scared and i haven't even started ! Eeek

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jan 2, 2014

You'll be fine, just put your nose to the grindstone and it'll happen. I started my pre reqs when I was 47 (took me a while, I went part time!) Just finished first semester of NS at age 50. Hey, if you are healthy and young at heart there are no limits on what you can accomplish.

iPink, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2014

Congrats on making the journey to becoming a nurse. Now, take a deep breath (don't forget to excel) and put those fears behind you.

Just don't over do it when you are signing up for your prerequisites. Since math isn't your strong point, form study groups with your classmates so you can succeed.

GoodnessFlows · Jan 3, 2014

Congrats! I returned at age 41 in 2012. I too said I wasn't great at math, so I started in pre-algebra as well. To my surprise, my teacher suggested I take an accelerated algebra course. I listened to her, and finished with an A. I just completed stats with an A as well! Just remember, stop playing that old tired recorder that says your your math is weak. I used to believe that I needed to immediately grasp concepts in order to consider myself good at something, especially math. Not true! We're not meant to grasp everything right away. The challenge is the EFFORT we are willing to put towards grasping math. You've got to be willing to commit to time outside of class studying, and if you do that, you too will be able to say that not only can you do math well, but you are pretty awesome at math as well!

Pretty awesome you are returning to school at 40! Good luck to you.

georgiarose, ADN, RN · Jan 3, 2014

I'm right there with you! I am 39 and I start my pre-reqs for ADN on Monday. I'm starting out with just two courses since it has been about 17 years since I have been in school. Best of luck to you and remember you are not alone. :)

April White-Lewis, ADN, LPN · Jan 3, 2014

Congrats! Your are off to a great start. It is natural to be nervous. You are entering a rewarding and passionate field. It may become overwhelming sometimes along the way, but stay motivated and remember the reasons that you want to become a nurse. Remember we are taking care of people, their families, our co-workers, the doctors and anyone in between So we have to know our stuff. Everyone is not made of the fabric to be a nurse. You can do it! I still can't stand Algebra! I studied with the ones who were smart in math and did some tutoring with the instructors and grabbed some extra credit whenever it was offered. I passed! Hope this helps a little. I am 43. I have been a LPN for 11 years now and attending RN school now. I have one more year.

krisiepoo · Jan 3, 2014

My step-mom graduated when she was in her early 50's. It was always a dream of hers and her ex wouldn't let her do it... it's hard but if it's something you want to do, then you're the only one stopping you

jnichox2 · Jan 4, 2014

Congratulations on this decision. Your on the right track and its okay to be nervous. Don't worry about being a non-traditional student either. You'll find that many people just like you are making the same decision. I wish you all the luck in the world.

DadStudentPerhaps · Jan 4, 2014

When I set out on this journey, I also had to take Pre-Algebra and Algebra along with A&P 1&2. I've only got A&P 2 left to be done with pre-Reqs. I'm 47.... work full time... and have 2 daughters that my wife and I homeschool. With the exception of Labs, I've done it all on-line. My current job requires me to travel so I use time alone in my hotel room to study and complete assignments. I've been through every range of emotion... Going from extremely frustrated and thinking about giving up to extremely Happy I passed with an "A" and glad that I didn't give up. It's a crazy journey, no doubt. Coming here and sharing with people on the same path is like therapy. Good luck, you can do it :-)

JoseQuinones · Jan 4, 2014

I might be a bit biased on this one, but take the time to learn another language, like Spanish. I just got back from visiting my sister in Minnesota (she's a CNA) and it was amazing to me how many of her patients were Spanish-speakers, even in her little podunk town. It's a lot of work to learn a new language (I should know - English took me four years), but it's worth it. Not only will it look AWESOME on your resume, but it will give you a gigantic shot of confidence and empower you to help treat people of other cultures. As an added aside, it makes missions trips and volunteering in other countries a lot more fun too!

RunBabyRN · Jan 4, 2014

I think you're on the right track, and doing things in a good order.

Depending on where you are in the country, a foreign language may be helpful as well. It'll really help you stand out when you're applying for jobs.

Good luck!

lorirn101 · Jan 5, 2014

Hi, I have decided that i am going to go for it and go to nursing school.
This is where the fun starts! I am 40 and have no previous experience with nursing but we all have to start somewhere..
Soooo I am now sorting out my plan of action.
I have pre reqs to take which are
Anatomy & Physiology I & II
Written Communication I
Mathematics II
to take these i will have to take, Intro to Biology
and i am going to take Pre Algebra as my maths is very weak and get butterfly's just thinking about it !
My plan is to then take the TEAS after the pre reqs -
I have also signed up for a CNA course to just get me in the flow of everything to expand my knowledge so that i don't go into college blindly .
http://www.edklopfer.com/healthcare-courses/cna-training
I would love to know your thought on the plan of action, Thank You Nicky

I think you should focus on the requirements for your nursing degree. A CNA course will cover the information you will learn in fundamentals of nursing and will not really give you knowledge to help you in college. If you plan on working as a CNA while in school, that is a different story. Working with with patients before you start your clinical courses in nursing school, will give you a basic knowledge base in patient care and boost your confidence in the clinical setting.