Oldest in cohort...feeling out of place

[melc0305]

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.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

I'm one of the oldest in my cohort.. there are maybe 2 others older than I am, and a couple right around my age. The other 80+ students are much younger. I was a little out of place at first.. but I just made small talk with people and before I knew it, I felt more at ease and made some friends. Socializing is the last thing on everyone's mind-- it's all about getting through the program.. and that is one thing you ALL have in common. You're all in it together, and that common ground goes a long, long way.

[Caribbean Character]

I am pretty sure I am the oldest in my cohort (turning 44 on Sept. 9) and am one of only 3 men. Doesn't bother me because I am not there to impress a bunch of little girls who are mostly around my daughter's age. I am there to get the best grades I can (and hopefully the best in the class) and become an RN.

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

Come on people, let's hang in there! I just turned fifty, I don't know yet if I am the oldest, but I know I am one of the oldest and that is not going to deter me one bit!

[sjalv]

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I am 19 and the youngest in my cohort. In my clinical group, the oldest person is in their 30s, and I am the youngest. We are a group of 8 people and we all get along great. Age isn't even considered except light-hearted jokes. We are all there for the same reason and as far as projects, studying etc goes, if y'all are talking about school/studying anyway then it won't matter if y'all have anything in common

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

There is a lady in my class Whois older. I actually went to college with her daughter. She is so sweet amd she gets along with everyone. We study together, text, and email all the time. Everyone in the class has welcomed her in. I don't think you have any reason to worry.

[NottaSpringChik, BSN, RN]

I was the oldest in my cohort at 55 when I started. I enjoyed myself and made lots of friends. Many of us still stay in touch and one is a very dear friend now!

[kcochrane]

I was 42 in LPN school, 44 in RN school and right now I'm 50 an trying to finish up my BSN. You will do great!

[RNperdiem, RN]

Learn to have fun with the young people maybe you will fit in, maybe you won't. You are in nursing school to learn so you are going to have that in common with everyone else in your class.

Make sure to have a life and friends independent of your work or school, and you will not worry about your age.

[SoundRN7]

I earned my ADN at 42, my BSN at 44, and will persue my NP soon. I was one of the older ones in my cohorts and didn't really care. I too wasn't there to socialize and make BFF's. Though I did socialize a decent amount and made some good friends in the process. If anything, I think older students have life experience that only adds to their success as a student. I'm betting that the OP will do just fine.

[juan.ramirez0426]

Age doesn't matter. I'm usually the only youngin' among my groups and every one else is in their 30's or 40's and we get along great. :)

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

You are different in a good way; you are bringing a wealth of life experiences & lessons learned into the mix. I bet you will find other students who appreciate that. There were students in their 50s in my program, & they excelled. Good luck in school.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

I am not in nursing school, but am an RN. I am older than my co-workers by 3 decades. It can be frustrating, as we have nothing in common, except the job, so I know what you mean.