Older student/ New nursing student

203bravo, MSN, APRN · Oct 18, 2014

Don't worry about it --- I'm 45 and in the 3rd semester of a BSN program. I am NOT the oldest one in my cohort (which sort of surprised me) and have gotten along well with the 20 somethings that is the majority of the class... you will quickly learn that you are all in it together and everyone relies on each other for help and support. :)

Best of luck to you.

augurey · Oct 18, 2014

I just started my ADN program and will be 30 in about a month. I had a lot of worries about being an older/non-traditional student.

In my class, there are people of all ages. Young twenties and into fifties. Some work in the medical field (various parts) and some with limited/no experience (me). I worried that those relatively fresh out of high school or with medical background would skate through this while I struggled.

Based on my observations in my class, age has very little to do with success. The same with those who have a medical background. Every one of us has different situations and backgrounds. Some have a lot of previous / recent /not so recent educational experience. Some have work experience (CNAs, paramedics, etc). Some have kids - small and older, etc.

From what I've found, you have to forget everyone else. Everyone learns differently and at different paces. Some may catch on very quickly while others it takes awhile. There are so many demands as a nursing student that by worrying about how easily it seems to come to others may only drag you down. In truth, it may just only appear that way, but, in reality, they may be feeling exactly the same way.

What about talking to those other students that seem to catch on quickly and see how they learn/study? They might have some useful suggestions. Maybe they can help you in areas you struggle with and vice versa. If you're having a hard time, don't be afraid to reach out! Don't let them intimidate you. Have confidence in yourself. Those are two hard things to do. I've had to re-wire my way of thinking. I've had to re-wire a lot. It's made a huge difference.

How far into school are you?

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Oct 19, 2014

I'm 38 and in my first semester of the program. I'm not the oldest and not the youngest. The younger ones don't intimidate me. They don't have the life experience that I have and I honestly find them immature. Not all, but most. I notice that us moms kind of go together. Although my lab partner in a younger girl in her early twenties who is hilarious and has a great sense of humor. She is currently a patient tech and teaches me a lot. I really learn from her. You just need to approach it that we can all learn from each other.

Jen_Loves_Nursing · Oct 19, 2014

I feel like there is no agism in nursing school. 20-55, woman all have a camaraderie.

RescueNinjaKy · Oct 19, 2014

I feel like there is no agism in nursing school. 20-55, woman all have a camaraderie.

Let's not forget about men in nursing

Everline · Oct 19, 2014

There are people of all ages in my program. No one seems to care about age, whatsoever. As to taking time to catch on, I find that everyone, even the "young" ones, have those moments. I have never met anyone who goes through nursing school immediately catching everything that's thrown at them. I am 46 and have not had any problems as far as this is concerned. I find that I am on the same level as just about everyone else. That is, we all have to work hard to get through the program. I am about to graduate with a 4.0. You can do this. Age will, most likely, be the LEAST of your concerns.

Cali2015 · Oct 20, 2014

I graduated from nursing school at age 53 and understand what you are saying. I was a good student but I just don't have the stamina and energy of my younger cohorts. I used my strengths such as life experience and understanding of the health issues of my patients and I was aware of my shortcomings such as not being able to pull an all-night study session and being absolutely exhausted after a 12 hour shift with a preceptor. But my age had advantages as well. I connected nicely with my teachers and with many of the seasoned nurses at the hospital. I was appreciated for my maturity and my sense of responsibility. All in all, I got through nursing school and have been working as an RN at our campus health center since I graduated in May. I wish you all the best. As one of my friends told me repeatedly through school, keep your eye on the prize and enjoy the ride!

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 20, 2014

I'm 45 and I'm certainly not the oldest in my cohort. You CAN do this! Don't focus on age, just focus on you. One of the advantages of being older is that we don't tend to get wrapped up in drama, like some of the younger students tend to do. We are also more sure of ourselves and put on a more confident air with our patients. We've "been there, done that" in life, so to speak. I don't know about you, but I've been through so many medical issues with family members that I'm able to relate what I've learned in the real world and apply it to nursing school. OB/Maternity after having kids is pretty much a breeze. Didn't hurt for Peds, either :)

Don't discourage yourself because of age!

RunBabyRN · Oct 20, 2014

Some of my closest friends in my class were in their late 40s, early 50s. I'm 34 and graduated in May. You'll be in good company, most likely. :)

Don't allow that negative self-talk, because nursing school can be tough, and it's easy to get down on yourself and doubt your choices and give up if you can't talk yourself up when you're low. We all have rough patches, and you need to be able to make it through. Remember that everyone else is likely going through the same thing, even if you can't see it.

Good luck!

EclecticGal · Oct 20, 2014

Just because someone comes to a fast conclusion does not mean that is always the correct one. Critical thinking may take some time.

Everyone comes to the table with their own strengths and also issues that will challenge them during nursing school. Your struggles will be different from others but know that everyone will have them. Worrying that you will not be the best nurse possible will do nothing to help you achieve your goal. Self doubt is a killer. Just work hard and learn from your mistakes. You can do this.

I was one of the oldest students in my cohort and was just fine. At work I find that my age has some benefits. Life experience can be invaluable when working with patients and the only way to gain a lot of that is to have lived a bit.

Good Luck

rubato, ASN, RN · Oct 20, 2014

I graduated in May at age 44. I feel that my "life experience" was a huge bonus I had over the younger ones. I also got hired for my dream job before I even graduated. Being mature, knowing what you want and going out and getting it are not bad qualities to have. So you may have to study more, so what? It will stick and you will get through it.