Neagtive...responses to my wanting to enter Lpn program..

LanaBanana · May 4, 2006

Don't listen to it! There is no such thing as a "normal" student anymore! There is a lady in my chemistry class this semester who is 45 and just completed her LPN and is now preparing to start the LPN-RN bridge. She has 2 children in college. Last year I started a medical assistant program before deciding to pursue nursing and in that class there were 2 40-something women and an 80 year old! Yes, she was 80 (not the greatest example, because despite taking the basic computer class twice she could still barely turn on a computer!) I say you should go for it. I'm 28 and even though now I'm also considered a "non-traditional student", and far from being the oldest. Also, older students generally seem to make the best students - willing to work harder.

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 4, 2006

Lots of people in their late 40s are going into nursing and don't you let anyone discourage you. Stand up for yourself. The next troll that brings you down, politely say "I really am determined to do this, and your negativity is hurtful and not beneficial and I decline to be around negative people. If you can't be supportive, then goodbye".

Sometimes when we change and grow, we outgrow the people around us, including friends and coworkers. I'm happy to hear your family is supportive.

Congrats on your decision and best of luck to you. You're going to be great!

mc3, ASN, RN · May 4, 2006

Hi,

Don't listen to them!!!! I started nursing school at 44. There was a woman in the class before mine who was 1) in her mid-60's and 2) was a retired Catholic school principal. I became friends with there, and she told me of the many comments she received from people like that - including some of the instructors, BTW) You keep your eye on the prize and go for it! I remember something my orthodontist told me when, at age 33, I decided to get braces. I remember I said to him "OMG, I'll be 36 when I'm done - that's too old!" and he said "Yes, but you'll be 36 anyway, so you might as well have straight teeth too!". Point made.

FYI - It will be very, very hard. It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. You don't learn the same way at 36 or 46 or 66 the same way you learned when you were 6 or 16. It may take you a while, but figure out what works for you, and only you. And won't it feel great when those same people are cheering you on when you graduate? Good luck,

mc3:nurse:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 4, 2006

I met an LVN charge nurse who completed her LVN program at age 55, and she is now 57. It can be done if you want it badly enough. Good luck with your future endeavors.

Beary-nice · May 4, 2006

Please help!!
Other than my family ( hubby & kids) EVERYONE else is very negative about my wanting to obtain a desire that I have had for such a LONG time...and that is to become a Nurse!
I have worked as a CNA for Years...( over 15 ). Due to many factors, I had to put my goals on hold..and now finally after all this time, I am in a place in my life when I can go back and complete what I started long ago..( I took some pre-classes off and on at our local CC...
Anyway, the negative stuff stems from my AGE....I'm in my late 40's ( very late ) but look and feel much younger!!...I been told things like..."Why bother at YOUR age", or you will encounter hard times study wise, or "you won't fit in with the normal student s age wise..and other heart breaking comments...
Please help!! I WANT to do this and if I get in,..then I WILL Do this.....Just looking for some Encouragement....Thanks!!!!

You do exactly what you want...you have the desire and ambition to get through this and poo to EVERYONE ELSE!

My mom-in-law has been a nurse for almost 40 years and a couple years ago at age 53 went back to school and now also has a bachelor's in sociology and psychology. She did it because she WANTED to. I believe if I am not mistaken...she is looking to go back for her masters in counseling....so....GO FOR IT!!!!

Besides, as someone else said, many students these days are non-traditional...and that is okay...I am...back to school after 18 years! :nuke:

catzy5 · May 4, 2006

hi,
don't listen to them!!!! i started nursing school at 44. there was a woman in the class before mine who was 1) in her mid-60's and 2) was a retired catholic school principal. i became friends with there, and she told me of the many comments she received from people like that - including some of the instructors, btw) you keep your eye on the prize and go for it! i remember something my orthodontist told me when, at age 33, i decided to get braces. i remember i said to him "omg, i'll be 36 when i'm done - that's too old!" and he said "yes, but you'll be 36 anyway, so you might as well have straight teeth too!". point made.
fyi - it will be very, very hard. it was the hardest thing i've ever done in my life. you don't learn the same way at 36 or 46 or 66 the same way you learned when you were 6 or 16. it may take you a while, but figure out what works for you, and only you. and won't it feel great when those same people are cheering you on when you graduate? good luck,
mc3:nurse:

i love the quote of you will be 36 with or without braces, i tell you that has kept me going and i think of it daily. i am 38yrs old i started getting my pre reqs 2 years ago, i got really discouraged last fall after attending the nursing work shop and finding out they have such a huge wait for nursing, i was so frustrated i skipped the whole semester which has put me a year behind, a friend mentioned the samething about i would be 40 with or without getting thru nursing school and its true i turned 38 and even though i skipped the fall semester. so i am 38 i am going to apply for lvn program this fall with hopefully a spring entry if i still don't get in (due to high demand for the 12 only spots) then i will continue with my rn pre reqs i will have 2 more to do by next spring and from there i will just take it as at comes at least i feel i am being proactive and its very true it doesn't matter the age, i am in a very young community college but i don't ever give it a 2nd thought i study so much better then the younger students and it means so much to me and regardless if i get in or not as soon as i want i am learning some fantastic things and it keeps my brain active!

good luck to you you can do it!

Drysolong · May 4, 2006

I'm 55. Just finished LPN school (March) Will be starting RN school this year.

Beary-nice · May 4, 2006

I'm 55. Just finished LPN school (March) Will be starting RN school this year.

AWESOME!!!! :yeah: :w00t: :bow:

WV_heart_RN · May 4, 2006

go for it!!!

seriously, my friend was in her fifties when she and i went through school. i was 38 when i got my adn.

age is not a reason not to fulfill your dreams!!!

good luck to you!! it will be hard but worth it:balloons: :balloons:

(good for hubby too. my hubby was my support too;) )

wasted-enough-time · May 4, 2006

A Major Thank you to everyone who responded!! Your words mean so much to me!!!!!!!!!!!!....Nursing school ...here I COME!!

Keepstanding, ASN, RN · May 4, 2006

Go for it BABY ! Forget what the "nay-sayers" think. If you are a happier YOU then they will all benifit from it too. You will do great !