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?
34 here and went back to school this summer, if things go to plan I will be 38 or so when I get my BSN. Financially things have been tight even with working since it is only me. I have always been the type that I want to succeed in providing for myself, so asking for or accepting help from others is a bit humbling.
One of the positive things though about returning back to school as an older student, is that I know what I want and am willing to commit the time and make the necessary sacrifices to reach my goals. This time around I am much more focused as a student and it shows.
I'm 45. I started my pre-reqs summer 2012 and, if all goes well, I'll be graduating in May with my ADN and then continue with the RN-to-BSN bridge program at our local university.
I think being a more mature student is very helpful. You know who you are as a person, you're better able to handle situations that require tact & diplomacy, in other words, we've been around the block :)
Started my program at 50 years old, graduated and passed boards at 53 and I couldn't be happier! All the best to you in your journey. As one of my friends has said to me as I went through nursing school - keep your eye on the prize! It's only 5 semesters!
I'm 32 and started this past summer, should be working RN to BSN when I'm 35. It's never too late! I am making really good grades and am so completely committed that my 18 year old self is like a different person. Good luck!
I am 34 and just starting my pre-reqs.. I am almost done with my CNA class. I am very excited to be starting this journey and more than likely being super exhausted and wanting to cry. ADN comes first to pass the NCLEX than off to be my BSN. This will be my second degree so college isn't new to me but all these science courses will be!
I was so glad to see these posts! I am about to turn 46 and to start my 3rd quarter of a BSN program (that will mean one year down and two to go!) I love the program and I like my cohort but I am feeling socially isolated - I have had lots of experiences in life but no children and cant relate to the young 20 somethings or the older 30 somethings with kids. I am one of 2 people in their 40's, the other woman does not live in the same town and is very politically conservative and is nice but we dont click. I respect them all, but just feel super isolated. I love the nursing but the isolation is bumming me out a bit. Any thoughts?
How are you in your journey I am still on my pre-req journey and am in my late 40's and man am I nervous. My question to you how is the clinical?. I have back and hip issues. I am so looking forward to hearing from you. God bless.
If you have back and hip issues start finding an exercise regime to strengthen your body. You can't work when you are hurt! Find a massage therapist and take care of yourself and you will be fine.
Wow! I can't believe this thread is still going. I am now 54 and in my second semester of nursing, since I posted almost a year and a half ago. No longer a straight A student, and difficulty level is a sphincter factor of 8. WOOO HOOO ! What a ride.
Keeping a good attitude will definitely help no matter who you are and I think age helps to deal with the stress.
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ADN comes first to pass the NCLEX than off to be my BSN. This will be my second degree so college isn't new to me but all these science courses will be!
Leonardsmom,LPN
367 Posts
34 here and went back to school this summer, if things go to plan I will be 38 or so when I get my BSN. Financially things have been tight even with working since it is only me. I have always been the type that I want to succeed in providing for myself, so asking for or accepting help from others is a bit humbling.
One of the positive things though about returning back to school as an older student, is that I know what I want and am willing to commit the time and make the necessary sacrifices to reach my goals. This time around I am much more focused as a student and it shows.
The best of luck with returning to school!