Oldest in cohort...feeling out of place

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I know there are a lot of threads on allnurses regarding age and "it's never too late" etc. I think that is why I assumed it would be no big deal going back to school at age 40, into an ABSN program where everyone is at least old enough to have one degree.

Today was orientation and out of the 32 in our cohort, I was the oldest. I got excited because there was a lady close to my age, but one of the students just brought her mom with her! lol. I just felt out of place and was really doubting myself. I can't imagine having much in common with most of these students, let alone fitting into a study group or a group project with them. I was just bummed by the orientation and wish I could be more excited about my decision.

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In our nursing batch, there was a tiny lady aged 64 who graduated in our ADN class. She seemed a loner during our nursing orientation, but as we go along, she earned tons of friends including me. Just a motherly figured on the group, it was nice she was there. Our batch average age was 30s with most in their 40s.

You will be fine. You will make lots of friends specially with in your clinical group. Might just take time to break the ice in the beginning. You'll see.

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My nursing program has people of all ages in it, but I really dont think age is going to be a factor regardless. Nobody is going to treat you any differently for being older, everybody is equal.

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Specializes in NICU.

I am the oldest in my ABSN cohort at 47 (in 2 wks). There are several that had finished their first BS the weekend before the program started. Numerous are in their mid 20s and a few in their 30s.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Wow 40!!! That's young! I'm 43 the oldest in my class is 55 and I have a relative that became an MD at 60!!! Age is certainly nothing but a number! The average age in my cohort is 40ish...you can do it!

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I'm 43. Not the oldest in my class, but I am not far behind. I think I am younger than most of the 20 yr olds there :)

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There is a woman in my program who is 61.

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I'm having the same problems. One of two older males. Not sure what to do. Thinking of dropping actually.

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Come to think of it, i never really paid attention to her age. I am sure i can speak on my behalf of my batch also.

Our main concern was passing every darn exams and clinical rotations!

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Good point Chicagoboy...I'm sure in a few weeks, I'll have much bigger things to stress about! Thanks for the replies - this site always helps!

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You're young still! You'll be fine and will make plenty of friends along the way. Keep in touch:)

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I graduated with a woman who was 65, she graduated top of the class too :-)

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