Rlee1

Thank you! I salute you.

I started pre reqs in fall of 2011 at age 49. I start my ADN in a about a week at 51. It is a full 4 semesters and like the previous responses, all those years of living bring a lot to the table. Also, like much of the other sage advice on AN, if you don't go to school, two years from now you are just two years older! Go for it, i love being around the youngsters, it is refreshing.

Got my reading list, calendar, exam schedule, etc. Wow, plenty to do! Orientation in a month, classes start same week. Also got ATI schedule but can't seem to find what I need on their site. Anyone else having trouble? There are things we can work on early in my program. Tons of reading- need to order my 12 books!! Here we go!

I too am 51 and starting my program in August. It's like the others said, we will be the same age whether we go to school or not! I think the wisdom of our years is an advantage. Just my opinion. Good luck to all us "ole timers" !

Anxiously waiting for our book list! It is supposed to be emailed by July, 1st. Lacking a tdap shot to turn in all my paperwork. Orientation first week of August. Got a long week end scheduled with the family before it all starts, looking forward to that too!

Picked up my uniforms and lab coat today! Got my spiffy name tags with " RN STUDENT" on them! Still waiting on that book list tho! At least it's happening, i am getting excited more and more!

All these youngsters in this thread! Lol. I am 51 and start my program (asn) in august. It took about 1 1/2 years to do all my pre reqs, including a few that will apply to the BSN I hope to get upon finishing my RN. My kids are grown, my wife is super supportive, let the games begin! Good luck to all!

Think of it this way, you don't stop driving just because someone else had a crash. Death is not pleasant but in many cases it also is not unpleasant. Many times people are ready to die, they have found their peace and welcome whatever may be next. In many cases not only the patient but the family, finally feels the burden of pain,sickness, and suffering lifted from their lives. Don't let it reflect back on what if it were you or your children, instead let it teach you not to fear the inevitable and be able to share the emotion. Who knows, maybe it will help sometime with something tragic to the kids like a goldfish or a puppy, which may be devastating to them, but a life lesson that most endure. Many of us remember just such things. As time goes on you will become more familiar, although maybe never comfortable, and to many I am sure you will make a difference. Good luck.

I sure can't argue with this advice! As a 50 pluser myself that is one of my tougher hurdles. Our kids grew up with this technology and we must grow into it. I have a 3 year old grandson who can navigate my iphone and ipad quite handily. I, in the meantime marvel at my fellow students that produce dazzling powerpoint presentations in less than half the time it takes me. Heed Mclennans advice and stay up on the techno. I practice it almost as much as I study!

That's a lotta books!

Well I can't help with advice from the older lady department- but being about the same age I can tell ya to have faith. I truly believe that the wisdom of your years and experience in raising children will help compensate for the slight slowing we both are showing! In many ways I am sure you do not have the distractions that come with youth, but in ways you have responsibilities that also the young don't share. So stay positive, enjoy the journey, and god luck in both of our new endeavors.

I am 51 and changing from a carpenter to a nurse. How big is your change? I was an EMT many years ago and loved it. Hoping nursing is even more rewarding. Although I do love making furniture!

We did a sheeps heart and a cat. I think the mental prep is important. I was not fond of it on one hand but was fascinated to see the various parts of anatomy in the flesh so to speak. Even though pictures are very detailed- it's not the same as seeing and touching.

Wow it's exciting to hear all about the different programs everyone is in. I was looking forward to getting my text book info- till I read some of ya'alls posts!! I too have only nursing courses left but will be taking some 1/2 semester courses to keep me at full time. Fundamentals- pharm - nutrition, only give me 10. Pharm and nutrition are online. My school is also one that does not make aid available till late, so everything up until mid August is out of pocket. But we do what we gotta! I will be working while I go to school- have a very flexible boss. I am looking forward to this threads journey!

I think you may also find in addition to the good advice previously posted that the intro bio course will help when you take a/p which will help when you take micro. It did at my school. Even a/p 2 helped with micro. Good luck. Thats a lot of science!