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.:)

It seems we share the same birthday. I will be 40 on that date.. Happy Birthday to you!

I became an RN at 46. I found that it was easier attending school at an older age -- I didn't have a 'social life' to worry about. My child was in high school. A group of us 'older students' formed a study group that really helped. Good luck to you & remember YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD!

Specializes in Renal/Cardiac.

I graduated from RN school May 8th 2009 and I was 54 y/o I am now in the BSN program and I will be 56 when I graduate with my BSN so I know anyone can do it if I can at my age :) I was also top of my class graduated with Presidential Honor Roll so I know if I can do it anyone can if this is really what they want :)

Specializes in Onc/Med-Surg, ER, Nursing Supervisor.

I'm 32. We have several 'mature' students in my class. We even had a 72 yo!! He didn't make it, though not because he couldn't handle the material. He is a brilliant man!! I hope I stay that sharp when I'm his age!

Hi guys! I love this thread...:lol2:

I will turn 48 next April and will be graduating next August, as a RN. Have been a LPN for 2 years and will not stop, unless something stops me.

So... keep going!!!

Specializes in Ambulatory Care/Rehabilitation.

You don't say (that I saw) how old you are, but I am 52 and graduate in May....also I have been nominated for Outstanding Nursing Student for my University campus! I don't think one is EVER too old!! Go for it!!:up:

I'll turn 40 when I start in a few months. I am also going to be a father for the first time ever. Lot's of change in a short amount of time. It's going to be fun!:rolleyes:

Specializes in scrub tech 3 year, Circulator 2 years.

I graduated with my ASN at the age of 51. I had done retail management my whole adult life and at 45 decided it wasnt what I wanted for the rest of my life. I started taking prereqs while still employed full time. Once I was close to having all of them I quit and got a part time job and off to full time school I went. I went to surgical tech school first to get my feet wet in the medical field. Once in surgery I was hooked. I worked a year and then went prn and went to nursing school full time. THE best decision Ive ever made. There was one other 50 year old in my class of 35 but there were several 30-40 year olds. What really made me feel good is the valedictorian of our class was in her 30's and I was salutatorian.

Marie--

I entered an ASN program at 65. If all goes well, I'll be a newly minted RN at age 67. I'm told I'll be a "new statistic" at my school. My age doesn't seem to be too much of an issue with my classmates and teachers. I feel a little bit alien myself at times, because my perspective on life is quite different from that of my classmates. But I don't dwell on that or worry about it much.

I'd be glad to compare notes with you any time--or with any other members of the geriatric set! I'm new on this forum, but I assume there's an option to send offline email. Feel free... I'd enjoy hearing how goes for you.

Craig

I think it's great that dreams are being followed but I have to admit it's a struggle for me to accept that there is a lot of worth to someone starting a new career in their late sixties or early seventies. New interests, new hobbies, yes, but new career???? Don't get me wrong, please, I'm not a nay-sayer, I love to see people follow their heart but, again, a new graduate nurse who is almost seventy years old? Wouldn't that be looked at as odd? Don't flame me. I'm just being honest here.

Specializes in Ambulatory Care/Rehabilitation.

Good for you! Good luck!! (Not that luck has ANYTHING to do with Nursing school!) You'll do great - we older students usually do!

Hi,

Glad to see I am not alone in my pursuit of a RN degree. I am currently 54 years old and will graduate in May of 2010. I began my "journey" when the hospital I worked for laid me off (eliminated my job) in 2002. I took advantage of the "package" they offered and should have begun my schooling then, it would have been so much earlier (by 3 years) and a little easier. I took my time, and finally got a job at another hospital. My job there was eliminated after 1 1/2 years - and I finally got the message and began my school journey. I had entertained the thought of looking for another secretarial/health care related job, but my son encouraged me to go to school - by purchasing all of my school supplies and asking me if I needed anything else:heartbeat. What a great guy! I started school when I was 49, and graduated Phi Theta Kappa with my LPN certificate. I worked in LTC for over 1 year and school began once again. I now have only 3 months left until I graduate with my RN in sight once I take my exam. One of my classmates is 60 years old and he does not have to pay for his classes at the Community College due to his age. I am glad that I am going to have my RN soon and sorry it took me so long to realize this is where I want to be. Best of luck and study hard! You are not alone by any means. One of the former students was 65 when she got her RN :yeah:.

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