Fifty-four and I start school on Monday

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I am terrified, excited, and so very happy. I cried when I passed my entrance exam. I cried when I got my acceptance letter. It all just feels too good to be true.

I am fifty-four-years-old. I don't know if I am ready for the constant studying, testing and full class load, but I will give it my best!

Every time I think I am too old to go back to school I remember my aunt who helped raise me. She died at eighty-five-years-old and her only regret was that she never had the opportunity to go to nursing school. I wish I could share my joy with her now. 01

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Congrats! Way to go for your dream! I'm 34 and starting this fall too. Sometimes I get a little discouraged thinking I'm not the traditional student, but I know I have a leg up on them in experience, drive, and determination! Good luck to you!

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

I want to give you a big HUG and to say GOOD LUCK on your journey. ENJOY :)!

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Congrats!! You'll do great!

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Congratulations and best wishes to you. I will be starting my ADN program in August as the oldest student in the class. I'm 57. I'm sure your aunt would be very proud of you.

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That's wonderful, congratulations! I'm 33 and starting nursing school in the fall, and sometimes I wonder why the heck I waited so long! I don't let myself get discouraged about possibly being one of the oldest in my class. I've got way more life experience, drive and determination than your average 18-25 year old (I know, since I just completed an EMT program this spring as one of the "older students" and I finished at the top of the class!). I figure by the time I'm done with the LVN program, I'll be 35 (or close to it), and around 37 by the time I finish my RN. The alternative is ending up 37 (or 40, 50, 60) and STILL not pursuing my dream. I never want to end my life saying "what if" or "I should've..." It's pretty clear that this is the right choice. :)

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Thank you so much! Good luck to all of you, as well. What is the old saying? "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." The years just pass so quickly. This is something I have wanted to do since I was a young girl. I have taken the bull by the horns and I am holding on for dear life!

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Specializes in inerested in school nursing, peds, OR.

Your post made my heart warm! Good luck and you are definitely inspiration to me!

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Congratulations to all...i am 26years old and start my lpn school monday....sooo excited and yet nervous! ;-)

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You are so awesome.

Age doesn't matter when your passionate about something.

SO glad your following your dreams:)

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I'm also 54, will be 55 this October. Four more pre-reqs and then I can enter RN Program (have been LPN for 17 years) in NC. Difficult to balance making a living (single) as LPN and school full time, but I am totally committed to my plan. It's been a dream for a long time, and even if I only have a few more years on the floor, it will be worth it. Don't give up. No Sleep. No Excuses. Each class is a challenge, take them down one at a time. Learn it. Use it. I am loving gaining more knowledge, being able to put more of the pieces of the "science of nursing" together. I'm planning to continue on after this degree. Good Luck!!!

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I thought I was the oldest :~}

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