General Forums >> Ask A Nurse >> Older First Time Nurses
Older First Time Nurses
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Posted about 2 years ago Hi, I've been reading in another forum 40+,50+ even 60+ people talking about going to school at this age to become an RN. Everyone seems to be extremely encouraging and encouraging people to "go for it" and "follow your dreams". I am 50 and considering going back to become an RN. But what I wanted to know was what do nurses think of newbies who are older? Meaning 50 and older. |
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| Posted about 2 years ago Nurses are accustomed to working with nursing students and graduates of all ages. I started nursing school at age 17--one of my classmates was 55. I recommend reading the article I wrote entitled "Nursing as a Second Career" . You can access by returning to the Home page of Nursing Link--> click on "Nurse Experts"--> click on Laura Wisniewski--> click on the article. A gentle word of warning: Most new nurses experience problems being accepted by other nurses--it is part of the chain of how theye were treated as a new nurse. Your life experience and maturity will help you to cope with this phenomenon.
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| Posted about 2 years ago HealingtheHelper is right in everything she said. What I will add: My observations of older 'new-to-nursing' nurses is that once they are comfortable in the routine, you may find more experianced nurses coming to you for advice. (I'll admit it, I've done it a couple of times.) Once the RN is on the nametag, they don't say: "HEY, I am only 6 months out of school." Just the amount of confidence that an older person normal carry in their demeanor will show as you work. As I said in one of the forums, I had a classmate who had had a career as a secretary, retired onto Social Security, husband passed, then she decided that she always wanted to be a nurse and finished school around her 70th year of life (my high school girlfriends grandmom was in her 90's when she ENTERED Montana State University). Tom, PhD, MPH, BS(N), RN-C, CHN |
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| Posted about 2 years ago I understand where your feelings are coming from. I am one of the oldest nurses on my unit. Often I go to the younger an less experienced nurse to ask her opinion about something that is going on with one of my patients. Everyone that you work with has had different experiences in nursing and with life it self. That is what makes a great team. |
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| Posted about 2 years ago Those are all great posts, however, you will find most oft he time the younger studdents come and ask the question.. Your expierences from your life will be used for problem students.. Remember we have gone through new things and survived even though we came out OK..It brings me to remember Kindegaden All crying children between 4-6 tugging on mommies legs. But in a short time they can't wait to go back.. It's the same for all adults of If you can imagine how scarry new things are that way no matter what age.. If this is your dream then I say go for it.. The time will pass if you go or not.. So why don't you try before those 5 years are up.. Teresa God Bless you and the very best of luck to you..Please keep us posted on how you are doing.. Asking questions is all about this site, and there are super people on this site |
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| Posted about 2 years ago Honestly, to me age is "just a thing". If I have questions or need advice, I go to someone who is knowledgable and who I feel is a good nurse, no matter their age. I've done that before with nurses who are older than me and younger than me. I also tend to go to nurses who I feel like I just click better with. I've encountered nurses who are impatient and don't like to be bothered...I've heard some ppl say that older nurses are "just that way" and are set in their routines, etc, etc. But I think it boils down to personality. I've run into nurses like this at many different ages, so to me, age isn't really a factor. It is a plus that older ppl have more life experience and things like that. Usually older ppl are wiser, more mature, and can impart a lot of knowledge. Some of the most dedicated, caring students in my nursing class were older women starting on a 2nd career! So I think age is just a number =) |
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| Posted about 2 years ago I appreciate all the encouraging responses. I never really thought much about my age, I mean it never really bothered me UNTIL I turned 50. So I am really dwelling on the age issue although I'm healthy(thank God) and I really have more energy than when I was 20! I just didn't know if I was kidding myself when I thought I could go back and finish what I had started a long time ago.
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| Posted about 2 years ago Do what makes you feel comfortable, how ever, don't cut your self short. Stretching your self is a very gratifying expierence... Best of Luck and Good wishes..Keep us posted please.. Hugs from all, Teresa |
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| Posted almost 2 years ago Dear Haley Mary, I say go for it, girl! My mother is returning to school at age 56, she wants to be a Pharmacy Tech. I am encouraging her, and I say to you, Go! You are not too old, and I wish you the best. Welcome to Nursing Link!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| Posted almost 2 years ago All it takes is 1 foot afte the other and don't turn back...Teresa |
