39 y.o. new male nursing student

coachj · Sep 26, 2011

I am a 47 year old nursing student weeks away from the 1/2 point of my program.

AriesMoon72 · Sep 27, 2011

Cool! How's it going for you?

coachj · Sep 27, 2011

Tough program (AS Nursing RN) but I'm doing ok. How bout you.

Dave 48103 · Sep 27, 2011

48 year old, just graduated BSN and start working in pediatrics in 2 weeks. Good luck in the program!

andrewschultz, LVN · Sep 28, 2011

35 year old nursing student as well. Starting the LPN program at Kaplan College in North Hollywood on October 31st.

MikeFromMT · Sep 29, 2011

I'm in IA as well, I graduated the PN program in August and just passed my boards, I expect to start the ADN program in January, FWIW I'm 49, not the oldest person in my class, close but not quite.

AriesMoon72 · Sep 30, 2011

Hey, it's been great to hear from all of you! I notice that all but one of you is actually older than me, which is very encouraging. Have any of you experienced any negative effects relating to your age or gender? Another thing that concerns me is my complete lack of experience in the healthcare field. Have you all had some kind of field experience before you started LPN training? Like CNA work?

MikeFromMT · Sep 30, 2011

I've had no issues with either my age nor my gender, if anything I think my instructors like the fact that there are some older students in the room (not just me either) we tend to bring a level of maturity and seriousness to our studies. As for being male, that has not been a problem, again I think my instructors like having a guy to add to the diversity and give a different perspective on things. When it comes to clinicals, again no problems, even in L-D, I was welcomed by the patients and their families, most of whom were interested in my story more than anything. ( Y'know, "so, what made you decide to be a Nurse at your age?")

My previous experience was a CNA (back then we were called Orderlies) over 30 years ago in a LTC facility.

Anoetos, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

45 year old wrapping up the third year of my BSN. I too have yet to encounter any problems because of my gender or age.

AriesMoon72 · Oct 1, 2011

Thanks for the feedback, guys! Very encouraging. I'm itching to get started in November. Have orientation and registration on October 22nd.

BeachsideNic · Oct 2, 2011

Hey, I'm 42 years old and starting my BSN nursing program in January, 2012... good to meet ya... I'm extremely excited about beginning, and it's encouraging to see so many men around our age who are heading into nursing... I truly feel that our age and life experience is a benefit rather than a handicap. We have a history of education and work ethic that a 21 year old student may not have.