Too young/ early in life to be in Nursing Program?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hi all,

I'm currently a sophomore in a BSN program. I will be 20 years old this march. I went straight from high school to my college and started prerecs, got accepted into NS first try and now I'm almost done with my first year of nursing school. I'm currently volunteering, but the only "real" job that I've ever had is fast food. I still live with my parents for now, to save money. We aren't rich by any means but they try their best to support me. I choose not to work during the school year because I know myself that it would be difficult for me to keep up with the program if I worked. I don't have my own car because I can't afford one... I use one of my parent's. Sometimes they have to give me rides to school and it's embarrassing because everyone else has their own cars and are on their own.

I can't afford a car because I don't work except for summers but that's what I chose to do because It's how I'm getting through the program.

My question is... am I too young/inexperienced to be in Nursing school? Most of my classmates are older than me, very many with cars and their own homes and children etc, and here i am still at home with my parents helping me get through school so that I can be a nurse. I know for a fact that some of them look down on me because I'm not "independent" and my parents are helping me get through this.

I even heard a few older students talking and I guess they didn't realize that I was there, but they said that they wouldn't let people straight out of high school get into nursing school... they should get out for a few years and be more experienced and then go and be a nurse. How true is this?

Will I not be as good as a nurse because I am young? Because I don't have much life experience? Isn't the fact that I can pass nursing school what really counts? I've talked to my friends and parents and they say that it's best to get it done while you're young. But I'm insecure and I feel like I'm out of place... and I'm starting to wonder if maybe they're right.

Specializes in Inpatient Obstetrics Certification.

In 1976 I was 20 years old when I graduated with my ADN. Many of my classmates were also my age. That is how it was back then. You went from high school right into college. There wasn't a waiting list to get into nursing school. I think it's great and you will do well. Now I am 56 and working on my MSN in Nursing Education. Many people think I'm too old and need to think about retiring. I just want to teach the new nurses who will be replacing my generation when we all decide to retire.

No sweetie you are NOT too young! I myself was a young nurse. I was 20 when I became a LPN, I'm now 27 and getting ready to start RN school. So I know how ya feel! I will warn you, people will give a hard time about being a young nurse, it happened to me. Just take that and use it as fuel for being the best nurse you can be!! I can personally say that I've learned A LOT from being a young nurse and it has made me a strong nurse. Good luck!!!

When i was in nursing school, there were 2 students in our RN program who got accepted right after high school because of high NL results. Both were able to pass the prereq requirements (basic math, English 101 placement, and high school chemistry).

It was a struggle. Both did not work. Were full time - took nursing classes along with minors (A & P 1 and 2, Micro, English, etc). After an 8 hour clinicals they would rush back to school to attend evening classes.

I asked them how they did. NO love life, not working + supportive family! and NO partying!

Both graduated! So i know it is possible if one just prioritize his/her schedules.

You can do it. You're blessed to having been accepted right after high school. Most, including myself, were still indecisive of what to take for a major/career.

Just lots of sacrifices and prayers, you can make it!

Work it kid!! If your parents are willing to help you. You are focused on your school work and are keeping up your grades. If you are doing well in your classes. Keep going. Don't worry about your age. I am on the other end of the spectrum...I am 53 and still taking prereqs. I would give anything to be where you are at this moment.

Work it kid!! If your parents are willing to help you. You are focused on your school work and are keeping up your grades. If you are doing well in your classes. Keep going. Don't worry about your age. I am on the other end of the spectrum...I am 53 and still taking prereqs. I would give anything to be where you are at this moment.

You'll do fine Maryea... There were about 15 students in our program who are in their 60's. I hang out with them more than my own age. Kept me focus.

One never stops learning, our adviser told us. In life never stop learning!

Good luck to you!

Oh, you will be awesome!!!!!! Really. Don't worry about what other people say... There are a lot of "dream-stealers" in the world and when I was your age I listened to everyone of them and delayed my dream of becoming a nurse! So, here I am now at 46 years old and heck with that nonsense! I am plugging away and wished I did this back at your age... If you really want this, go for it! Plug your ears and put your eyes in your text book and study your heart out! Blow them out of the water! HA! Really, who are they? Your family, no? Future friends, not likely... You are there to learn... and those green-eyed students will leave you alone when you no longer care what they think, right? They are older students and should know better, right? You are the mature one... Brush them off and study!!!! Get your books and get ready for your next test! God is with you! Please keep us posted! Don't let anyone steal your dream away, it only happens when you give away your power to them. Ignore them, future nurse. :nurse:

Specializes in CMSRN.

