an essential step in this journey, and seeking counseling or mentorship could help you through those rough patches.

Support Systems

  • Mentorship. Find mentors who have been through similar paths. Whether in nursing, education, or life, having someone who understands your situation can be incredibly helpful.
  • Financial and emotional support. Nursing programs are costly, so it's important to look into financial aid options. You might also want to consider a part-time job in healthcare (perhaps as a nurse aide, technician, or another role) to boost your practical experience.

Alternative Paths

If the BSN feels too daunting after such a long break, you might consider other pathways, such as nursing assistant or LPN. These roles may offer more flexibility if you want to ease back into nursing without the intensity of a full BSN program.

Final Thoughts

I think following your dream and not having regrets is important. It would be amazing for you to do this for yourself, and at the same time, you have to be realistic. Only you know if this dream is better left in the past or a journey you are prepared to undertake.

Best wishes on your decision,

Nurse Beth

 

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