Curious. How many "older" students

fourblessings · May 16, 2004

I just turned 34 yrs old, with FOUR kids (8,6,4,and 1)...I was a flight attendant for many years, and decided to get a "ground" carreer....I am also going for my BSN after my ADN, i am starting my clincals (ADN) this fall, but already completed my general ed's for the BSN degree, so all i have to do when i get my ADN is do my clinicals (hopefully all online) for my BSN...I would eventually like to get my Masters, and be a CNP.

Adam D. RN2005 · May 16, 2004

I'm 31, a former I/T professional with a BS in Biology now in a 2 year RN diploma program.

Adam D.

lisamc1RN, LPN · May 16, 2004

My name is Lisa. I'm 33 yrs old, married for 13 years and have 4 children (11,9,6, and 2). I was just accepted into the LPN program. I will be 35 when I complete the program. (I'm only going part time, so that I can be at home with the 2 year old) . I feel very old! I really want to become an RN, and it seems I will be looking at my 40's before that happens....sigh....

meemaw1 · May 16, 2004

So glad you responded!!!!! Thank you so much for adding the info. on your grandmother starting at 60-!! That's when I'll graduate!!! You don't know how much I needed to read that. Sometimes I think" what are you doing?

You don't have to do this!!!! You can just be at home, shop when you want, have lunch out when you want, but I have a desire inside that if I don't complete it, at 80 I know I'll regret not achieveing it.

My sister is 47 , going through a divorce and mother of two young adults,

it's been pretty rough, but she started back to school last spring with me and she will be ready this fall to apply for the BSN program too.

I congratualte you doing this. I know how exhausting this time in your life is, I've seen it with my sister. I've told her I will carry her to class if I have to so she will complete her hearts desire too.!!!! Her classes have been the lifesaver for her, she is seeing how smart she is and didn't before.Plus, she is meeting people who have a dream or goal too.

Don't let the scare stories vear you off your path. What has happened to someone else will probably not happen to you, plus why block your progress to your future before you even complete the goal? Get your nursing degree and then you can deal with other issues.

Keep on keeping on!!! The main thing to keep the main thing is the main thing!!!!

Sp

I am 45, going through a divorce, the mother of two teens,menapause, I would cry if I wasn't laughing! I am discouraged over the long waiting lists, but I see there are many new innovative programs and expansion of existing. The horror stories scare me , even tho I have done extremely well in my prereque's. My grandmother started nursing scholl at the age of 60!!!!!!!! passed at the top of her class.

tonicareer · May 17, 2004

Maybe my state just has a negative attitude toward older nursing students, because I feel alot of resistence from schools and prospective employers. I live in Indiana and the remarks I get while applying to schools and talking to people is so unwelcoming.

krisssy · May 17, 2004

Maybe my state just has a negative attitude toward older nursing students, because I feel alot of resistence from schools and prospective employers. I live in Indiana and the remarks I get while applying to schools and talking to people is so unwelcoming.

It is the opposite here in N.Y. The last time i worked as a nurse was in 1972 as a school nurse. i took a refresher class and every hospital has been so supportive and welcoming and willing to give me as much orientation and preceptor time as i need. i have been studying pharmacology on my own, because there is a test you must pass. the hospitals want me. i just have been preparing myself studying a lot before i take the plunge. i am just about ready to take a job! i am sorry that it is not the same for you in indiana. like some other people i am going through a divorce, and knowing i can have a new career has helped me soooo much. i believe that it is never too late to follow your dream if you are willing to work hard for it!!!~! This site has helped me a lot with self confidence. it is a very supporting website. i know these are opposite extremes, but i am hoping for NICU or substance abuse nursing. i will let you all know what happens as soon as i know. and i thank everyone who has encouraged me to reach my goals. sorry for the no capitals!

Jenny C · May 17, 2004

I live in NY. I am 30 (in Dec) and married with 2 boys (1 & 3) I am finishing up my pre-reqs for an ADN program. I hold a B.A. in Communications. ( I will definately go on for my BSN or Masters after a year of working) I am trying to work part-time and go to school full time.

cna on her way · May 17, 2004

Hey there!! My name is Christy and I am returning to the allnurses boards after a 4 month break!! I am 30, will be 31 in October, have two kids a 10 year old boy ( hes a special needs child) and a 6 year old boy. I have been married for 11 and a half years. I was living in NC up until Feb. of this year when we made a move to Myrtle Beach for my husbands job. Then one month later got my acceptance letter from the LPN program in NC!! So back to the drawing board. Now I should be in the ADN by fall 2006!!

meemaw1 · May 18, 2004

I'm sorry to hear about the negative comments .

don't put alot of stock into them. We are all different, some of us are late bloomers!!! If you're reason is sincere in your heart, and you just can't turn away from nursing believe that there is a purpose for you to be where you are right now

I've found there are adults who would like to go back to college and do something but they don't allow themselves the opportunity. dont let them

cut in on you path.

There is alot of wonderful support here, listen to the seasoned ones .

If it is your hearts desire you keep on keeping on.

Maybe my state just has a negative attitude toward older nursing students, because I feel alot of resistence from schools and prospective employers. I live in Indiana and the remarks I get while applying to schools and talking to people is so unwelcoming.

Natalieboo · May 18, 2004

Natalie -- What the heck are you doin' posting in an "Older Students" thread?!?! :)

It's my second career, I feel old! :) I feel like I lived my 20s in my teens and I'm in my 30s now! :chuckle

vanadium71 · May 19, 2004

Hi, it is great to read everyone's comments and all the children that they have, and the fact that they are going on to fulfill their dreams. I too am older (33) and have 2 great children, a 6 yr old boy and a 2 yr old girl. I have always wanted to be a Nurse. I am glad that I waited to go to college. I got to stay home with my children, because they are only young once. I have been slowly taking my pre-reqs for the last 3 years. And finally, I will be starting my clinicals this fall/04. I couldn't believe that I got accepted. I am kind of scared and I am sure it will get worse the closer that August gets. Good Luck to everyone.

mariedoreen · May 25, 2004

I am 34 and will be starting an ADN program this fall. I've been married 16 years and have a 14 year old daughter. I went back to school 5 years ago part-time and just finished my pre-reqs and the lower division requirements of a BSN program I'll be applying to when I'm done with my ADN. Alot of the people I know trying for nursing are older than your right-out-of-high-school college student, are married, are working, and have children. The DON at the college I'm going to this fall even told us that we are the "new norm" for nursing school...