41 and going into NURSING? HELP

*ac* · Dec 18, 2008

Hi everyone!
First off my name is sandy and i Live in Akron ohio with my hubby and my children...
All my life I have always wanted to be a nurse and I think I finally have a GREAT chance of a lifetime to go to school and become a wonderful nurse. BUT at the same time im really nervous and wondering if I can even do it... Im 41 years old... that means I would be 44 before i would even graduate.. UHGGGGGG Its been a LONG time since i have been in school also. I did do a medical Assistant course back in 93 and passed it fine.. BUT well ya know.. this is totally different...
The last test to be given is on Jan 23rd. SO i have ordered a few study guides to help me (hopefully) make it thru the entrance test... Any other great ideas? ESP in Math and Science.. YIKES
Just wanted to stop by and introduce myself and hopefully i will be around more often...
sandy

I used my (at the time) middle-schooler's algebra book to brush up on math. BTW, I was older than you when I started.

Lady_Vol · Dec 18, 2008

Hi Sandy!

Congratulations on your decision to pursue your dream of becoming a nurse! Good luck to you and much success! You can do it!

Now don't be a stranger. Make sure you post throughout the process so others can learn from your experiences. I'm 40 and starting my nursing journey, too. Others have done it. We can, too!

Music in My Heart · Dec 18, 2008

BUT at the same time im really nervous and wondering if I can even do it... Im 41 years old... that means I would be 44 before i would even graduate..

I will be 44 when I graduate (and 45 very shortly thereafter). So what's your point?

You need to understand that age is an asset. While I certainly don't learn as quickly as I did when I was a pup, I do learn much more efficiently. I have a lot of wisdom that comes with years in the race and nothing else. I've had years to develop and demonstrate my work ethic. Like most people with whom I've discussed the matter, I've become much less judgmental as I've put mile under my feet and years in the mirror.

In nursing school, I've been treated much more as an equal by the instructors and the staff nurses than have some of the younger folks.

Don't think of your age as a liability.

sweetestt7 · Dec 18, 2008

I am starting at 42. The funny thing is all during my pre-requisites the younger adults were asking me for help, and asking me for answers during the exams. That was hilarious to me!! Did I get better grades them - yes I did, but I didn't when I was younger. I contribute it to my knowing what I really want and knowing what it takes to get it, and I really don't have time to play.

I am applying to Nursing Schools now for Fall 2009.

WE ARE WOMEN ON A MISSION!! Good Luck to you we can do this!! :up:

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Dec 18, 2008

Good for you Sandy! I am 40, and just finished my first 2 pre-requisites for a BSN program. If all goes well I will be graduating in the spring of 2011.

I find it's actually easier for me now than it was when I was 20 in University. I don't know what it is, maybe self-confidence or skills, but my grades are higher now than they were then. I love being this age and doing this, its nothing to be scared of and you are going to find its WAY worth it.

Good luck, I hope to see you around here often.

FLmomof5 · Dec 18, 2008

I'm 46 and will be 48 when I am done. @40, you are still a spring chicken! :yeah:

SeaOtter · Dec 18, 2008

Well I will add my name to the list. I am 40 soon to be 41 in March and I am applying to nursinbg school in the fall of 09' and taking my pre-reqs this spring. I use to be an EMT several years back and decided that nursing would be a better move then heading back in to Emergency medicine. I think I bring wisdom that the younger students have not expereienced yet, so good luck to you and I think we all can get through this just fine.

lasalp · Dec 18, 2008

GREAT! You all are SOOOOO AWESOME! I am going to start with my 1st question already...

Are the TEAS and the NET test the same thing or not? I just received my order in the mail from Amazon and now im thinking i ordered the wrong thing!

I ordered these 2 books

Barrons nursing school entrance exam and Mcgraw-Hill Nursing school Exams?

Sandy(who is going to the school MONDAY at 12noon) to schedule test for Jan 23rd

SeaOtter · Dec 18, 2008

They are actually 2 different test. I can not remember who the TEAS is made by, but the NET, which is the one I just took, is made by ERI and they sell a study guide off their website. I also purchased the Kaplan nursing school exam book. I also followed the instructions in the post sticked called All About the NET.

I am not sure about the TEAS, but I am sure someone on here has taken that test and can help you. If you have any questions just let me know I would be happy to help if i can.

lasalp · Dec 18, 2008

Well... the school im going to gives the TEAS test????? Anyone have any advice on that one?

sandy

rnj61095 · Dec 18, 2008

Hi Sandy! I was an accountant in my FIRST career. Then stayed home w/ kids for a few years. My father was diagnosed with multiple health issues and I decided to be HIS nurse. I applied and attended the Medical College of Georgia. I was 42 yrs old and was the 2nd oldest in the class. I had a daughter the same age as the kids in my nursing class! I graduated in 2005 at 45 yrs old with honors despite having a husband and kids at home. I won't lie...it wasn't easy at times on them or on me. My father passed away the same day that I passed my boards, and my desire to be a nurse passed away with him. It took my husband to bring my attention to the fact that this was the Lords plan to force me to be the kind of nurse that my father never had. I've been a critical care nurse for 3.5 yrs. I love what I do, and I've never looked back. It's a very humbling career.....sometimes degrading, but I know from the bottom of my heart that I have made a difference in many, many lives. It is a privledge to be at someone's side when they pass to the other side and you've made the end of their journey comfortable. And when the families know that you have taken the best care of their loved one, it makes their pain a little more bearable. If you have known all your life that this is what you want to do...you will be a wonderful nurse. God Bless you and good luck. Julie