How many much older (40+) students out there starting classes? (I'm 47)

sandanrnstudent · May 13, 2012

You'll quickly learn that there is no such thing as a part time nursing student! :)

Exhaustipated, ADN, BSN · May 13, 2012

44, here. I'll be doing my 3rd semester of pre-reqs this summer (A&P II --yikes!), 4th semester in the fall, and applying in January for the Fall 2013 nursing program. Not only 44, but also first-time college student.

tkats2012 · May 13, 2012

I am 46 and I am in the nursing program. I really wish I would have done this when i was younger, but I am happy I am doing it now! I do find that some of the studying is harder as I am older!!!

akrevis · May 13, 2012

Hey everyone!

I'm 42 and am working on my pre-reqs. I have a teaching degree and taught for a few years before staying home to raise my kiddos. I'm taking one class at a time. Just finished Principles of Biology and taking Micro this summer then A&P 1 & 2 Fall and Spring. Hoping to be accepted for the RN program fall 2013. Good luck in the journey ladies. I agree it with others as it has been an enjoyable journey thus far.

LobotRN, BSN, RN · May 13, 2012

Just turned 40 and am now finished. Working. Loving most of it, rolling my eyes at some of it. The only piece of advice that I can give you is to take advantage of your life experience. Some of the younger ones will spend so much time complaining about the lack of fairness, equality, whatever, but I found that being older it was SOOO much easier to stay out of that fray and focus on me and my goal. And if you find a study group, that can be great, but it can be done solo. Most of the other students in my program were a good 10-15 years younger, if not more. I tried in the beginning to get into a good group, but I guess I made some interesting choices. They didn't make it through, and later in the program the other existing groups were well established and not wanting other study mates. No worries, you can do it! AND you'll probably be much better at juggling your life during it. Best of luck to you!

RN58186 · May 13, 2012

I graduated years ago, but just wanted to encourage you all..... There was a woman in my class who was 59 when we graduated. She had always wanted to be a nurse, but for one reason or another had never been able to. So she dove in and had her 59th brithday just before we graduated. Never too late to follow a dream....

shannonyocum · May 13, 2012

I'm 44 and taking my pre reqs at a community college. I am hoping to get accepted for the fall 2013 ADN program. I have wanted to be a Nurse since high school but things in life prevented me from it. I am now determined more than ever. Good luck to everyone.

debbiedeb2012 · May 13, 2012

Hi, everyone. Just wondering how many older students like me are starting nursing classes this year? I'm 47 and just finished most of my pre-reqs; starting nursing classes in the fall and am extremely excited! Second career for me after doing data entry for over 25 years and never having gone to college before, but I love it! I don't feel like I could have done this when I was younger - didn't have the determination I do now. And now that my children are grown, there's only my husband and I left so I have plenty of time for studying. This is happening at the perfect time in my life. My ultimate goal is to work as a L&D nurse. I became interested in that 3 years ago when my granddaughter was born and I noticed the nurses helping my daughter through her labor. I thought that was such an interesting and rewarding career. My goal is to have my RN by the time I turn 50! Never thought in a million years my life would take this turn, but soooo glad it has.

Hello older student:)

Well I am 50... And still want my RN... Been a Lvn for 25 years .. Life , work and other circumstances keep a person from completing their goal.. BUT!!! You have to keep going on ..

If you get your RN by 50 , at least there will b 15 years plus before you retire .. RN's are making big bucks out there ... And there are tons if jobs ..

ALNIEVES2004 · May 13, 2012

Hi, almost 40' after 15years working as a teacher I decided make a big change in my life, and start studing to be a nurse. Just follow your heart and your dreams...good luck

Bortaz, MSN, RN · May 13, 2012

Got my ADN and license at 41. Wasn't the oldest in my class by any stretch. Feel my life experience makes me a better nurse. Good luck to you all.

lilboop · May 13, 2012

I will be 43 in September. Right now I am waiting patiently for my acceptance letter for Ivy Tech,; should know something by the 1st week in June. I applied to both the ASN and LPN programs..so hopefully I make into one of them. Best of luck to all of you in reaching your goals!!!!!

Cattleshowmom · May 13, 2012

Oh, my goodness! I'm so excited to see this thread. I am 48, soon to be 49, and hoping to receive my acceptance letter from IvyTech in the next two weeks. I have all of my prereqs done, and will have all of my coreqs done at the end of the summer, so if I do get in, I can concentrate on only nursing classes. I was also a teacher for 17 years, and walked away from it. I taught students with severe and profound multiple disabilities... loved the kids and families, but as education changed over the last few years, I became a classroom/staff manager, never having direct contact with the kids. I was sooo unhappy. People think I'm nuts for walking away, but I'm so much happier. I look forward to meeting needs, working with families, providing comfort and care. I'm just so excited. I will try to remember not to mention how old I am to my younger nursing students, since I don't want to annoy them. :nono: Proud of each and every one of us, as making life changes at an older-than-the-average-student can be scary. Hang in there crew, and persevere. The first step is always the most difficult, so we all have the hardest part behind us.