young FNP student out of place??

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice.

So today was the first day of orientation for my MSN program. There were alot of nurses with a wide variety of nursing backgrounds but the common theme I noticed was that most were in their late 30's and up. Honestly, I feel like it will be kind of hard for me to relate to these nurses because of the age gap (I'm in my mid 20's). I'm worried that it will be awkward and hard to form relationships. Anyone else dealing with this?

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Not now, but I did many years ago when I got my MSN. (Entered program at 24 and graduated at 26) I was teaching in an MSN program at 26. It made me grow up fast. But that's OK. Graduate school is for grown ups and it will force you to learn to relate to people outside of your age group. Look at it as a possitive thing and it can be a great thing for you -- and you can learn a lot of things about life and relationships as well as the official content taught by the school.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice.

I'm kind of an old soul and honestly have been through alot of things most people older than me have probably not. I get along well with people who are not in my age group (where I work now, I am the youngest there). My worry is that these older nurses will look at me as being young and maybe not as experienced as them and that THEY will make it hard to form relationships or be standoffish with me. So far they have been pleasant, but I have experienced first hand the "Nurse's eat their young" mentality and am familiar with how this can manifest itself.

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Just be yourself. People will like just the way you are. Authenticity is my best policy. Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care Medicine.

Best advice, I agree, is Rnuvo8's.

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Specializes in Trauma 4yr Flight 8mn.

If you project yourself in a professional manor it should not be a problem making bonds. Also show respect for the tenure in nursing the "elders" have. That's all us "old" nurses really want. Yes you are younger but realize and acknowledge that the old nurses have a lot of knowledge to bring to your schooling, job and career and it should make for bonding moments. Leave the typically associated young adult drama out and you should be fine. Worked for me and continues to work. I was a 20 something working as a flight nurse, with an old soul. World lived and traveled, bought my home at 27. It can be done :)

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I thought that I'd be one of the younger students (I'm 32). Turns out the majority are 20somethings. I'm one of the older people in my class. But we all get along and support each other. It's nice.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I was the oldest person in my cohort by a good margin, and was afraid I wouldn't fit in with the younger students. However, we all bonded and got along very well. Just be yourself and respect everyone for who they are. You'll be fine!

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Age is just a number. Focus on what you have in common: you're all interested in advancing your education, you will be with a cohort who have similar clinical interests, you are the only people who will understand and appreciate the rigors and nuances of your particular program, you're all nurses after all!

I went to both my RN program and MSN with multiple generations of students represented. As long as everyone is respectful and professional, there usually aren't any grips over age. You soon come to see that you're all more alike that you are different and that is a really unifying and rewarding experience.

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I'm kind of an old soul and honestly have been through alot of things most people older than me have probably not. I get along well with people who are not in my age group (where I work now, I am the youngest there). My worry is that these older nurses will look at me as being young and maybe not as experienced as them and that THEY will make it hard to form relationships or be standoffish with me. So far they have been pleasant, but I have experienced first hand the "Nurse's eat their young" mentality and am familiar with how this can manifest itself.

I think the adage of "with age comes wisdom" applies. As you get older you judge people less on their appearance, age, etc. and more on their actions and knowledge. If you show to be a mature, knowledgeable person, competent in whatever it is that you're doing then you'll be accepted. Your meter to gauge how full of crap someone is also becomes enhanced. As Rnuvo8 said, "just be yourself."

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice.

Thanks everybody for the encouragement! Hopefully everyone looks at it the same way as you all. I am very excited to be on the road to becoming a nurse practitioner and regardless of how everyone receives me, my main focus is learning all that I can so that I am truly prepared for this new role.

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I agree with the rest of the ladies. I was 23 when I entered the program (just turned 24 yesterday!!!). I must admit we have a equal number of youngsters and experienced nurses. I actually have had no problem bonding with most of the ladies and gents in the cohort. Trials bring people closer. I opted to do the 2 year program and it has been H-E-double hockey sticks. I'm in a hybrid program so I usually see my cohort on test days or planned skills days. I have never had a problem forming bonds especially with the full time group. I have formed a lasting friendship with women in their mid-30s and one in her 50s that I am sure will outlast the completion of the program. Be friendly and professional, I've found that often those who are coming back into school after many years absent from it look to the younger students for advice. You could be a great asset to your classmates. And remember that your classmates are beneficial even after school in job tips or someone to vent to during that first year of NP training chaos. I look at my classmates as friends and future professional peers.

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