I'm a little skeptical

I'm starting nursing school in a few days, I'm excited but more nervous than anything. The majority of my class is late 20's- early 40's in age. I understand that this is the common age to go into nursing right now, but I'm only 18 (19 in November)... I look even younger then that with my small frame and young-looking face. I'm told I look 15 or 16 years old sometimes. I'm worried that this will affect how patients, doctors and other nurses will treat me when I start clinicals. I ask my mom "If you were a sick patient lying in bed, would you want someone looking as young as me to come in and take care of you?". She says I'll be fine, people won't care. But all I can picture is people asking me where the "REAL nurse" is, other nurses acting as though I'm too young and stupid to know what I'm doing, and doctors just acting even more mean towards me. I'm scared this will somehow prevent me from finishing school, and I don't want to let myself and especially my family down, they are so excited about me going to school. What do you think?

[pokey sn]

Don't worry :kiss :) Usually you'll find alot of the older nurses will take you under their wing and kind of 'show you the ropes' and watch out for you. When you get to clinicals, just make sure that you are well prepared and know your material well. Communication is key (always explain what you will be doing so that the patient/family understands). Carry yourself with maturity and act professional.

I'm sure you won't have a problem. I knew a few people who went into nursing fresh out of high school too. The most grief they got was from the geriatric population. Alot of the older residents, usually Alzhiemer/dementia patients, would always tell my sister, whose a nurse (who looks about 16), "I'm not taking those pills! Go get the nurse! You are not the nurse little girl. Now go on." That is too cute!

Anyway, stay strong! You'll make it!

[shyne]

Here with me, I don't believe that anyone would treat you that way because of your age. I think that once you start classes this week and get to know some of your classmates, it won't be so bad. I'm 21 and some of my friends in the program are in their 30's and 40's, so age doesn't matter at all. The only thing that really matters is that you act professional, stay focused, and be eager to learn :) Good luck on starting school this week!

[shape0fmyheart]

Thanks so much for your encouraging words... I really needed to hear things like that.

[pittsburghRN]

I WAS 18 AND WORRIED ABOUT EXACT SAME THINGS AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE WONDERFUL. PEOPLE RESPECT YOU ALL THE MORE FOR KNOWING WHAT U WANT TO BE AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE:cool:

[Todd SPN]

I think pokey sn covered it well. In my class there was a student just out of high school. She was a natural at bedside manner and did really well. I think I got more looks being male and 50 y/o.

[PennyLane, RN]

I'm 28 but people often think I'm in high school. I have NEVER revealed my age to someone and not gotten a shocked response. It is frustrating because I think sometimes people don't take me seriously. So...even though you are young, you won't stick out, I don't think.

Besides, I'm starting to get to that age where everyone under 22 looks like a baby to me...lol. You;ll fit right in, don't worry about it.