While I am one of the "older" students at the age of 32 with a husband, a mortgage, a car payment, and two kids, I can definitely say there are some advantages to getting in to nursing young! I think I have great life experience and certainly have been through things that have helped me understand certain concepts of nursing but I also have a TON of distractions that someone right out of high school doesn't necessarily have.

You don't have to worry about making it to clinicals if your kids are sick. You don't have to worry about finding time to study after "family time". You don't have to worry about getting all your hours in at work to help pay the mortgage. Those are great advantages!

Also, quite frankly, no matter your age, if you are willing to put in the work, get the knowledge and clinical experience, and graduate from a nursing program, then you have accomplished a great thing. Don't worry about what others say as far as age. Be proud of your accomplishments and know that when you get a job and start contributing to a 401K or 403B, you are that much farther ahead in life than those that are just starting in their 30's/40's. :cool:

Think you should hang in there, but also do what is best for your situation. Your struggles, and sacrifices will be worth it when you graduate:)

Oh, you will be awesome!!!!!! Really. Don't worry about what other people say... There are a lot of "dream-stealers" in the world and when I was your age I listened to everyone of them and delayed my dream of becoming a nurse! So, here I am now at 46 years old and heck with that nonsense! I am plugging away and wished I did this back at your age... If you really want this, go for it! Plug your ears and put your eyes in your text book and study your heart out! Blow them out of the water! HA! Really, who are they? Your family, no? Future friends, not likely... You are there to learn... and those green-eyed students will leave you alone when you no longer care what they think, right? They are older students and should know better, right? You are the mature one... Brush them off and study!!!! Get your books and get ready for your next test! God is with you! Please keep us posted! Don't let anyone steal your dream away, it only happens when you give away your power to them. Ignore them, future nurse. :nurse:

Wish I could like this 10 times :up: thank you! :)

Thank you so much for your replies, everyone! :) I have read every single one and I can't even begin to say how much I appreciate it and how encouraged I am now! I don't feel like I am alone like I did before. Before, I felt like (honestly) that I was the only one that had my mind set- get it done while I'm young- because I know that I'll be glad that I did later on in life! Plus, I'll have time to get my masters or FNP if I feel led to do so. :D

When I posted this, and the time leading up to it, I felt alone and like I was crazy in a way because most people my age party and have no real direction. I felt like the oddball, or the "weirdo", haha. I want to say that I think that it's WONDERFUL that all of you nursing students and nurses are working hard towards your dreams! Don't let anyone discourage you from it, no matter how old you are. It's never too late and you have inspired me to concentrate on what I believe I am called to do and ignore the naysayers. If you feel that nursing is your calling then only you can stand in the way! I hope I have co workers like all of you! (Although I realize that it's probably unlikely... lol.)

I haven't been on AN too long, and haven't had many posts as of yet but I have to say, I'm overwhelmed by the support that I have had on here! You all are awesome :):inlove:

I understand where you are coming from completely! I'm a bit older than you, 25, but in my classes I was the youngest (23 at the time!). I don't have kids, not married, and I don't work; lot of my fellow classmates are, and married. The majority are in their late 30's with the oldest being near 50. I had nothing in common with most of them, but a few of them took me under their wings. There was the occassional rude comments, but me and my friends didn't pay any heed to it. Don't sweat the small stuff! People who mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind. You're going to make it and do great things!

I am 20, taking pre reqs at a community college and starting at a BSN program in the fall (hopefully... I just applied). I am by far one of the youngest in my pre reqs, but I accept it! My parents are paying for my education & I still live with them. I just keep in mind how lucky I am to have parents who are supportive, emotionally and financially. Plus I recently got engaged & will be getting married 2015 so I am going to enjoy these next couple years of being dependent on them before I have to add extra responsibilities besides school. Don't feel inferior or allow these people in your classes to be condescending. You have so much to learn & that is a great thing! Good luck.

+ Add a Comment