Any non-traditonal students out there?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi..I am so glad I stumbled upon this site...I am hoping I can get some advice from anyone out there that had the same concerns I do...I guess I am considered a "non-traditional" student, because I am 37 yrs old and have two kids. I have struggled with the idea of going back to school for the past year. I am "pre-nursing" because I need to re-take the science courses because it has been so long since I have been in school, but I am terrified to take the final plunge. I need some advice...I need to know it can be done!!! I would love to hear from someone who has changed careers and made it happen. I have been in the business world for so long, but I am not satisfied, I want more, I want to make a difference. This something I have thought about for a long time, but I just need a "push".:D

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Specializes in LTC, wound care.

Hi Denise,

In 5 years I can safely predict that you'll be 5 years older. Whether you are a nurse then or not is completely up to you. I'm quite a bit older than you, and finished my pre-reqs winter quarter of this year, and applied to a program, and just found out I was accepted for the class beginning this fall! I'll get my RN with fellow students who are young enough to be my own children BUT WHO CARES! Me???? NOOOOO!!!!!!!! THEM? I don't care!

It's all about your desire to make it happen. If you think it and believe it, YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT!

YES!!!!!!!!!

*Jane*:redbeathe:D:yeah:

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Hey, I'll be 55 when I take the NCLEX-RN.

You go, girl!

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Denise, I am 36 and also have 2 kids. I currently work as a bookkeeper. I am just finishing up my 1st semester in an ADN program. You can do this! Yes, its challenging at times. I was horrified to walk into that classroom for the first time but I take one day at a time, thats all you can do. If being a nurse is something you want to do, go for it, dont let age or fear stop you. Good Luck, Future RN! :nurse:

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Specializes in ER; HBOT- lots others.

i have gone to school with SOO many ppl in that situ. they make it work! i am non-traditional, but not in that respect. if you want it, you can do anything! besides, that would be the best thing in the world for your kids; husband and family to see!

-H-

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Jump on in ~ the water's fine! I'm from among the pool of "non-tradtional" students.

I'm 51 y/o, will be an LPN at 52, RN at 54. You would be about the median age in the class I attend at the local community college. Prior to school, I was a full time homemaker for 20+ years.

YES it can be done! FWIW, I am 1 of 2 currently carrying an "A" average, and we are the 2 oldest in the class; 50-somethings.

At 37, you have about 30 years until retirement, and 30 years is a LONG time to spend on a career that you're not satisfied with.

A great benefit of going back to school at my age is setting an example for my kids to understand the importance of furthering their education.

Go for it!

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Went back at 45 finished RN at 47....

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I just turned 39 a couple of weeks ago, I have two children (1st grader and a high school sophmore). I graduate from LPN school in 4 wks. And then in September I start finishing up a few classes so I can apply for the LPN to RN bridge!

Like the other poster said, in 5 years you WILL be 5 years older, or in 5 years you will be 5 years older AND a nurse..

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Specializes in Cardiac, Adolescent/Child Mental Health.

I was in my early thirties (36 now, RN for almost a year and a half) when I went back to school to get my nursing degree. Fortunately I had most of my pre-reqs out of the way (English, History, etc) but it still took me four years going part-time to get my ADN. I also have two kids, a husband, and I worked between 35-40 hours a week. It can be done!

Did I mention that I also had to walk to school barefoot, through a foot of snow, uphill both ways to get to school? :D

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

I just graduated and I'm 46 yrs old. I started going back when I was 42. I was worried about starting school so late and my husband told me that I would turn 46 regardless of whether or not I became a nurse. That statement has alot of truth to it. It takes dedication to become a nurse....something I couldn't have done when I was younger. Good luck...and follow your heart.

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HI there. I am 37 and am a retired chef ! :)

And now after 4 years of working my tail off in school, I graduate this june!!! I am married and have a 3 yr old. GO FOR IT!!! it can be done!!!

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Specializes in ENT.

I am 29, married and have a 7 year old daughter. I worked in sales my whole life until 2005 when I went to school to be an MA. I worked as an MA for a year then decided I wanted more, more knowledge, more responsibility, more opportunity! I just was accepted to WVU for fall of 08 and I am excited, scared, thrilled. Its really a mix of emotion to be honest. I just keep telling myself that all the hard work and time spent studying not playing with my daughter is definitely going to pay off. Good luck to you!

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