Older nursing students, would love your help!

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jun 19, 2016

Good day:

I'm 53. Jesus willing, I graduate from a RN program this coming December 2016.

1. What has been the most challenging part of going to nursing school as an older student?

While I would rather the question be the "top 3 challenges," if I had to pick just one it would be the time commitment in terms of needing more time to study to have the material sink in and to be able to have it at a level to do well on exams. While it does take me far longer than most to "get it," generally when I do, it's reflected in clinicals and on exams.

2. How do you think being older has given you an advantage in nursing school?

Wisdom comes over time based on various life experiences tied to a willingness to learn from them. In addition to having more wisdom, the more life experiences helps me to relate to patients of various ages.

3. Are you glad you went back to school as an older student? Is there any words of advice you would give to others wanting to do so?

Yes, I'm glad. Even though it would have been easier (from a point of view) to stay in my comfort zone of IT (I spent 30 years in IT) with the last 7 working from home (for an introvert like myself, that component was a dream), I'm glad Jesus encouraged me and permitted me to take steps out of my comfort zone.

The advice I would give is that if someone has a dream, desire, ambition, hope, etc. to go back for additional education (whether it is for a certificate or a degree), go for it. Yes, you might be like me having to read given chapters and areas three to five times when someone who is in their 20's reads it once and gets it. Yes, you might be like me needing a lot more time to study. But don't let that be a barrier. Give it your best, ask for help (especially on any exam you do poorly on), and move forward.

KacyLynnRN · Jun 20, 2016

Thank you so much for your response! Would love to hear from others as well!