Too young to be a nurse?

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I'm 19 years old and I'm halfway through nursing school, by the time I graduate, I'll will be 22 years old and with my BSN. When I've spoken to nurses in the hospital they've always been very encouraging and think that the fact that I am young will actually help me more because I'll have more patience. One of my nursing classmates who is a CNA and somewhere in her 30's I would say flat out told me "this isn't a profession for young people" and "you should do something else and then go for nursing later on" and I know the average age of a nurse is about 30 or 40 but still. I know some people don't realize how hard nursing is but I've studied this program inside out, I've read up on the classes and clinical rotations and the type of things you have to do so I am very serious about it.

Specializes in OR.

In my opinion, she is just bitter because she is probably looking at you, at your age, and your determination at your point in your life, wishing she could have been at the same point when she was that age.

I've been through a lot during nursing school too. But not with age, with my personality. As long as you want it, you will get it done no matter what ANYONE says. You will find ways to get through whatever situation is put in front of you.

There are some things that can't be judged by an exam or by instructor approval. Age is one of them. Just ignore her.

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.

I will be 21 when I graduate this december and have not encountered opposition related to my age. I have my own worries though that I may not be taken seriously at first, but I know that if I perservere and try my hardest people will get to know me and trust me as I learn to trust myself. Some times I worry that I may not be "all there yet" maturity wise, but I know how to respectfully perform a code and be there for families as well as advocate for my patients, so I'm sure the little stuff will come in later. I do think it would be easier if I was older, because I wouldnt be dealing with such tragedies at a young age. Personally, though, I feel honored to get to witness these life events at my age and I feel so lucky to help people so soon in my life...even if it is hard to do :)

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.
I'm amazed at you young-ins, I couldn't have done it at your age. Good for you and if you have the maturity and smarts to do it I'd love to have you on my team!

It takes a special kind of crazy to want to do this at a young age but it sure is fun!

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The only feedback I got as a young RN is that I was too young to be in charge. Ignore what others say, nursing needs all new members regardless of age.

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I will graduate with my LPN 4 months after I turn 20. Hoping to have my RN before I am 23. Age is just a number personally it seems like a lot of my classmates my age are more dedicated than the older women in my class. A lot of them are just there for the free tuition or are just tired of being aids.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.
:yeah::yeah:NO NO NO you are not too young.....I had just turned 21 when I graduated from a very intense program and I was 1st in my class. It sounds like you are very mature and have studied hard and are dedicated. Also remember that as a nurse.....learning never stops.....at least if you want to be a great nurse. I dedicated myself to life long learning when I chose this profession and it also helps that I love to learn. So just smile at all those people and keep reaching for the stars!!!!!
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NO!! Be glad, and proud of yourself that you know what you want, and you are attaining it while you're young. It may be that she like me (at 42) have let others needs get in our way (I'm responsible for that I know), and we have some envy of those who can get it together and do college and nursing school when they're young. Congratulations!!

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Specializes in ICU, Emergency Department.

I'll be 21 when I graduate. We are just as capable as anyone else. Age is just a number.

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Specializes in Medical.

Almost all our grads are aged twenty three or under. The only reasont he average age of registered nurses is fourtyish is because so many young nurses leave the profession, not because you need to be x years or older.

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Specializes in Acute Rehab.

I will be 22 when i graduate next december and i haven't received any opposition from classmates or nurses in clinicals. And everyone thinks i look 17! I take my education seriously and i believe it's apparent to those around me. Like someone else posted, The 30 y/o is probably envious that she didn't go to nursing school when she was your age. Let your haters be your motivators! :-D

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I was an RN at 19, now I miss the good ol days of being the youngest one on the unit lol

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

When nurses went from high school straight to a 3 yr hospital sch of nsg, it was pretty much the norm to 20-22 @ graduation.

It was UNUSUAL to be >26 or so and starting school, and even more so for students to have families and starting their education--esp the female students.

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