Too young to be a nurse?

[guiltysins]

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.

[CandyGyrl]

I wished I'd even thought about nursing school when I was 19. My mom was an RN and encouraged me to do it; but at the time I saw myself dressing up in suits not scrubs... after about 5 years of dressing up in suits and being laid off from my IT job in 2004 I gave nursing a try. I am 28 and I'll be graduating in May.

So you are what they consider a traditional student. I thought 20 or 22 was an ideal age to start anything! I feel awkward being labeled a non-traditional student because I am over 25. I almost feel like I would have a tougher time when I start because everyone else will likely be younger.

You have an advantage... BE PROUD!