Age discrepancies

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Jan 3, 2005

I graduated at 20, and was the youngest in my class. My classmates told me the same thing others are telling you (I wish I had done this years ago). I'm getting my Master's now (I'm almost 31), with a job, hubby and kid. It's not easy, but it's got to be easier than starting from scratch at this point in my life (and I can do it part time, because I have a nurses income).

You are certainly much younger than the national average, but there are plenty young uns out there (more than when I started). I think a lot of the members of this bb represent the 'average age' of a nurse (47). There was a thread entitled "how old are you". Search it.

manna, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2005

Out of my class of 60 (BSN program), I'd say that only 3 of us are over the age of 22. The youngest student in our class is 19 (she graduated high school early). There's me (27), a guy in his 30's, and the oldest student is a gal who's 45. The rest are all young/straight out of junior college types.

Just guessing here, but I think that in general ADN programs tend to attract more older/non-trad students, while BSN programs end up with more younger, first degree type students.

allnurses Guide · Jan 3, 2005

The smart thing for any young adult to do is finish school first before getting entangled in kids and marriage. That IS the way it is supposed to be.

College, no matter what your major, is designed to help open up your world and help you mature and make good decisions and enjoy the learning experience.

College, marriage (if you wish), kids (if you wish).

But college first!!

steph (mean old mom of 4 - one in college, one working full-time thinking about college, one freshman in h.s. and one 3 year old) :)

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2005

Perfect OP! You have lots of time to decide what to do with your nursing career and will be able to roll with the changes.

It seems like there are windows for starting school

1. Right out of high school before the kids, the husband/wife and the dog come along and change the itinerary

2. After or right before a divorce when necessity makes us take a long hard look at our options

3. When the kids, the dog and maybe even the husband/wife are out of the house leaving us with freedom and lots of choices.

You might be interested to know that the President of our NSA is only 21.

shyne · Jan 3, 2005

That's great that you're starting out early and your never too old or too young to do anything! Good luck.

cingulargirl21 · Jan 3, 2005

Hi. I read your post...i'm 19 and in my 3rd year of a 4 year BSN program, I finished high school eary and wet straight to college........It is weird being so young but its rewarding to know that you are using your time on this earth to pursue a goal......a goal that will benefit you for years down the road! I am the youngest person in my class.......but it doesnt bother me, I am proud to have made it this far, I will graduate at 20 and I will still be young and bale to puruse another degree or something. Plus I'm not married and have no kids so I dont have to deal with that extra stress...but I am in awe of those who do! My mom did.....:) I'm just hapy to have made it this far! And its good to know that there is another youngin out there! You go girl! :)

cingulargirl21 · Jan 3, 2005

Hi. I read your post...i'm 19 and in my 3rd year of a 4 year BSN program, I finished high school eary and wet straight to college........It is weird being so young but its rewarding to know that you are using your time on this earth to pursue a goal......a goal that will benefit you for years down the road! I am the youngest person in my class.......but it doesnt bother me, I am proud to have made it this far, I will graduate at 20 and I will still be young and bale to puruse another degree or something. Plus I'm not married and have no kids so I dont have to deal with that extra stress...but I am in awe of those who do! My mom did.....:) I'm just hapy to have made it this far! And its good to know that there is another youngin out there! You go girl! :)

pavelhipcek · Jan 4, 2005

My classmates in the first semester ranged in age from 19 to 44. Most were 21-23, which appears to be due to the 2 year+ waiting list for the BSN program. Your age is not important-only the desire and willingness to work toward your goal is. If nursing is what you truly want to do, go for it, and the best of luck to you.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jan 4, 2005

Nursing students come in all shapes and sizes AND AGES!!

Hey, no need to doubt yourself here.

UTRN2005 · Jan 4, 2005

I'm in a BSN program at a state university and we're all in our early 20s. I'm 21 and will be graduating in Dec 05. Many of the people in my program may have started in another major ex-me starting in chemical engineering but switching after my first year, but almost all of us are straight out of high school working on our first degree, no family, etc. I tend to agree with the statement that university BSN programs tend to attract young traditional students and ADNs tend to be older non-traditional student, again just a generalization.