Just starting at 21

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm feeling a little in the dumps, because it's taken me up until recently to be in the position to gear towards Nursing. I'm 21 years old, and have all my general ed pre requisites but none of the sciences. There's 4 science classes, so I'm looking at not being able to apply until Spring 2015. Just wondering if anyone else is in this boat, has been, or done well.

Also, I've been in college for 5 years, but have had many issues causing me to stop periodically. :/ I also wanted to mention that I do have 2 kids, and one of them has cancer while currently undergoing treatment. Just a little more back story.

It can be hard at times but it's doable. It sounds like you're doing fine. Hang in there! :)

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First of all - prayers for your sweet little one. That has to be so tough.

Secondly - woulda coulda shoulda will get you nowhere! Move forward - you are on the right path in life, working hard, and you will get there!! If I get in to the program I've applied for, I will be nearly 40 when I graduate. It took me this long to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up :) sooooooo don't get down on yourself! Be glad you know where you're going and try not to stress how long it's taken you to get there. I bet in 10 years you will look back and think "what the heck was I so worried about?!"

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

I'm 21 and "should" have graduated this year. But I'm only a Junior in the program and will be 22 in August. And I don't even have children, let alone one with cancer, but I've gone through a lot these past few years.

By the time 2015 comes around, you will only be 23/24. No big deal.

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Haha, Thank you. I guess I get a little down sometimes?

It's really great to hear that all of you are still getting where you want, regardless of life. Kids makes it harder apparently! I had my daughter at 18, and she had some issues with pneumonia before her first birthday. Then with my son, we found out as I was going to take a CNA course along with my pre reqs.

I just feel like I've been in college for SO long. lol. It's like, what have I even been doing?!

Yep - we all get 'down' sometimes. That's perfectly okay.

If it makes you feel any better, when I went back to RN school at 33 I was still paying off ancient Federal student loans from when I went to college the first time. :) Talk about feeling like forever.

I don't even have kids yet. I don't know if I can. Sometimes I stop and wonder if I went about this all the wrong way. I have friends I was in the USAF when I was enlisted who are now readying for retirement. I have friends who have children in high school, junior high. (I have a dog. A very sweet, loving, loyal pup. But he's not a kid.) I, too, sometimes wonder 'what if'.

But I have other things to be thankful for. I'm financially stable and I still have PLENTY of time to have a commissioned Air Force career I can look back on with pride. (I have my dog! LOL) I've been married to the same man for 13 years and we've not killed each other yet. :) I've lived in three countries on three continents and have seen all but five US states.

So you put off school. You have two beautiful children.

You have things I'd trade a lot of my 'things' for. But we both are here, and we've both done the best we could do with the circumstances we had. Life is a funny thing.

You say it's great to hear we're getting where we want. We're living proof that so will you.

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I am 50 and am starting my ADN program in August, I will be bridging to a BSN program after that.

While I don't have the trials you do, I have had my share. Good luck to you and keep looking forward.

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Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.

Thanks a bunch everyone. I really needed to see this I guess?

Sometimes looking at it, I see the people who have everything all together. But I guess that's really not the majority. Now I'm just sitting here hoping I can finish in the summer so I can *possibly* start next fall. Although their application process ends in May for the Fall Semester. We'll see. I guess taking my time won't be too bad. Marathon. I've got to remember that. :)

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I'm 23, have been in school for 5 years (feels like forever), and just now got accepted to the BSN program this fall. However, my husband and I are having a baby in October, so I may take next semester off. If I start in January, I'll be 24.

I think having children is an accomplishment - you're still SO young! Time will go by so quickly!

I can relate to the feeling, though. I went to a competitive, college prep high school, and almost everyone I know is graduating with a masters degree now, and they seem to be doing everything "in order" - so frustrating. That's just not how life really works.

You're a mom, and that makes you a super hero. You can do it! Don't let this get you down. :)

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I am just starting my program at 24, and I wont graduate until I am 27 (BSN program) dont even worry about age! It took me 6 years to get into a program and I was a good student. You are more than fine, way ahead of many if you are concerned with age! Just work hard and get good grades and you will do great. Good luck!

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Don't be down on yourself. I too had a rough start. However if Nursing is your love and passion it doesn't matter how long it takes as long as you stick with it. Keep that head up and keep working your hardest. Having a great support system help me with staying positive. I just got accepted to my nursing program of choice and it's all so worth it!!!

Keep working hard!!!! :)

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