Deciding to go back to school is always a big decision. After all, anyone who is an RN has already established a certain level of professionalism, and going back to school is a huge undertaking. On the other hand, getting a BSN opens oneself to many opportunities, including the obvious financial rewards.
In many cases, going back to school is not a matter of not wanting to do it but doubting its feasibility. One of the oldest factors that many people consider is whether it’s good to go back to school to get a BSN thinking they care too old. And, won’t it feel weird to be sitting in a classroom with many people who are years—maybe even decades—younger? Further, how successful will they be in completing a degree when so much education and technology has passed them by over the years? Indeed, RN to BSN Programs couldn’t encompass all that?
A Pleasant Surprise
The truth is that most RNs who enter BSN programs are pleasantly surprised by what they find after they start. The first thing that surprises them is that their fellow students aren’t that much younger than they are. As a group, nursing students are older than typical college students, averaging in their late 20s for BSN programs and early 30s for ADN programs. Tracks explicitly designed for RNs find BSN candidates older still. One recent study found that the average age of an RN student was between 38 and 39. Another study reported that those in their program were between 36 and 37. Some nursing schools release the demographic information of their students, including their typical ages.
What Is Meant By “Average”?
Everyone knows that averages can be very misleading since they can mask a lot of diversity. Despite the numbers mentioned above, it’s still not uncommon to return to school in one’s 50s. Further, so-called “older” students are often much more appreciative of their educational opportunities than their younger counterparts. Nursing instructors are also very appreciative of these student’s experiences.
Anyone who might feel self-conscious about their age will want to choose their program carefully, although it is almost a sure bet that they will end up with much to concern them. It is also interesting to note that RNs who were pursuing a BSN found the transition to academia much smoother than they had initially anticipated. Not only that, but those who had colleagues for fellow students were more likely to experience a smoother reentry than other younger students.
Among those who completed an RN to BSN program, many cited the relationships they forged in the program as some of the most positive experiences. However, it’s important to note that these relationships can backfire. Getting into an advanced placement program can put you into a group where you probably will stand out, affecting your satisfaction with the program.
BSN: Program Satisfaction
Just as is the case for many students who have been out of school for several years, many RNs wonder if they will be successful academically. In these cases, it is essential to remember that the adult education department manages many RN to BSN programs. For this reason, it is often their goal to accommodate you by providing everything they can to ensure your success. This even includes tutoring if needed, even if it’s an online program.
Another factor to consider is concerns over technology, especially in an online environment. Yes, computer skills do matter in these cases, but this varies from one institution to another.
Still a little intimidated? Try starting with a light schedule and judge from there. You might be surprised.
