Way older than clinical instructor?

Altra, BSN, RN · Mar 18, 2004

Joey,

I'm 36, soon to be 37, and I am older than one of the instructors and several of the nurses I've been assigned with in clinicals. So far it hasn't been a problem at all. As a general rule, I think that maturity lends a certain advantage in "people skills." You can often better deal with whatever personality comes your way.

When you say "way older" .... hmm ... wondering if that would be different?

suzy253, RN · Mar 18, 2004

At 51 and a freshman student I have clinical instructors older than me (not by much!) and younger...by a couple of years. I have no problem with communication....I soak in everything they tell me, demonstrate to me and ask questions if I'm not clear on something. I call them not by their first names but Mrs. xxx and treat them with respect they deserve with them being my clinical and lecture instructor and me as the student learning from them.

pattik9898 · Mar 18, 2004

Joey,
I'm 36, soon to be 37, and I am older than one of the instructors and several of the nurses I've been assigned with in clinicals. So far it hasn't been a problem at all. As a general rule, I think that maturity lends a certain advantage in "people skills." You can often better deal with whatever personality comes your way.
When you say "way older" .... hmm ... wondering if that would be different?

im old old old. let's leave it at that. it is wonderful to be in a profession that embraces the older person, and sees the value of their experience.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Mar 18, 2004

I've been older than two and about the same as another prof.

Gotten along great with all of them.

Carolanne · Mar 18, 2004

I'm 44 and all of my nursing instructors have been women in their 40s and 50s. I have worked with several nurses younger than me and I never even thought about the age thing. One gal was 23 (young enough to be my daughter :uhoh21: ) and I followed her around for five days when I did a summer preceptorship. We got along fine and I learned a lot from her. The age difference didn't bother me at all and I don't think it did her either. We were just focused on the tasks at hand and worked as a team.

hopefully · Mar 19, 2004

You are only 36. That does not make you old. If you think like a old person then people will see that. In my classes, we have classmates over 50.

joey1967 · Mar 19, 2004

Wow, sounds wonderful that so many "older" women are going into the field! I am the oldest one in my class, the average age of the students are between 23-24, and I really notice the age difference. My mom is in her 60's and most of the people in my class think that is ancient! As for the instructor thing, does anyone think that men and women communicate differently? Has anyone had a younger male nurse instructor? I feel that I am being evaluated and almost looked down upon due to my age, like what is someone my age going back to school for. I'm not married, without kids, and that almost seems to be a mark on me. I'm usually asked "oh did you go back to support your children". It seems it is almost a given that I've been married and am now divorced which I haven't been. This particular instructor just assumed that was my situation. I actually have two degrees and this is my third, and I just like to learn but I don't want to have to explain myself and the reasons why I decided to go to nursing school. At any rate, I've had great relationships with everyone up until now, maybe it will get better, but I won't hold my breath. I'm happy to hear that everyone here has been accepted so favourably into the profession eventhough they are older than the "average" student.

Energizer Bunny · Mar 19, 2004

Wow, sounds wonderful that so many "older" women are going into the field! I am the oldest one in my class, the average age of the students are between 23-24, and I really notice the age difference.

My advisor told me on Tuesday that there are only 10 high school grads coming in to our class in the fall and that most of the students will be my age (30) or even older with children. I don't know if this is because it is a community college with an intensive two year program or why, but I am grateful I won't be alone in the age department.

orrnlori, RN · Mar 19, 2004

This instructor really has you in a tizzy. He may be a total jerk, I don't know. I think you are letting him make you feel too insecure. I was 40 when I started clinicals and I had several instructors in their mid to late 20's. And I had two male instructors. I didn't have a problem with any of them. If anything, the old blue-haired bat instructors were the problems. You are a mature and educated woman and this guy has just blow your self confidence to bits. I know you will make it through this and do a great job in school, finish and become a fine nurse. Quit letting this guy take away what you have worked for, don't let him rent space in your brain. Smile, bend over backwards, do whatever you have to do but beat him at his own game in such a way that he doesn't even know you won. You need to let this go. There's much work to do. Don't assign motives to people or you'll drive yourself crazy. You two obviously have some kind of personality clash. Don't let that get in the way of what you want and what you've worked for. Quit worrying about being older, you will make a better nurse because of your maturity and grace than any 20 year old. You may very well have other young instructors. Don't assume they are judging you and don't you judge them. School is soooooo tough. Don't make it tougher. :)

joey1967 · Mar 19, 2004

This instructor really has you in a tizzy. He may be a total jerk, I don't know. I think you are letting him make you feel too insecure. I was 40 when I started clinicals and I had several instructors in their mid to late 20's. And I had two male instructors. I didn't have a problem with any of them. If anything, the old blue-haired bat instructors were the problems. You are a mature and educated woman and this guy has just blow your self confidence to bits. I know you will make it through this and do a great job in school, finish and become a fine nurse. Quit letting this guy take away what you have worked for, don't let him rent space in your brain. Smile, bend over backwards, do whatever you have to do but beat him at his own game in such a way that he doesn't even know you won. You need to let this go. There's much work to do. Don't assign motives to people or you'll drive yourself crazy. You two obviously have some kind of personality clash. Don't let that get in the way of what you want and what you've worked for. Quit worrying about being older, you will make a better nurse because of your maturity and grace than any 20 year old. You may very well have other young instructors. Don't assume they are judging you and don't you judge them. School is soooooo tough. Don't make it tougher. :)

Thanks so much for making me feel better

:) ! I was just on the downside of thinking maybe I'm not cut out for this and it is time to give it up. Making I can't take it and maybe I'm not tough enough. Maybe I need to learn to keep my mouth shut...Maybe I need to learn to comprise my values and own nursing standards...Nursing school has made me a wreck. I'm suppose to feel comfortable with who I am at this age not doubting who I am. I feel so beat up by this. I have to go in on Tuesday and hold my head high but I am really struggling with keeping it together - I keep telling myself that I know who I am, and that I can't let this guy get me down, because maybe that's what he wants. I won't cry I won't cry I won't cry. That's the good thing. Part of my problem is that I've never been good at playing games. I'm really out there, open, honest and I HATE BS and game playing, it drives me nuts. I have nursing friends who know me well enough who actually wondered if I could get through all the brown nosing and crap that nursing school throws at you. Ugh, this is what its come to. I really want to nurse, that is what keeps me going. I need more positive reinforcement and you really did make me feel better and get alittle objective with the whole situation.

emmy · Mar 19, 2004

Hi joey1967

Remember Nursing School isn't forever.

Just think to the time when, and you will, qualify and you'll be doing a job that you have worked soo hard to do and want soo much to do.

Chin up, we're here whenever you need support! :)