tannemanlsu

It's never too late...well, 'til you're six feet under. Follow your passion, you'll be a happier person. Mind you nursing school is hard to get into and hell when there. I'm 53 and in the top 10% of my class with two semesters to go. Oh yea, I also work 36 hours/week as an ER tech!...you're the only one that can say if you have the "right stuff" as a nurse. Age is more than a chronicle measure. I believe Bono just turned 50. Also, there are hundreds of options when you become an RN including sales/management/accounting, etc. Keep in mind life is a journey, not a destination. Lastly, if your support network is not supporting you (super negative), there may be a need to evaluate more than a career/life move. I was there and it was not pretty. Now in another close, supporting relationship.

Yea, that's a hard call. I was in healthcare prior to going back to school. Healthcare is a demanding industry that requires a passion for people and a desire to heal/care. You will be tested and I'm not talking academically either. The job market has always been tight with the number of graduates coming out of nursing programs throughout the country. However, good nurses (and graduates) are in demand. Top grades and instructor evals will get you picked for that first opening. At present, an ER tech finishing a RN program. The oldest in class and on the floor (I would like to think also one of the best at both). I love ER. It is clinical and routine for most of the time and then a critical patient comes in and needs your help to stay alive...it's a rush and great satisfaction when you and the team were able to overcome their traumatic event. Talk to those in the profession. For me, there are no sadder words "than what might have been."

50 is the new 40! especially is you stay in shape and practice a healthy life style. Keep in mind Bono of U2 just turned 50. I can't think of anyone of any age who would think of him as middle aged. It is never too late to follow your passion. Anyone who is doubting themselves because of their age, STOP! Nursing school does take a lot of stamina and brains. I've seen plenty of bright 20 something year olds fall by the way side in fundamentals. If you want it bad enough, you can do it too.

I wear the Nike Airmax and see a few other students wear them also.

53! In a RN program to pursue something for me this time around. If I can do it most anybody else can. Grades and scores are important. Math is nursing is rather basic- accuracy in dosages is critical. A&P is what you must retain when you get in a program.

Entering the accelerated program at OLOLC in Jan. Orientation had 7 or so males at of a class of 50, more or less. My point is I don't care. Be yourself, you're there for the career. The issue is with you, not your female cohorts. Worry about what is between your ears (and their!), and not what is between the legs. You're in a professional environment now; act it and you'll get what you sow- everyone will benefit and grow.

Hi Sean. I saw your thread and thought I would share my experiences with OLOlC with you; all good for the most part. It's a competative process!, especially now with a down turn in the economy. Each hospital campus is different and have their own criteria selecting incoming students. In the spring I interviewed, including a written employment application, at Tulane Hospital, but did not get in. More do to finding out I was missing a Psych. course at the 11th hour and could not fit the course in over the summer along with chemistry and nutrition; ultimately my responsibility and oversight. That's one thing about OLOLC is that they do not "handhold" you through the admission process. You have to be very proactive the whole time with submitting grades, docs, etc. I heard of a retired N.O forefighter being accepted at Tulane this fall, then ALSO getting a letter of being denied. I believe he did make it in at Tulane. I've been accepted at the West Jeff Hospital campus this January. Interview skills and personal background in my opinion are key to the selection process at each teaching site. West Jeff is a little different than the other campuses in that it starts the nursing program in the spring, not in the fall as with other campuses and their interview method (hard questions) were a lot different than what I experienced at Tulane- I didn't walk out confident. This is West Jeff's second class. The first had an admitted 30 or so and only 15-17 made it through the program. A word that kept coming up in orientation was "intense". My class is at the max of 50 with 64 having applied. Yours grades could come up a little- the word on the street is 3.25, but don't sweat it- work on selling yourself and what and how you add to the student population mix at your next interview. With 3 campuses in the N.O area- East Jeff, Tulane and West Jeff, you would have a better chance in getting into a program in N.O.