oldest nursing student?

manna, BSN, RN · Jan 19, 2005

I'm in my 3rd year of a BSN program, and the oldest person in our class just turned 45. She's an inspiration - she's got grandkids my children's ages! :)

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jan 19, 2005

Several folks in their 50s in my program. One is the top student in the class. The others are also doing real well.

foxfire65 · Jan 25, 2005

There is an advantage to being more mature in age and going back to college. I know for myself, how much this really means to me. It is something I have always wanted to do and never had the opportunity to finish school. Has anyone went to school with some that are only going into this for the income factor? I had one tell me that today, very disturbing to think that person might very well become a nurse, knowing in my heart they really don't have the compassion for it, they just want the money from the profession.

foxfire65 · Jan 25, 2005

There is an advantage to being more mature in age and going back to college. I know for myself, how much this really means to me. It is something I have always wanted to do and never had the opportunity to finish school. Has anyone went to school with some that are only going into this for the income factor? I had one tell me that today, very disturbing to think that person might very well become a nurse, knowing in my heart they really don't have the compassion for it, they just want the money from the profession.

nurse2be2007 · Jan 27, 2005

I agree that being older does has its advantages, however I really dont think that age determines maturity. I know there are some who like to think that they are more mature when in fact they are more immature than some of the younger ones. There are a couple of those types in one of my classes this semester, makes ya feel like you are back in high school again. I am 33 years old and find that going back to school for something that I have wanted for so many years is rejuvinating. To think that I will be a nurse in a few short years gives me such drive and focus.

I remember back when I was a little girl, doctoring up all my baby dolls not realizing that I would be doing this same thing to my first born child who would require the level of care that she did. For 5 years of her short lived life, we spent in and out of the hospital. Throughout those years, I witnessed and befriended some really great nurses, doctors and other support staff. I consulted with some of these nurses about all the factors about nursing. I seen these men and women give so much of themselves day in and day out that I knew this was the profession for me. I started school the following winter semester and shortley after my little girl took a turn for the worse, slipped into a coma and they didnt know whether she would make it or not. I had to go to the school and drop out, realizing that my little girl needed me more at that moment than I needed to be a nurse. I was her mother, her nurse and her playmate. I decided that untill she got better I would put my education on hold. She never got better but I treasured every bit of time I had with her.

With that said, I would like to comment on the "income factor." I believe that there are people who go into nursing just for the money, not realizing that there is so much more to it than that. We all know that they will find out soon enough. I dont think it is a bad thing to look at the entire package that nursing will bring, for example: the personal satisfaction that you get knowing that you will be able to give back to people what was given to you so many years ago; COMPASSION!!!!!!, job security is another one, knowing that no matter where you move to, or how bad the economy has become, there is always a need for a CARING and LOVING nurse, and three, a steady paycheck. Now I want to emphasize on the paycheck part of it. I dont believe in my entire HEART that any nurse would work for free, and if they do they are far a few between, and I also do not feel that income should not play a role in the reason a person chooses to go into a certain career as long as it isnt the WHOLE reason for doing so. Foxfire65 made a comment about how disturbing it is to think about someone becoming a nurse just for the money. I couldnt agree with her more. I just try to believe that most people that do choose to go into it for ONLY the money will not make it very far in the nursing program. Those that have the heart for it will. With that said, I will see you at graduation! :rotfl:

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Jan 27, 2005

I graduated at age 46. This year I'm turning the big 5-0. Still fiesty! It's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks!

grammyd · Mar 14, 2005

Hi everyone.I was a nursing student twice , had a 4.0,dropped out to take care of seriously ill children and would like to go back.Problem is that I am now a 55 year old grandmother of eight. I don't want to be unrealistic, but I still want to be a nurse so badly!!

Hi again everyone. I orginally posted this and just wanted to update and tell you how much I have enjoyed all the responses. I still have not decided what to do about going back to school as I have been thrown a "curve ball". Will be having some tests done this week and seeing a surgeon next week for possible breast cancer. I am hopeful, but at the same time, ready to take on whatever happens and fight like heck ! Will deal with this and then think about nursing again.Wish me luck !

foxfire65 · Mar 14, 2005

Hi again everyone. I orginally posted this and just wanted to update and tell you how much I have enjoyed all the responses. I still have not decided what to do about going back to school as I have been thrown a "curve ball". Will be having some tests done this week and seeing a surgeon next week for possible breast cancer. I am hopeful, but at the same time, ready to take on whatever happens and fight like heck ! Will deal with this and then think about nursing again.Wish me luck !

Grammyd I will say prayers for you while you endure this scary journey. Hang in there and stay strong. Let us know what they tell you.

LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN · Mar 14, 2005

Remember take one day at a time. You will be in my thoughts. :flowersfo

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2005

Best wishes. I'm sorry about the curve ball. Take care of yourself.

Twinkie1 · Mar 14, 2005

Hi everyone.I was a nursing student twice , had a 4.0,dropped out to take care of seriously ill children and would like to go back.Problem is that I am now a 55 year old grandmother of eight. I don't want to be unrealistic, but I still want to be a nurse so badly!!

Good Luck 2 U ! Follow your dreams and make it happen! :balloons:

Kingbandit · Mar 14, 2005

Hi everyone.I was a nursing student twice , had a 4.0,dropped out to take care of seriously ill children and would like to go back.Problem is that I am now a 55 year old grandmother of eight. I don't want to be unrealistic, but I still want to be a nurse so badly!!

I graduated in June with 2 55Yo nurses who went into nursing as third careers.