Newbie student at 50

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2015

Good day:

Last June I started going back to college at age 50 to work on my nursing prerequisites; I finished those prerequisites this past May (now age 51), and I start RN clinicals this coming January. I'm typically among the oldest (if not the oldest) in a given class, and among the very few men taking such classes. It is challenging, but in an invigorating way. Do not let your age be a barrier. Go for your dreams.

Hugs.

AggieRNnTraining · Jan 2, 2015

sch-64 I think it is a good thing for you to have varying emotions about nursing school..it is okay for you to feel scared and anxious, nursing school is not easy by any means. My only advice to you is for you to not get so caught up in doubt that it prevents you from chasing your dream. I am entering my second semester of my Junior year at the age of 37 and I too was second guessing myself. I too thought about the debt, the fact that I was older than the traditional student, the fact I have ZERO experience in the medical field...and the list goes on and on. But after my first semester of being accepted into the program I decided to change my mindset and this is something you must do also. I have made nothing less than a B since I have been in the program and the wisdom, maturity, and life experience I have gained throughout life shows in my work ethic. As non traditional, older students the things we may view as negatives actually become the factors that stand out as positives to our classmates, professors, and colleagues at the medical facilities where clinicals are held.

The first step in achieving a goal is believing you can achieve that goal. Please do not become your own worst enemy. If Nursing is the profession you want to pursue, pursue it with everything in you and you will be successful. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

sch-64 · Jan 3, 2015

Thanks everyone for the comments. I appreciate

Everyone taking the time to respond. This site is going to be so helpful.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Jan 3, 2015

We had a lady in my class who was in her late 50s. She was awesome! No one really thought anything about her being older than the majority of the class. She worked full time while in the program. Her kids were both out of the house and it had ALWAYS been her dream to be a nurse. Keep your head up!!

Stitch3296 · Jan 3, 2015

If it's something you want to do, who cares what others think. It's never too late to make a change. We have a couple women in their late 40s, early 50s in our class and they're doing well. My Aunt went back to school around 50 and became an RN (she was a corporate exec). She's been a PACU nurse for over 10 years and has recently returned to school for her masters. She has never regretted her decision. Good luck to you.

dizy · Jan 3, 2015

I'm in the same situation, I started back to school at 48 and will most likely be 55 by the time I finish the ADRN program. My biggest fear is not being able to find a job due to my age. I'm afraid the only thing I will have is a big student loan and a lot of regret for not choosing a different degree.

sch-64 · Jan 4, 2015

I understand the being worried about owing money but I thought...hey I will still have a house and car payment! What's another $40k! Seriously I am hoping to graduate in 2 years making good money in a job where I can make a difference.

kk1962 · Jan 6, 2015

I have had /do have all of the same fears/concern as were voiced here. I am 52 in a class with a bunch of twenty - somethings.. I have to believe I have been chosen and chose this path for a reason. I have only gottentthrough the first quarter and have 8 more to go, but I got A's and if I didn't take the chance, I don't know what else I would be doing. It's a fresh start to a new and hopefully full filling career. I hope to leave this planet knowing I made a difference in someone's life for the better. Don't let fear and self-doubt keep you from taking this challenge . You know you have what it takes or you wouldn't have made it this far. BELIEVE!

QLittlestar · Jan 8, 2015

Just started this week and turned 51 back in October! From my first class I can already see how my age and wisdom and leadership skills will benefit my class. I am going to struggle hard physically.....at first and then I will be able to keep up with these youngins but they will never catch up to my life experience. Don't sell yourself short because we were raised with an emphasis on social skills and manners, so we have advantages in so many areas. You can do it! We ALL can!

CoachChris · Jan 9, 2015

Started nursing school at age 49 and am looking forward to the future. Entering my second semester this spring.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2015

Some of you have heard the story of one of my students who was 62. She had been married for forty-plus years to an old SOB (not "short of breath," either) who told her how stupid and worthless she was and how nothing she ever wanted to do was the least bit useful. And when he died she took the life insurance money and went to nursing school, bless her.

She wasn't any better at nursing (or any worse) than any of her 18-year-old chickie classmates, But she had something that they didn't, and that was life experience. She had seen her mother and father die, seen how families coped with adversity, knew what it was like to be a mother and a grandmother; she could sit down at a bedside and calm a frightened person just because she was a white-haired older lady who didn't panic and knew what to say, when to say it, and when to be quiet and just be there. Maturity counts.

Good luck!

sch-64 · Jan 9, 2015

I'm hoping that my age does help me during school. So far I am the oldest one in the class. :)