Older Student - And So It Begins

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It took a long time, but now I'm headed down the path to becoming a Nurse. I'm 45yo and nervous as heck. As it turns out I'm going to take the CNA course first. Since it's part of the pre-requisites for my local BA to BSN program.

Long story short - I've been through a lot of hurdles. I was initially in a Psychology MA program. But lots of things happened during the course of that. It wasn't my path as it turned out. I did well in classes, but your know circumstances (mostly financial).

So I spent two years living back at home with my mom. That's when I happened to bump into to old college friends who were now nurses. As it turns out my old college has an excellent program for second career nurses. Both of them were incredibly happy, and encouraged me to think about it.

First, I'll be headed to my local community college for the pre-reqs (it's cheaper). Then I'll apply to the University for the accelerated BSN.

All of this starts in a few short weeks. Also, I haven't told anyone in my family I'm doing this yet. Not even my mom. My family tends to be discouraging. I also have the rep of being the family "loser".

I'm not a loser though. I've always done well school, worked hard etc. But the rest of my relatives just ended up doing better in their careers than me.

I also really want to be a nurse. So I figured since I'm already unemployed - why not. It took me a few years to finally get the courage to get started. But I did it.

And now I'm going to start. It's going to be hard. There are some hurdles in the way.. but hey I'm doing it anyway.

How about any other older nursing students out there. Or nursing students who are in a really bad way financially? How you are all feeling about the coming challenges?

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, HealingThoughts:

I started my nursing journey last year after my 50th birthday; my prerequisites were finished this past May, and I start a RN program this coming January (this semester, I'm taking classes that I was told will help me come clinicals). It is challenging, it is rewarding. We can do it!

Thank you.

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Thanks pmabraham! We sure can, I haven't been this excited about anythings in ages. Congratulations! :D

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Yep --- will be 46 in a few days in am 3rd semester of a 5 semester BSN program... has been very rewarding.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

I am 45 years old this year and just graduated from an ADN program this year. Age is just a number. If you use your vast life experience toward your education it will help you immensely.

You need to figure out why you think you are the family loser. Don't bring that self assessment to nursing school. It may not work out good for you.

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I graduate in December and will turn 48 two weeks after graduation. :)

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I am 35 and when all is said and done, I will be 41.

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Started my pre reqs at 52 I will be 55 when done. As was said previous it's only a number. My daughter is in her 3rd year of nursing and everybody I go to school with is her age. I was apprehensive at first but heck I'm friends with my daughter why not other people her age? Relax and have fun it makes it so much easier. Remember it only gets harder lol

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

I am starting nursing school in January at 35. I have 2 prior degrees and 1 most of a degree (BS chem, MPH comm health, ABT toxicology). Don't sweat it. From what I understand the average age of a nursing student nationwide is in the mid 30s.

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Started LVN program @ 43. We bring with us a level of maturity and commitment many younger students do not. Nothing to be nervous about. Best wishes!

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Goodluck to you. I started AUA/CNA at 38 finished PN at 42. Been working on my pre-reqs since 2008 but it wasn't till 2010 that I changed to nursing. Now trying to pass NCLEX PN the 3rd time in November. Move on to the next phase. Who knows how old I'll be before I have RN after my name, oh well we can do this.

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42 and back for second career as a nurse, leaving IT, scary. Am I crazy leaving this money? IT and medical seem like great future careers and hell I may go get my MSN or PA after that. Not about money for me ultimately.

EG

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