Nursing Challenges

[Chala Doll]

All nursing students face challenges. These come from learning the intensive content, dealing with friends and families who frequently ask 'Are you done yet?', but particularly in my case. I am a soon to be 58 year old student nurse who is more than halfway through the nursing program offered in my area.

Professors have asked me "Why are you here?", "Why are you doing this at your age?","How do you think that you can compete with so many younger nurses?", "Nursing is a younger person's profession, I don't know how you think that you can succeed."

What do I have to say to all of these comments? My grades are good. My intellect is capable. I have never shirked hard work; in fact, I have worked many twelve hour days in the past in a job many do not understand or have any idea of the intricacies involved. The job market has placed many people in a position of adapt or flounder.

The fact that so many different types of nursing jobs are available makes me hopeful that someone will want a Baby Boomer. What is different from me than someone younger? I have a good work ethic, value knowledge, and desire to help others.

I can only hope that job recruiters or personnel directors next year will not nervously shuffle their papers during any interviews with me trying to figure out how best to get me out of the door. It is true that I am an older student, but students like me are valuable assets to attain.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

To be honest with you, it is going to be to find a job. I'm 38 and anticipate challenges with my age as I will be 40 when I graduate. I think if you can prove you are physically capable of handling the demands of the job, you will have a better chance. You will have life experience on your side, but you will be competing against those who are younger. Make connections and network now.