Teaching a (not so) old dog new tricks.

FLhusker · Feb 25, 2011

18 months ago I decided to go back to school for nursing. I graduated with my first degree 19 years ago. YES, it was intimidating at first, but really once I started classes and realized that my brain DOES still work and I can still learn, it was all good from there. So, no, it is not going to be as hard as you think. Non-traditional students generally have a very good work ethic and seem very committed to their journey. In all honesty, it has been far easier than I first anticipated (okay, maybe not the Chemistry)! I'm in my last pre-reqs and am applying to nursing programs now, it is very exciting and the time does fly by.

Oh, and maybe it's all in the state of mind, but I never feel like (at 42) I'm too old to be here.

BADDLEGG · Feb 25, 2011

Hopefully I will have the same success. Your situition motivates me. I really killed my chances of college nor did I have the drive to go to college in highschool. English , and science kind of scare me. I (due to the fact I messed around and didnt take school seriously) did not fair well in those subjects. Looking forward to the challenge.

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2011

You should do fine, I never did well in school and actually went to an alternative school for my last year and a half of high school so I could graduate with my diploma on time and I was very scared when I decided to go to college a couple years after. Its so surprisingly different though, I think it's because of how much someone changes so muc between high school and college and the want to be there. I'm sure you will do fine! One last thingI must add, OLD! I graduated in '99 (12 years ago) and I do not think 29 is old!!!!!!!!! My kids make me feel old but not being 29 :)

tanelson · Feb 25, 2011

You can do it! I started taking classes after a 6 year break. Since I was also working full-time, I started out kind of small and took two classes (6 hours) my first semester and then added a class every semester once I was comfortable enough to do so. Right now I am enrolled in 15 hours and working 30 hours a week, though I wouldn't recommend that because I am one giant ball of stress and I'm barely halfway through the term. I have a very flexible work schedule, though, so it does help a little. Also, I don't think that you should worry about the length of time since you were last enrolled. Just be honest with yourself and be able to recognize if and when you need help - all colleges have tutoring, and even my tiny little rural Community College has online tutoring available on their student website. Something that may help is to take something that you feel you have the most aptitude in your first semester (or something you're most interested in) because that will help you gain confidence in your abilities as a student as well as keep you motivated. :)

Also, make sure to utilize your academic advisor - I found out that I would actually have less money and time invested by going through LPN, then the Accelerated ADN, and then the RN to BSN than if I tried going straight for my BSN because my college GPA (when I dropped out 7 years ago) was MUCH less than desirable (flunked out, too immature for college) and nursing is a very competitive program. I don't know your situation as far as that goes, but there are so many options and paths to a BSN that are worth considering. I just wanted to mention that since it was something that didn't really occur to me when I first started, and I think I have run into every roadblock imaginable, so just remember your options if you hit any bumps in the road! :)

I am finishing up my testing (TEAS and COMPASS) and getting ready to apply to the LPN program for this fall, so I don't know a lot about nursing specifically, but I thought I'd share my two cents anyway. I wish you luck!

mangopeach · Feb 25, 2011

I'm doing way better this second journey than I did right out of high school many moons ago. You will be fine. Sometimes I think to myself, if only things had clicked for me back then the way it does now. My life would have been very different. But ya know, I'm right where I should be. The course that I've taken in life, all the twists and turns have made me a stronger and better me so I am right where I should be.

You will be fine. Good luck!

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2011

Graduated from college in '87 with an un-stellar GPA and one science course under my belt (biology with a D+). Started my pre-reqs in 2008 and only got As. I was able to focus much better than when I was a 20 year old. I'm 48 and not the oldest person in my nursing school and I'm enjoying the challenge.

AlleycatLPN · Feb 26, 2011

I am 37. I have been a lpn for 16 years and am just now returning to school! I am doing pre reqs for my bsn. I am doing better in school now compared to my younger years. I take school more seriously now. You can do it!