Thinking about it

[Jerseygal]

Hello. I am an older gal (in my forties) and am considering going to nursing school. After reading some of the posts, I realize this won't be an easy road, but I do have the time and my kids are basically self sufficient, so why not? I would like some advice from you gals that have been down this road. Please help.

[suzy253, RN]

It's never too late to learn. I graduated nursing school in 2006 at the age of 53 and am loving every minute of it!

[husker_rn, RN]

Go for it !! I was 38 when I started ; a BSN program to boot so I was 42 when I graduated. Thought I would be the only '" old " lady but we only had 2 traditional students....everyone else was way over 21 too. We all knew why we were there, we had our priorities in place and everyone passed boards. You'll have good days and not so good days. I was lucky. We all worked together; didn't all like each other but we knew we all had the same goal.

[vivibonita]

Best advice to give? Umm don't sweat the small stuff when you are in school. Learn to let the dishes air dry in the sink, not making the bed daily and letting dust bunnies gather in corners and under furniture is not going to kill anyone! Recruit help from family and friends, you will make it up to them later when they come to with every medical question under the sun (and you get to learn stuff you wished you didnt know about them!)! and learn to say no when asked to help on something if it is going to take time away from the books or kids. Also schedule in family time or game night into your schedule where you dont do ANY schoolwork or even think about it. Enlist the kids in helping you study with flashcards if you can, even hubby.

Also, find time to read and study in smaller bits. Make tapes (or buy- NCLEX Excel by Drexel University has a great set) and listen when driving, going to bed, studying something else!

Dont be afraid to ask anything here on allnurses, you have come to a place of great knowledge and support as well. People on here have helped me keep my GPA up and lear above and beyond what they teach you in school which is really helping me in my sr year and will give me a leg up once I am on the job. They have also cheered me along and can truly relate and understand the trials and tribulations of nursing school.

:w00t: Best advise I've ever heard...er...read!!! not only for the OP but for everybody thinking about nursing. :w00t:

[kukukajoo, LPN]

Thank you , but I can't take credit- everything I learned, I learned on allnurses.com!!!!

Well almost all......

Seriously, though- I remember being a student taking prereqs and finding this board and how far I have come and this is the place I have received so much support and information!