Older Nursing Students

Nursing Students Student Assist

Published

Anyone out there who are older nursing students who work a part time job too? Any advice on how to study the material? Feedback would be helpful. I am in in fast paced 13 month program and have a medical background... it is administration.

Specializes in IMCU.
I'm 39 with two kids (6 and 4yo) and will be starting NS in September (orientation is next week). As if that's not enough, I'm having knee surgery (lateral patella release, tibial microfracture and possible patellofemoral cartilage transplant) the day after orientation that will require 6w partial weight bearing and immobilization. I'm worried about how this will impact my ability to do labs/clinicals once school starts -- not to mention dragging around the gianormous books.

I had surgery on my *other* knee about 20 years ago, but they tell me that it's 'improved dramatically' and I can't compare experiences. Heh. Well, I guess I'm about to find out!

I'm planning on picking up the books for the first semester while I'm on campus next week so I can at least get a head start while I'm home with the knee on ice. I also already have the Saunders NCLEX review. I read here in one of the forums that it's a good place to just poke around and read.

Well, I don't know if you will have sufficient time to recover or not cause I don't know anything about that surgery. I would be sure to find out from my surgeon how long to expect to take off work. You sure won't be able to do any clinicals for a while. On the other hand as far as the book go be sure to get youself a book bag on wheels, regardless of how many kids you see with the backpacks.

Good luck!

Mahage

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in High Risk Antepartum.

Thanks, Mahage.

I know that I'm supposed to be fully weight-bearing by the time school starts and fortunately, the nursing program is all in one new wing, so there shouldn't be a ton of walking between classes. Still, the schlep between parking, buildings, etc. will take its toll, I'm sure. I have no delusions that it's going to be a rough few months (to put it mildly).

It was either do the surgery now, or wait till next summer. I was afraid that if I waited until then, the damage would be too extensive for the surgery to work. :(

My girls have already been drilled into knowing that when Mommy's got her books out, they need to knock it off and be quiet. Poor kids, I don't think they have any *clue* as to what's about to happen!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I will be 48 the end of this month. I've just completed the end of my 2nd year. Plan to begin nursing school in fall of 2010. I will be 51 years old when I begin my nursing career. Just praying my health will be maintained and I will have the stamina necessary to spend at least 15 years in this profession!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Pretty much echoing qpod97...I'll be 46 next month, with 2 semesters of pre-reqs to do. Hoping to get into the Fall 2010 class. When I finish I'll be almost 49. I'm not so concerned about school, studying, grades, daycare (my son's almost 15), etc. but as a single parent I'm the sole provider (deadbeat dad). How many hours can I work to make a living (unemployed now - we already live simply) and not have it affect my education? is the question I'm stumped on!

It is reassuring knowing there are many older students out there!

Sharon

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case Manager/Administrator.

I recently graduated with my BSN and am an older student. I moved away from my husband of 20 pluse years, and college age children. I came home at the end of every semester via airplane. Nursing is my second career, my first was health care administration.

I can share my experience with nursing school:

I found school this time around to be rewarding and I was so very tired at the end of my clinical and long class days. I found I did not study the way I use to and had to find innovated ways to study like put the nursing lecture on tape so I could listen while driving, showering etc...I suppose I wanted to be exact and learn "the right way first", then you can show me a short cut. I graduated and am now home.

I received job offers from area hospitals for OB/GYN, mental health and med/surg. I chose to work in sub acute at a skilled nursing facility 3 blocks from my home and I love it. It is harder than nursing school as far as the staminia it takes to work in this arena. I started out part time and am so glad I did. In October I will start full time Monday thru Friday. I have no regrets.

Lastly as an older "new nurse" who prior to attending nursing school was diagnosed with chronic fatigue snydrome you find out how truly strong you are as an individual when you want to reach your goals.

Winston Churchill once quoted Never, Never, Never Give up" and "When you are going thru hell keep going" I always think of those quotes when I wanted to give up.

I say to you all: you are never to old for anything. Study and graduate, if you have the desire you will be a great nurse, its worth time and energy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMCU.
Pretty much echoing qpod97...I'll be 46 next month, with 2 semesters of pre-reqs to do. Hoping to get into the Fall 2010 class. When I finish I'll be almost 49. I'm not so concerned about school, studying, grades, daycare (my son's almost 15), etc. but as a single parent I'm the sole provider (deadbeat dad). How many hours can I work to make a living (unemployed now - we already live simply) and not have it affect my education? is the question I'm stumped on!

It is reassuring knowing there are many older students out there!

Sharon

Sharon, Most time, I worked 20 hours per week and borrowed to the gills. I am up to my neck in debt but was fortunate enough to get both a fairly good paying job and get one the federal nursing loan repayment program. Where there is a will there is a way. You will find yours.

Mahage

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in High Risk Antepartum.

Mahage-

What is the federal nursing loan repayment program? (as my ears perk up!)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in IMCU.

Hi Dancinglamb, Just google federal nursing loan repayment and it should take you right to the site. It is part of the national health service program. I am obligated to serve two years fromt the time of acceptance in the program (Oct. 2008) to be eligible for the repayment. It doesn't repay 100% of it and unfortunately there are taxes on the repayment. It does help tremendously however. I was already working at a disproportionate share hospital which is the first priority when these repayments are assigned. You can apply for a 3rd year of repayment also. I may or may not depending on whether I am in a position to continue there full time after the first two years.

The amount you owe and your salary are also taken into consideration. There are subsidies available while you are going to school also but I appled after I graduated not before. Just google it or go to National Health Services and you can find the info there.

Good luck,

Mahage

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you very much for your encouraging words Mahage! I'll look into the program you mentioned as well. Thank YOU!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am 54, recently retired from teaching elementary grades and taking my first pre-req for nursing. I don't have a background in the sciences....I am "quaking" a bit but am determined to learn. I am in the Atlanta area and anxious to hear from those of you who may be in a similar situation. I feel pretty sure I am one of the OLDER ones in the groups.....doesn't bother me.....just thrilled and excited that I am having the opportunity to begin what I have dreamed for a long time. Thanks for all the great messages. I have been reading on this site each night and finally decided to join in on the forum.

You'll have an advantage, actually. With a background in education--you are taught how people learn. Use those skills in your own learning :)

The thing I've found is that it's harder to memorize things as I get older, though. Much of your early courses will be memorization (the pre-reqs) so you'll have to develop skills based on your learning type--visual, auditory, etc--however you learn best. Ultimately, studying using all routes is best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 6 mos. of LVN, 10 Yrs caring for Mom.

Hi Lyn,

I was wondering how school is going for you since you should have quite a bit behind you by now....so, I thought I would ask.

Is it great? I hope so....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello all,

First post. I am 39 and doing pre reqs now. I will be 40 by the time I actually enter a 2 year program and 42 by the time I can get a license. Eight years in the military and 12 years in the freight industry and now I am completely changing gears. I am both really excited and really nervours at the same time. Right now I am just hoping to make it through Chemistry which I hear is pretty rough. That starts in January.

What I would really like to do is be able to go to school full time and not worry about work but since I dont want to be a homeless student, I don't think that would be a good idea. I am hoping to get some grants or even loans for nursong school. I am also intersted in any hints that you folks may have to those us us that are "pre-freshmen" in this little journey.

Here we go, happy holidays and good luck studying.

Scott

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment