This Old Nurse

Nursing Students General Students

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This old nurse, age 53, graduated yesterday. I have been an LPN for 30 plus years and returned to school 2 years ago to complete my pre-reqs and then entered the LPN-RN bridge program.

I had only worked in a hospital for about 1 year back in 1980, and had retired from office work about 5 years ago. I grew bored at home and decided to return to school and get my RN. It had always been a dream of mine, and I decided to I better do it now or I may never get it done.

It was really hard going, it seemed I worked day and night trying to "catch up" with all the new technology. I took a skills class with students just entering nursing and read everything I could get my hands on. I was tired most of the time, and frustrated a lot, but I never gave up.

I love allnurses.com. I would read postings here that not only helped me with my assignments, but gave me the strength and courage to carry on.

To anyone who thinks they're too old, too tired, or just can't do it ... you can. I'm living proof.

I graduated Valedictorian of the class. Thanks allnurses for the great website, and to everyone whose posts helped me make it through.

Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

My hat is off to you!!! I know how hard it is to go back at a late age... What an achievement!!! what a fabulous example you have set!!!!

Congrats! :clpty:

Congratulations and thank you for posting. You are an inspiration to me as I wait to hear if I've been accepted for the fall. Hopefully I too, can post a message like yours in 2 years. Thank you again!

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

That's a great story. Thanks for telling it.

Thank you all so much for your kind words. Now I'm busy studying for the NCLEX. I'm excited and scared. I'm reading all the posts on the NCLEX forum ... great stuff there and a lot of pointers. NCLEX here I come .....

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY YOU!!!! Congratulations! You are an inspiration to those of us who are on the "mature" side of studenthood!:cheers::balloons::clpty:

Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

awesome !! congrats and hugs to you !! i love the title to your thread !! you are a inspiration to everyone !!

Specializes in 6 mos. of LVN, 10 Yrs caring for Mom.

Congrats and many Blessings to you, CapNurse! Way-To-Go! And "thanks" for your post. I started college at the big 5-0! I started a 1-yr LVN program, realized I love love love nursing, withdrew and enrolled at the local University headed towards a BSN. Now, at 52, almost everyday I think, "What have I done? How crazy am I, exactly!" You've made me feel a little better about it. I may just get that BSN someday, in spite of myself! So...thank you thank you.

I wonder who is the oldest student here? So far, that would be me!

And thanks to Allnurses. This site has been my lifeline.

Specializes in 6 mos. of LVN, 10 Yrs caring for Mom.

Let me wish you a belated C*O*N*G*R*A*T*S !!! You rock! You are awesome! I'm so proud of you, or is it "for" you, BOTH! OK..then I feel a little better. I'm 52 trying to get a BSN. It seems like the longer I go to school and the harder I push, the further I am from the "Finish Line"!

I love this site and all you on my side of that "info highway" and blessings and graditude I'm sending right now to all those on the the "other" side of that info highway for making this possible. I have used it so many times you would not believe. Many of those times in the wee hours of the night/morning, bawling like a baby! And scared, no make that terrified! But those times when I lose my way, you are all here. So Thanks!

See, I really needed to hear your message today! You will never know how much you helped me. If you did it, I will, too! Right? I can I think I can I think I can I think I can

(((ShineOn)))

Litenurse2b

thank you for your post. i am 58 and starting ns school august 17. it helps to know i am "not too old", although some people feel that way. phooey!!! i am ready to go!!!!!!:redbeathe:redbeathe:redbeathe:nurse:

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