Older Nursing Students

SpudsMomGuinea · Oct 11, 2007

If you consider working as a mommy to be included, then I'm in.. {cause I reckon I'm 'older' at 40}

I have an almost three year old, and am doing my Enrolled Nursing {USA's LPN} over a 12 month period.

I was going to try working in industry part time, but found that I just wouldn't have been able to manage my workload and do my assignments justice.

SpudsMomGuinea · Oct 11, 2007

Oh, and I have near on 20 years hx, from education, to administration and personnel and all areas including Aged Care.

adamsmom · Oct 11, 2007

I am in my fortys and I have 2 kids work part time as a CNA on the weekends. And I am in my senior year of a 2 year program. I do not have A's but I am still here. It is not easy at all, many classmates are alot younger and do not work or need to. I tape my lectures and listen to the ones I feel I need to hear again. I do not read every word in the text just don't have the time. I do go over the pages the teachers mention in the lecture and I try to follow the lecture along with my notes and the book. I have no secret just go day to day and do your best. It is best to try to study a little everyday.

good luck

lcamp99 · Jul 30, 2008

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.

drugstorecowgirl214 · Jul 30, 2008

I'll be 47 when I begin my last year of nursing school in September. I work in a hospital, but now as an "on call" basis since working part time last year was just too demanding and the hours didn't work for my school schedule as well. Fortunately my children are 23 and 19 so I don't have to keep an eye out for them while I've got my nose buried in the books!

I record lectures as I feel it helps when there's a subject that I need the extra "umph" on. I use flash cards and have a study group that is really helpful. We tend to quiz one another on things which helps cement things into my head as well.

richardjboro1 · Jul 30, 2008

Wow, I feel like a "younger" student at 37 after hearing all your stories!! haha... I work around 20 hours during school and fulltime when school's out in my "former" profession, and have found that a Study Group is critical to my success in school.

We meet usually weekly, but at least every other week and go over the test material, either making questions up from the notes/ppts or making a study guide and nclex questions of course. I highly recommend it, but know it's not for everyone.

Richard

dst4ever · Jul 31, 2008

Hi lcamp 99. I am 37, newly single and have been in nursing school for one year. I have been working on pre-reqs. I began college at 18 but did not take it seriously. Now that I have much more wisdom and am much more serious, school is wonderful. It is hard and frustrating sometimes but still good. My kids are 12 and 13 and we study together and it is helping to make us all better students and it shows them that college is possible. Congratulations for pursuing your dream and be encouraged. dst4ever

Deni* · Jul 31, 2008

Hi all

I am 34 years old with 3 children (13, 11 and 3). I am in second semester at uni in a 3 year degree of nursing. I also work as a casual Assistnat nurse at a local acute care hospital on alternating weekends. So far my grades have been higher that I ever expected - but not without many sleepless nights and little time for myself.

I have made myself a promise this semester to treat myself to some pampering at the end of each four week study block, and to keep things in perspective by only focusing on small things that count.

Fortunateley I have a fantastic hubby and really supportive kids - or I don't think I would be doing as well.

I also think that the casual work in the hospital helps me to prepare for life after graduation - I have seen many things as an assistant nurse that I can relate to theory.

Denise

AN / Student RN

dst4ever · Jul 31, 2008

Hi deni*. I really like the idea of doing something to pamper yourself at the end of each four week period. Great idea, thanks.

deni_in_LA · Jul 31, 2008

I am 52 and about to begin a fulltime 2 year Master's Entry Level program (designed for those with no nursing background). I'm not sure yet if I will have any time to work during the program, but I'm sure I will be challenged---beginning with the 12 hour clinicals starting this Sept. I really hope I won't have to pull allnighter's since I don't function nearly as well without any sleep as I did back in my undergrad days 30 years ago. I hope to have time for a bit of normalcy like reading the newspaper and going on bike rides. The challenge will be exciting and it's great to know there are other older students at this forum.

lcamp99 · Jul 31, 2008

I too am seeking a second degree....I have a master's in elem. ed and need info concerning the direct entry programs. Can you give me some info on how you directed into the program and anythings else required for a DE program? I don't have a science background. Thanks!!!!