Over 40 and just starting . . .

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So, I hit the big 4-0 in April and am starting an ADN program in the fall. I have a BA and MEd. I considered just sticking with education and even taught a college course this past winter. I'm just not sure what to focus on in the field of education, which is not a good place to be when deciding on a PhD. And, I guess I'm eager for the challenge of nursing. My healthcare experience is now ancient (paramedic, rehab fitness trainer, athletic trainer), so who knows how it will go!

I have taken all the pre-reqs and most of the co-reqs. I'm taking A&P I this summer (they accepted my nearly 20 year old course, but I in no way feel prepared, so I'm taking it again) and a nutrition course (also accepted that from forever ago!), but figured it would only help to take it again. That leaves another A & P and stats class as co-reqs. Otherwise, only nursing coursework awaits!

Eager to know from the over 40 crowd what your experience was like. And, you don't have to be over 40 if you have some wise words or at the very least, words of encouragement and stellar advice . . . :)

I am the mother of a soon-to-be 3-year-old girl and a soon-to-be 5-year-old boy. Both will be full time in school in about two years, just when I am finishing the program. They are the reason I am doing this and also the reason I worked extremely hard to make this program as part-time as possible.

Thanks for the feedback!

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44 year old here starting my BSN program in about 8 hours... Keep your head down, do the work, jump through all the hoops and find a good group to study/complain/drink with... Good luck!

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If you have a lot of help with the kids you can do it.......if not, your road will bed difficult...

Nursing school is not a part time gig, its fulltime x2.

I was 46 when I started, 47.5 when I finished....

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Specializes in NICU, ED, Forensic Nursing.

There's and "older" woman in my class, she likes me and at times if she doesn't understand something that my 21 yo(22 in a few weeks) brain can pick up, she comes to me for help. She's 60 maybe like 58, not sure. Point being it is NEVER to late to learn something new! Congratulations and be prepared for absolutely NO life. You are not alone. And trust me us younger students will come to you with questions! I admire, and respect all my elder classmates for their willingness to try something new, and their dedication for those that have children, have children and work, or in my friends case have children, grand-kids, work and support the children grand-kids and husband. Good Luck!

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mindlor, did you have all your co-reqs done? Trust me, I have no illusions that this will be easy or part-time in terms of dedication, which is why I took every class I could prior to officially starting the program.

As for my children, I'm fortunate to have a really awesome husband. The big thing I'm dreading . . . sleep. Or lack thereof.

When I was in my 20s, even early 30s (when I was working on my master's degree), I could stay up until the sun came up and still function. Those days are well behind me ;)

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PCTtoRN, I like how you put "older" in quotes. :) I never, ever thought I'd hit 40 when I was in my 20s and now that I have, I guess that means 50 and 60 ARE next (God willing).

You have such an awesome attitude, she's lucky to have you in class (and it seems you feel the same way about her!).

I was an HS English teacher prior to doing this and several of my former students have cycled through the program. I can't believe how supportive they are. I'm just a bit bummed out that I won't have them in class. Regardless, I think the type of people who go into a program such as this are simply inclined to help (at least I hope!).

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I was 45 when I started nursing school. Figured I was going to work another 20 years anyway so might as well do what I wanted. My only regret is not starting sooner.

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So, I hit the big 4-0 in April and am starting an ADN program in the fall. I have a BA and MEd. I considered just sticking with education and even taught a college course this past winter. I'm just not sure what to focus on in the field of education, which is not a good place to be when deciding on a PhD. And, I guess I'm eager for the challenge of nursing. My healthcare experience is now ancient (paramedic, rehab fitness trainer, athletic trainer), so who knows how it will go!

I have taken all the pre-reqs and most of the co-reqs. I'm taking A&P I this summer (they accepted my nearly 20 year old course, but I in no way feel prepared, so I'm taking it again) and a nutrition course (also accepted that from forever ago!), but figured it would only help to take it again. That leaves another A & P and stats class as co-reqs. Otherwise, only nursing coursework awaits!

Eager to know from the over 40 crowd what your experience was like. And, you don't have to be over 40 if you have some wise words or at the very least, words of encouragement and stellar advice . . . :)

I am the mother of a soon-to-be 3-year-old girl and a soon-to-be 5-year-old boy. Both will be full time in school in about two years, just when I am finishing the program. They are the reason I am doing this and also the reason I worked extremely hard to make this program as part-time as possible.

Thanks for the feedback!

I will be 40 when I graduate from nursing school. And, I am in the same boat as you, I start nursing school this Fall. So, far my nursing school experience has been a good one. I haven't started nursing classes yet but I have attended meetings at my school to prepare for the upcoming semester. At my last pre-orientation meeting, I'd guess there were only a few that I'd consider in the 30+ range and everyone else appeared younger. No one had any hangups about age, and everyone was friendly and supportive. I guess, the best advice I can give you is to ask questions. The more you know the better it'll be.

When I had my meeting with my program advisor several months ago, I asked her if there were any students incoming who were around my age that I could relate to. She told me that it is not uncommon to see older students in a RN program. That many older students go back to school after having kids and want to pursue their dreams. Or, there are LPNs/LVNs who have worked so many years who want to pursue their RN, or other healthcare workers. Its not about age, its about starting a goal and tackling it from start to finish. I hope this helps. :)

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With all of your prior education, would it really entail that much more to go ahead and get a BSN? I had a previous degree, and by the time all of my previous work was transferred, the difference between the ADN and the BSN in terms of time was pretty negligible.

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Cost and location were an issue. The college I am going to is local and has a great reputation with surrounding hospitals. I will likely pay less than $12k for entire program, which I think is great!

I'm also considering the RN to MSN program at Ohio University when I'm done. With the BA and MEd I already have, I will just have to take the BSN nursing coursework to officially be in the program.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.
Cost and location were an issue. The college I am going to is local and has a great reputation with surrounding hospitals. I will likely pay less than $12k for entire program, which I think is great!

I'm also considering the RN to MSN program at Ohio University when I'm done. With the BA and MEd I already have, I will just have to take the BSN nursing coursework to officially be in the program.

That's my plan, as well. I'm doing an ADN because the college is only a few minutes away and cost is a huge factor when you aren't a first timer and they shut down that financial aid! Then I'm looking at South Alabama and Drexel's RN-MSN programs afterward. It'll take a year longer than the BSN, but I'll literally be saving thousands of dollars and miles of driving. All important things when you have a family to manage, as well!

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Specializes in Cardiac intermediate care.

I think the best thing for you to do would be to organize your non-school responsibilities into a system that will be easy to live with. At your age, you are probably emotionally prepared to handle nursing school in ways that younger students may not have had the chance to be. You already have done what you can to make your program as part time as you can make it, which benefits your children. Good luck and best wishes on your journey to becoming a nurse!

I am 37 and will begin my five-semester BSN program in two months; it is over when I'm 39. I have a 6 year old daughter, but thankfully I have a very supportive husband who cooks. Just because we're a bit older doesn't mean that we can't do it!

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