I'm so old!

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Hey everyone,

I start my second semester clinical next week. I'm 54, doing Practical Nursing in Toronto. I'm nervous as usual about being so old and doing this hard work. I keep thinking it will be too hard for me and that I won't be able to get through. Honestly, if I do reach the end of the program it will be an absolute miracle. Are there any other old bags out there doing this stuff? I'd love to hear from you, about getting through this thing.

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Specializes in Home Care.

There are plenty of ladies who got into nursing later in life. Read through the forums and you'll find many inspirational posts.

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Specializes in hospice.

If you do have a problem, your attitude will be 90% of it.

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Yes, I'm 55 and if you are doing everything possible to keep yourself healthy and eating right (vitamins, sleep, exersize) and no other challenging physical issues, then just keep going. Also, I pray everyday and often!! Try and Keep from being overly critical of yourself as this is vital for saving energy! Do not compare yourself you other students as you have twice as much life experience to draw from. Keep focused on the end results first and foremost and DO NOT GIVE UP!!!!

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You know that 50s is new 30s? I honestly believe that! My aunt is 57 and she Rocks! She takes care of herself, she eats right, she has an energy of a 25 year old. I wish i had that energy. She has her own business and she got a office job that has nothing to do with her business. She traveled almost the whole world. So I think at 54 your life is ahead of you and if nursing is really what you want than you can definitely do it. When I was taking my TEAS there were maybe few younger girls, the rest of the people were 30 and older. You gonna be an awesome 50 something year old nurse, just hang on there

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Thank you, I will do that...

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wow, thanks. I'm gonna keep this on a post-it as a reminder. I don't always take my vitamins or exercise, but I do pray. I am encouraged by your advice to keep away from self-criticism, it's just crap talk anyway right? Really, thank you!

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I never heard that before! I love it! The new 30's... YEAH!!!!!! I'm gonna go with that.

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We're pups!!! I'm 52 and went through the NA/PCT/Phlebotomy/EKG courses and finishing up my science pre-reqs to get into the program....everyone in my class could have been my kid, but that didn't stop me, heck my life experiences got me through and I ended up being sought out for study partners. Never give up, I'm not, ever! But then I really need to get my degree and start working in the field! LOL If I would have done this when I was younger I never would have made it, my military background and age has helped me and now studying is a priority. And my Dad is 82 and can run circles around us all for energy and vitality! Heck he's looking to go back to work as Chief of Police for a city again....I love it!

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I had a 60 and a 50 y/o lady in my class and they both passed nursing school and made it through. One passed her boards and the other idk but good luck and stay positive

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I think you're awesome! I'm applying to nursing schools at 40, and my next door neighbor got her RN at age 50+. We've got some perspective and life experience with some age on us. Good luck to you! :)

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I am 40 and about half way thru my LPN program. Everyday I wonder if I can get thru it!!

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