Older Nursing students

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I am finishing up pre-reqs and applying to an RN program for the fall - I wonder how many of you are out there that are non traditional nursing students - I have a feeling I may be the oldest nursing student on this site.:)

You go, Nicole! Best of luck. I'll be sixty when I finish.

My mom is 83 and she's still working. Last week, she chipped her car out of the ice WITH A PEN (because she couldn't find a scraper) and got to work on time. I hope I inherited a lot of her genes.

So I'll be 60 when I get that pin. I figure I won't have time to get burnt out.

Life is an adventure - it's never to late to learn and to try new things.

L'chaim!

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You go, Nicole! Best of luck. I'll be sixty when I finish.

My mom is 83 and she's still working. Last week, she chipped her car out of the ice WITH A PEN (because she couldn't find a scraper) and got to work on time. I hope I inherited a lot of her genes.

So I'll be 60 when I get that pin. I figure I won't have time to get burnt out.

Life is an adventure - it's never to late to learn and to try new things.

L'chaim!

I love your outlook! Good Luck to you as well:-)

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Hi España,

Thank you so much for your reply. Your story gave me hope! It sounds like the time during clinical is not only the time to learn about RN job, it is also time to really prove that I can be a great nurse too. Really... your story helped me to hold onto this life path that I am about to pursue. Thank you!!!!!

Mikaboo

Mikaboo, I understand your concern regarding the employment issue once your through with the nursing program. However, once you are in your clinical that's when you need to shine above from the rest, and demonstrate your capabilities and your enthusiasm. In addition, get to know the nurse manager, the head nurses and the nursing recruiter plus check the bulletin board for up-coming positions at HR. This is exactly what I did during my clinical and at the end of my program I had 2 offers and I was the oldest one in my class. Wishing you the very best in all of your future endeavors, España RN, BSN, MSN :redbeathe

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I teach clinicals--we have plenty of older students. Some do just fine, but for quite a few, it takes them longer to grasp concepts and master the manual dexterity of equipment like putting together IV tubing, etc. If this is your case, then you MUST put in the time to get these skills--the other student will progress leaving you bewildered and confused if you don't get it and clinicals will not go smoothly for you. Again, this is not every older student, but I do see a trend.

Rain---------------->Parade

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Specializes in Skilled Nursing/Rehab.

I am 37, soon to be 38, and beginning pre-reqs to get into an Associates in Nursing program. I am taking the CNA course right now, and I find that compared to some of my younger classmates, I am more focused and willing to get the work done. I do all the reading, take notes, highlight things... Maybe I'm just a nerd :) but it also may be because I am paying for this myself, I'm mature, and I want to get the most out of it! I am glad to hear there are many other "older" nursing students on this site! Good luck to you all!

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It is my opinion that nursng is far more age discriminatory than other professions are.Look around the ospitals where you want to work do you see many over 40 nurses on the floor?

YES! Every clinical floor I work! Actually, nurses under 40 are the rare ones. Most of the ones I work with are in their 50's. If you've only worked with nurses in their 20's and 30's that's just weird.

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I'm so glad to hear that there are some "non traditional" students out there! Yes! I'm 35 and just now starting my pre req's. I am currently an MA, but want my ASN. Would love to obtain my BSN, but am afraid to bite off a chunk of 4 years when I haven't been in school since 2003!

I have 4 kiddos at home, and am a little scared of what the future holds. My two babies, ages 3 and 16 months, have never been left in daycare, or even a babysitter. Where I go, they go. I am starting out classes in the evenings, but know that once I am in the core classes they are all daytime hours. And then I will (hopefully) find a job and work, so this is going to be serious culture shock for the babies!

Best of luck to you and I am sure you are going to be fabulous!!

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I'm so glad to hear that there are some "non traditional" students out there! Yes! I'm 35 and just now starting my pre req's. I am currently an MA, but want my ASN. Would love to obtain my BSN, but am afraid to bite off a chunk of 4 years when I haven't been in school since 2003!

I have 4 kiddos at home, and am a little scared of what the future holds. My two babies, ages 3 and 16 months, have never been left in daycare, or even a babysitter. Where I go, they go. I am starting out classes in the evenings, but know that once I am in the core classes they are all daytime hours. And then I will (hopefully) find a job and work, so this is going to be serious culture shock for the babies!

Best of luck to you and I am sure you are going to be fabulous!!

Awww, good luck to you as well!

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Well I'm maybe not as old as some but I'm definitely not a traditional student. If I get into the program I am applying to for fall I'll be 34 when classes start and 37 before I graduate. This will be my 2nd career and 2nd degree.

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Same here. (except I think I'm 38, but I will have to count the years since 1972 :) ) I finish my last pre-req next semester and start this fall. I have been waiting a long time and am very excited. Congrats to you as well.

Lol. I thought I was the only one that forgets how old I am.

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I am 58 years old and God willing, I start the RN program in September 2011. By the time I complete this program, I will be in my 60"s, but I believe age is nothing but a number.

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I am 42 and just got accepted into a BSN program that starts next month. I'm terrified that I won't be able to handle the work load. I have 4 kids (youngest is 6) and I'm worried about them being neglected. I have an extremely supportive and flexible husband whom I am eternally grateful for. I think I'm getting cold feet! I have earned all A's the past 3 semesters for my pre-reqs, but I realize those aren't anything like the nursing classes will be. I know older people with kids do this every day....I think I'm just second guessing myself.

I wish I felt as confident about going to nursing school as all these young kids appear to be.

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