Curious. How many "older" students

NICURNtobe · Mar 6, 2004

Krissy,

I'm 50 and all I can say is WOW to you!!! You go girl!! We have so much to offer patients in the way of life experience. We will be wonderful nurses. Ignore the naysayers!!

UGAmomX3 · Mar 7, 2004

Hello friends..I'm a 54-year-old mom of three with a rather elderly BS in Biology back in the day when organisms were either animal or plant. I got my three through college (can you tell from my name??) and decided it was my turn. My husband and my kids think I am just the best!! My son, who lives in KC, says he tells everybody about me. And my middle son is my coach. He's always getting on me to study and quizzes me at test time. I'm in the middle of A&P II and have just micro to go of my pre-reqs. I'm taking the NET this week, so keep your fingers crossed. Nursing is not my life's dream, like with a lot of posters, but I do enjoy medicine and science and I've already gotten a lot of experience taking care of kids and also my mom, who is in end-stage Altzhimers. As long as I can care for her and I've got my family behind me, I refuse to put her in a nursing home. But she's my inspiration to some degree to get into nursing school and do some good somewhere. She's past the point where she's understands what I'm doing, but when I first started my pre-reqs, she would tell me how proud she was of me.

Sorry this is so long, but I get excited (and nervous) thinking about nursing school and I'm so glad I found this place! Have a great day, y'all!! Mary

RedSox33RN · Mar 7, 2004

I must say.....I am really enjoying this thread. All of you are great inspirations!

I think it's funny that the schools I've applied to call "older" students the "non-traditional" ones. They've said that should really be reversed, because most of their nursing applicants ARE older people coming back for a 2nd career, or like myself, after being a SAHM for years. Very few spots actually go to graduating HS seniors, because there is so little interesting in nursing in that age group.

In fact, one of the nursing schools I did get into is a state-run community college, and the state requires them to hold 2 of the 16 nursing spots specifically for "traditional" graduating HS seniors who may apply and be qualified with SAT scores, etc. But they are allowed to fill those 2 spots with non-traditional students by July or August if they haven't had any qualified traditional applicants.

Why is nursing not seen as a career that graduating HS seniors want to pursue? :confused:

needatag · Mar 7, 2004

... my 10-year old daughter has been known to say, "Mom, shouldn't you be studying??" when I've collapsed on the couch! Funny how kids can keep you in line!

Out of the mouths of babes.Stay with it

DragonflyShell · Mar 7, 2004

It seems that alot of people are doing nursing for a second career. Just curious. How old is everyone? Who has kids? Is it a mixed group in the professional part of the nursing program (I am still doing pre-reqs)? Where are you living and what school do you plan on going to. BSN or ADN? What area of nursing do you want to go into?
I am 32, will be 33 in August. I am married with 3 kids. I live in Phoenix and will be going to Arizona State University for my BSN. I am doing the BSN rather than the ADN because I would like to be a CNM. Although I am also interested in ICU too.

I am 30 and live in Macomb, Illinois. I'm attending Spoon River College. I already have a B.A. in Advertising Art with a minor in Computer Science. I graduated with it from Western Illinois University. I just been accepted in the nursing program starting this fall. Currently this semester I'm taking Microbiology and Sociology. My dh and I have two wonderful kids, 4 & 22 mths. I loved to get my BSN but it isn't possible though may be possible in the future. Time will tell. My dream is to be a pediatric RN. :-)

Shell

X-Man · Mar 8, 2004

Hello, I am 30 years, also doing a career change from the IT world to the Nursing world. (I used to teach microsoft and networking to career changers trying to enter the IT world (lol). Currently have 4 classes left for my pre-reqs and hopefully get admitted to San Diego State University. I am very happy to have found a great strong community online that supports nurses of all aspects and nursing students. Take care all,

X-Man

suzy253, RN · Mar 8, 2004

Hi All. Count me in. I applied to nursing school at age 49, got accepted, started last August when I was 50 and am now 51, a freshman in my 2nd semester, presently on spring break (yea!). Have no nursing experience but it has been something I've always wanted and it looks like now I'll be able to fulfill my life-long dream. Having a great, although sometimes very stressful time!

woundnurse · Mar 8, 2004

I started in nursing school at the ripe old age of 35 years. Now at 49 years I have just finished my MSN in nursing education. Your'e never to old to go to school and learn..... Good luck to all

Cory

MiaLyse, APRN · Mar 8, 2004

I am 38 yrs. old, currently an LPN working in LTC, Subacute/Rehab units at different facilities on a per diem basis. I am working towards my ADN now. My hope is to work in ICU/Critical Care. :-)

I am a mother of 3. 20 yr. old son, 11 yr. old daughter and my youngest is a son, 4 yrs. old.

Kelly

TrvlNurse · Mar 8, 2004

If you are interested in any work I have found a great company to work for it is called "Maxim Healthcare". They schedule you when you are available. I have delt with many nurse registries and this one is by far the best. So if you are looking for some work, e-mail me and I'll give you all the contact information. This agency should fit into your schedule with school, as well as your kids. Just thought I would share this information with you.

James

RN-BamaStudent · Mar 9, 2004

I'm 38 and will graduate from an ADN program in 9 months!

I am happily married and have four children, 20, 19, 12, and 8.

nurseunderwater · Mar 9, 2004

I am 37 and momma of 3 boys. 5, 2 and 11 months. i am in a nurse refresher course for my LPN (after a 9 year hiatus) and will attend community college for the bridge program to ADN in the fall. i hope to land a job in the obvservation unit at the hospital where i am refreshing my license. long term...crna. "some day"