Older Nursing students

Caring Me · Sep 29, 2011

Good for you Danaat4 ! I don't know you but I'm rooting for you in your endeavor. Thanks for sharing your plans and goals, they were greatly appreciated.

Caring Me · Sep 29, 2011

Thanks to Carecrafter. I'll keep that in mind, by the way, what are other factors I should be aware of ??????

Ayala · Oct 9, 2011

Just remember there's no expiration date written on your body.

Eaglelady · Oct 9, 2011

I am 51 and starting my first day of nursing school tomorrow!! I started my pre-reqs when my younger son was a sophomore in high school giving myself 3 years to complete and be an "empty-nester" when starting nursing school. After much blood, sweat and tears I did it!! I should be graduating as an RN at the age of 53 and don't plan to stop there!

I started with pre req's when I was 50 and graduated with my RN when I was 53 I am now 56 and doing my BSN so if nursing is what you want to do age has nothing to do with it----I love nursing and I will be doing as long as I can :) I wish you all the best in your career choice:nurse:

Nurseroc · Oct 9, 2011

I am 41 and I just got my acceptance letter in the mail. Wish me Luck!

forestlover · May 20, 2012

Hi everyone

Just wanted to let potential nursing students know that age is a non-issue to some nursing schools. I am currently 61 years old, and just got accepted to the school of my choice, first time applying. It took me 4 years to get here, and much angst about having to pass the TEAS V test, but I did it, so I am in! I will be almost 64 when I get out, and I am planning to have a lot of fun these two years.

Retirement is just not for everyone. I would be bored silly not working, so I took a gamble and it paid off.

If you are reading this because you are thinking about starting, just bite your lip and jump.

Being around mostly 20 somethings is a heck of a lot of fun. I have learned so much from their young minds, and they from mine. They gravitate towards me because I was such a serious student, and they could get better grades just hanging around me, and studing with me. Very rewarding 4 years for me.

Good Luck to you all.....Here goes!!!!

Feistn · May 20, 2012

That's the amazing thing about community college.... you'll at least be among friends. And even if you ARE the oldest person in your class, embrace it! You're doing this because you REALLY want it. You're also bringing lots of life experience that many younger students won't have!

Arica41 · Jul 10, 2012

Hello:

I am 63 and will be going into the bride program that Excelsior College offers for Respiratory therapists. I think I should be fine and plan on completing everything by 2014.

I am currently a school counselor with a master's degree...bad move since the counselors are being eliminated quickly given the poor public school budgets.

I left healthcare many years ago to persue a counseling degree.... so I believe that I am now on the right tract.

So here goes!!!! Arica

onesmartgirl · Jul 10, 2012

I have to agree that age does not seems to make any difference. I just graduated with my accelerated master's, passed the NCLEX and was offered a job at my first choice hospital, and I am well into my fifties. I do agree that one should not announce to everyone they are a new nurse, once you get through your new grad time, as our age does make patients and coworkers alike feel some confidence that we are not kids, that we have some expereince.

My dad worked until he was 80 (forced retirement at 70, then volunteer for ten more years, much of that on horseback), my grandfather died at 100 after cutting his foot mowing the lawn and getting pneumonia in the hospital; I work out and eat right, and have no reason to imagine that I will not be strong and healthy for decades. So, don't let numbers psych you out, take good care of yourself and you will have success in the life you choose.

m9791l · Aug 15, 2012

Hi Everyone,

I am 58 years old, and have two semesters of prerequisites (at two courses a term) left. I have a 3.7 GPA so far, so I have done well. I have recently become discouraged by several online articles I have read about new grads having trouble getting jobs. I desperately want to become a nurse, but want to know now if finding a job will be real difficult. I guess I have had my head in the sand...I didn't know there wasn't a nursing shortage. What do you honestly think about my situation?

onesmartgirl · Aug 15, 2012

I am close to your age, just graduated with my MSN from an accelerated program (my second master's degree) and got my dream job at the hospital I targeted (started last week). So, it can be done. We have an advantage in life skills and focus. I parlayed my strenghs and understanding about networking, building relationships, excelling in everything I could (surprising myself a lot) and also being humble and never shirking hard work. We are from a generation that understands and appreciates hard work. I was always the first to jump at a new experience, to volunteer for any job and be sincerely grateful for every opportunity.

It can be done, we probably have to work harder for it, but I love my life and my work. I also suggest that it is harder to get a job with an ADN, so go for your BSN or MSN. The hospital I am working at does not even interview ADNs. Nothing against them, they are good nurses, but I think that they are not being offered the opportunities.

BTW, can you speed up your prereqs? If you take a year to get in 4 more classes, it will just delay starting nursing school.

Good Luck to you!