Older Nursing Students

new51 · Nov 15, 2008

Hi just read your thread and I feel the same way. I have no social life and my house at times can be messy too. Luckily it's just me here and I can just close doors. But like you all I ever seem to do is study, eat, work p/t and watch the medical shows on cable t/v. I dont even have the energy to gossip anymore because its a waste of my time. So hang in there everyone!!! And keep all the encorageing threads coming!!

new51 · Nov 15, 2008

Hi Amy, I'm taking pre-reqs too. I started back in the summer of 08. I want you to know you can do this. I wasn't a great student in H.S years ago, but I'm kicking ass now. Just put your mind to it and you'll surpass. The key is not to get lazy and to stay on top of your reading, surround yourself with teachers and people who believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. Welcome!

powers2004 · Nov 15, 2008

what pre-reqs are you takeing? I have to reg. the 24th for spring sem. I think I am going to take math, music and psy2

powers2004 · Nov 16, 2008

Has anyone taken there pre-reqs online , like algebra? also I want to tell you all about this site it is really helpful www.studio4learning.tv :smokin:

LeesaRN · Nov 17, 2008

Yes, I did take some prereq's on line. English II and hisory. I would not advise math unless you are very strong at it. I needed help because I did not use that kind of math everyday. I took advantage of are math lab at school and got a C. I'm not that stong in math. I'm so proud to read all of these post from us older students. It makes me feel great. I love this site because I really don't have time for much, but I do need so down time in between studying. Good luck on the ACT I'm sure you will do great.:typing God Bless to all Leesa "Forty in the new 20" ( Ha Ha Ha:chuckle)

shann106 · Nov 26, 2008

I am 35, single mom and I work a full time job and part time at another job, am a full time student and have maintained a 4.0. I have classes all day on Tues/Thurs and clinicals from 6:30-12pm on Wed and Friday. I work 12 hour shifts on Sat, Sun and Monday at a walk in clinic(as an xray tech and medical assistant) and then on either Wed or Fri afternoons(or both) I work for a company that does onsight insurance physicals.

I take every possible opportunity i have to study, I take my backpack everywhere. If I take my daughter to dance or girl scouts I have my books with me. I am lucky enough that my boss at my full time job lets me study at work if we are slow and everything is caught up. At my part time job I put flashcards in my pocket and then if there is a lul in the day (usually only 10 minutes) I pull them out and flip through them.

I also bought a ton of post it notes and put questions on the front and the answers on the back. I put them on my kitchen cabinets and around my vanity so that if I am cooking or getting ready I can see them. If I flip it over and its right I take it down and throw it away, if I get it wrong it goes back on the cabinet.

I tape lectures and sometimes I listen to them on the 1 hour 15min drive to and from school.

Somtimes I throw flashcards in my cup holder of my car and go through them at stoplights. It's jut about using every moment to its fullest.

Also I bought a 3ftX 5ft 4 month calendar (the dry erase kind) and it is on my dining room wall (where I study) and it has every single thing that needs to be done from tests, papers, bdays, work,events etc so I can always look at a glance and see where I can find time to study, or plan ahead to have what I need with me.

mama_d, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2008

I'm working on getting pre-reqs out of the way right now (only two science courses left after this semester, yay). I feel young after reading these posts...I'm 32 with a hubby and a total of four kids between us, from nearly 12 to just turned 2. I also have to work full time and am considering getting a part time job as well since hubby will be laid off come December 1. And we just found out that my stupid car needs a new engine, which will cost more than I bring home in a month.

I found that, much as I used to disparage people who had to use them, flash cards have been the way to go for me. I can carry the index card case with me and flip through them while waiting in line at the drive thru, waiting in line to pick kids up from school, during lunch breaks at work, etc. Thankfully my profs give us review sheets, so I'm able to really focus in on the material I need to know.

I'm going to ask for a digital voice recorder for Christmas, so that I'll be able to listen to lessons as well. I'd like to get one that does mp3's so that I can download onto the computer and listen while I'm doing housework and playing with the baby.

Travers77 · Nov 27, 2008

I am starting a 2 year RN program and I am in my 40's. Don't be scared. I think anyone going back to school is a little frightened but at my school it is about 50/50 with younger and older students. You are never too old to learn and to give back to this wonderful career.

It will be hard but worth it!

medicrn16 · Nov 27, 2008

CateRavenwing:

I feel your pain, truly :cry:

I posted way earlier on this thread...my husband has early-onset dementia. I have a 15 y/o who just started high school this year. I am the type that if my house is a mess, I can't study well at all. It's a horrible place to be, but my husband can still function fairly well and all he needs is to be told what to do and he'll do it. I take it you are a single mom???

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of disabilities do your sons have? I ask because maybe you could sit down and have a 'family meeting'. I did that with my son and my husband and basically told them that I needed help. I was as honest as I possibly could be without overwhelming both of them. My son has been doing his own laundry since he was 12 y/o anyway. We help of course if he forgets or whatever, but he's able to do it. THe fact of the matter is, he knows his dad is sick and has extra responsibilities for it. His life is a little different from other 15 y/o's.

Nine y/o's can dust, vacuum, and pick up their things.

What we started with was getting three separate laundry baskets to clean up everyone's individual items. We went through the whole house and put whatever we found into the baskets. As they got filled, and laundry got put into a HUGE pile to be tackled a little at a time.

Since my husband's diagnosis, I have lost many friends unfortunately. They don't know what to do and are overwhelmed with our situation. But, I have a couple true faithfuls. One I met in paramedic school 4 years ago and the other I met while a paramedic on the street. One of the hardest things to do when you live with someone who has an illness or disability is ASK FOR HELP!

If you have any close friends who would help, ask them to come over and assist you on this chore. My paramedic friend has an incredible bond with my son and she helped him to put all his things away, organize his room, and just helped with the whole doggone mess.

YOu should have a winter break coming up. Try working on this then and remember lots of positive reinforcement for a job well done when your kids do what they're told. Hugs and kisses STILL go a long way with my 15 y/o son....those days are probably numbered, but I'll take them as long as I can. Hope I've helped some. Hang in there.

AtomicWoman · Nov 27, 2008

I am awestruck by those of you who have kids and work and go to school full-time, too. :)

I am a flashcard fanatic, too. I love their portability. But I did get a little nervous at the idea of pulling them out at stoplights. That could be dangerous. You might not see some bonehead heading right toward you, getting ready to rear-end you or sideswipe you or you might not see a child walking right in front of your car before you step on the gas again. And if you do get in an accident, even a minor one, and the policeperson figures out you were looking at flashcards at the stoplight, you will get a ticket for careless driving. A friend of mine got a ticket like that for getting in an accident while she was perusing a magazine at a stoplight. The fines (at least here in NJ) for careless driving are pretty wicked.

So, as they used to say on Hill Street Blues, "Let's Be Careful Out There!". :)

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Fellow Coots!

dawnprice2105 · Dec 16, 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.

You are never too old. I am 43 and for the past four years have been taking pre-req's for Nursing as I have to work full time.

Lyn In NY · Dec 22, 2008

I am also 54 and have just completed my first semester in the nursing program and passed. I could have done better only received a B- but anything better then C+ is passing. I have been at this for 3 1/2 years now and am determined I will do it. I was an insurance broker who was laid off and decided it was now or never. I always wanted to be a nurse but it was hard to just quit my job and get started. I believe everything happens for a reason.

I wish you luck and just keep plugging away.