Young RN?

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I am currently 20 years old working on my BSN at an accelerated program and will be 21 when I graduate and become an RN. Although, I'm the youngest in my class, there are many other young students who are in their early 20's also. Sometimes I feel very discouraged when people (students and even some profs) discount my worries and fears about getting into a grad or doc program after my bsn because of a possibly lower gpa because I "am still young and don't need to rush". People need to understand that I worked my butt off during high school to graduate with my nursing prereqs and have the opportunity to apply to a nursing program upon grad because I worked hard and deserve it. My age shouldn't have to matter when it comes to my future goals and plans towards a higher education. Even some of the nurses give me the same approach and I'm sick of it. Yes I'm young now, but I'd also like to be young when I become a CRNA... My age is just a number and it got me into a BSN program so I'm sure I can pull it off again for a Grad program. Any one can relate!!!???

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Screw everyone else! I think it's awesome that you have it all figured out and know what you want to do. Don't let others bring you down! You deserve all the good that comes to you! Good luck!!

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Specializes in Home Care.

Focus on your goals and let whatever anyone says that you don't agree with go in one ear and out the other.

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Don't worry about what other people say. I know how you feel. I'm 23, but I got married when I was 17 and was already finished with high school and working. We owned our first house when I was 18. My husband is 3 years older than I am. We get it all the time. I've learned to not let it bother me anymore. Just focus on your goals and try not to let it get to you too much.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

Hi Missy89,

My daughter will be in the same boat as you, she knows what she wants and where she is going. She will be starting her pre-reqs while still in HS (she'll be 16 when she starts in the fall - she could start sooner except for paperwork) and will be finished her AS by the time she graduates HS. Then it's onto the traditional BS program at the U where she'll be about 20 or so when she is done. If she came to me and said the same stuff you are saying (she has thoughts about being a CRNA as well), I would tell her to not worry about other people. Find friends who understand you and your goals and that let you vent... surround yourself with like minded people so they encourage you, not work against you. Unfortunately, these people are sometimes hard to find. I totally understand about wanting high marks (I'm there right now trying to get into a very competitive BSN program) and your concerns are legitimate - I tell my daughter all the time how important high grades (especially college) are. CRNA programs are extremely competitive as well.

However, the other people have a point. I had to remind my daughter (who was very bummed she couldn't start her pre-reqs this spring) just yesterday that she is still way ahead of the curve and has accomplished SO much. All you can do is your best - and you are doing just that! You are still YEARS ahead of most people and although it seems like you have to get things done yesterday... you do have time. You need to temper your drive with wisdom. As an older student I look back and regret not starting sooner. But then, I think about it.... I will still have 20+ years of a nursing career ahead of me... that's still lots of time to pay of my loans, lol!

I used to get very upset when my plans did not work out because I had everything neatly planned. But, I have learned with experience, life gets in the way and there is more than one way to reach your goals. One thing I tell my daughter, especially if she plans on continuing to get her CRNA.... live as cheaply as you can when you graduate and start working. Save up as much money as you can because when you are ready to get your CRNA you won't have to live off loans and when you are done, your loans are less.... CRNA school is expensive!

If you need someone to vent to who might understand a little more than others.... drop me a PM. Good luck with school!!

SD :)

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Wow Ursula... How encouraging! Forget nursing school, become a psychiatrist! Thanks so much for the advice, I feel so much better!!!

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Screw everyone else! I think it's awesome that you have it all figured out and know what you want to do. Don't let others bring you down! You deserve all the good that comes to you! Good luck!!

Thanks so much for the advice!!!

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Don't worry about what other people say. I know how you feel. I'm 23, but I got married when I was 17 and was already finished with high school and working. We owned our first house when I was 18. My husband is 3 years older than I am. We get it all the time. I've learned to not let it bother me anymore. Just focus on your goals and try not to let it get to you too much.

Wow, that is really awesome. People don't realize that not all teenagers are into just the partying life style and doing ridiculous risky things with their lives. I'd rather work hard now and enjoy it when I'm older and can make better judgements in life. Right now I'm focused on my education since my parents didn't get the opportunity to have one. Thanks so much!!!

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Focus on your goals and let whatever anyone says that you don't agree with go in one ear and out the other.

Thanks so much for the advice!!!

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Specializes in HCA, Physch, WC, Management.

I hear this all the time and I'm 28!!! Good for you for knowing what you want and going for it, no matter what age.

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Gurl you got it going on!!! :yeah: Im 23 and in my second sem. of BSN and I feel behind. At least you had a plan in life unlike me lol. But you are the ok with me lol.

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im 19 right now, and im planning on graduating with my RN degree(ADN) when im 21 also. then im gnna go right away to get my BSN, im expecting to get the BSN no later than 23. i took that route because i want to start working as RN as soon as possible to see what its like to live in the real world.

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