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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

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Original poster

Nursing Degree as a Mature Student

48 replies

Changemylife16 · 27/01/2016 17:07

I'm thinking of applying to uni to take a nursing degree. It will be a complete change of career for me. I am in my forties and I'm wondering if I have the stamina for it! Has anyone else done this at a later age and what was your experience like?

OP posts:

AtiaoftheJulii · 28/01/2016 22:28

I think I have been lucky with my placements, they've all been great. But yeah, assume your time is no longer your own! I think I've asked twice in 34 weeks for minor adjustments.

And of course if you're doing a Monday-Friday clinic or community placement there isn't any room for shuffling shifts about.

The trickiest bit actually is when you're ill, and have to make up the time. I had two days off when I was on a M-F placement and that was a real pain.

Original poster

Changemylife16 · 28/01/2016 22:46

Atia, I'm not sure if dh does understand why I want to do it. I've always wanted to be a nurse, I've never studied for a degree and my life has revolved around him and the kids. For me it feels like now or never. I know I will gain a huge sense of achievement if I do it and it is about so much more than money.

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stairway · 28/01/2016 23:00

I found if you make enough fuss then they can be more flexible...

Original poster

Changemylife16 · 28/01/2016 23:14

Lol, yes think you're right stairway, think I'm going to have to dig my heels in on this one.

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Original poster

Changemylife16 · 28/01/2016 23:30

Drewswife, I think a student nurse thread/support group sounds a great idea. I bet there's quite a few of us on Mumsnet...

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MilkAndFenty · 31/01/2016 22:55

Following! I'm tarting my access course this September and cannot wait to start my nurse training! This is my second time around job wise too.

MilkAndFenty · 31/01/2016 22:55

Tarting! Lol! Starting

DrewsWife · 31/01/2016 23:28

Hi milky.

mariawilliams · 01/02/2016 14:29

I believe if you have the will you can do it. Age cannot stop you from education. I appreciate the fact that you wish to try something like this in 40's. I recently went through a website which contained information regarding nursing. I hope it helps : Certified Nursing Programs on a Student Finance website.

Original poster

Changemylife16 · 01/02/2016 21:18

Thanks for those links Maria. I really think some experience would be the best thing for me. I have applied for another HCA job over the weekend.

MilkAndFenty, I will also be doing an Access course if my qualifications aren't accepted. Apparently you can also do the Access course online and uni's will accept it. I thought that could be useful because you can take it in a shorter timescale.

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MilkAndFenty · 01/02/2016 21:24

I think I need a bit more hand holding from tutors ect. I haven't written an essay in years!
I'm also applying to be an HCA, it's really tough to find a position- there doesn't seen to be many around!

smellysocksandchickenpox · 01/02/2016 21:46

"Apparently you can also do the Access course online and uni's will accept it"

Don't count on it, each uni is very different, my local one for example will only take people from access and BTECs that included double science (some access courses do less science than others)

The next nearest uni has a totally different preference for nursing student's routes

You need to deeply research YOUR local unis before spending time on a route that might not be their preference

I very much doubt an online access course would have double science accreditation because there'ld be no lab work. Which doesn't matter if double science isn't a priority for your local uni, but you need the local info!

Original poster

Changemylife16 · 01/02/2016 23:23

I'm beginning to think an Access course would be better for me anyway, as I haven't studied for over 10 years. It also gives me time to gain experience, which I think would look better on my application. I've read that the course is extremely competitive.

I have a HNC but it it is not in a science subject. I'm going to contact the course leader and see what they say.

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MilkAndFenty · 01/02/2016 23:33

I was advised that had I not studied in the last four years, and if I had but it was in a subject that wasn't relevant, then I would have to do an access course to be considered.
I'm quite looking forward to it, but nervous about getting back in the saddle!

Original poster

Changemylife16 · 01/02/2016 23:58

I'm looking forward to it too, actually I can't wait! I'm really ready for a change. There are loads of nursing study tips on YouTube. I think there are so many resources on the internet these days, being able to practice nursing calculations is a massive help for me. Maths is my weak spot.

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smellysocksandchickenpox · 02/02/2016 00:27

Just make sure you contact the unis you're aiming for to check on what they want from access course students because not all access courses are the same. Make sure you're doing one with a focus on whatever your uni choices prefer.

Some may prefer the access courses that maximised placement time.. others may prefer the access courses that focus heavily on extra science modules etc.

In general if you do a college based one the colleges will work with the nearest unis to make sure they're well matched, but if you're looking at online access you might not end up doing the best match of access course for your ucas choices

Original poster

Changemylife16 · 02/02/2016 10:24

Thanks Smellysocks, I am going to check this out today.

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TheFairyCaravan · 02/02/2016 10:33

change DS2 is a first year student nurse. He went straight after A levels, the only care experience he's had is looking after me, as I'm disabled, and he used to go to the local community hospital and visit the patients there. It hasn't held him back at all, in fact his mentor on the ward said he's the best student they've had for ages.

Ever since he was little he's wanted to be a nurse, and he's just got something about him that can't be taught. He rang the other day and he said "Mum, I just love nursing!" He doesn't even mind getting up at 5:15am for an early shift.

Good luck, I hope you get on a course.

Original poster

Changemylife16 · 02/02/2016 15:19

Thanks, FairyCaravan, your son sounds lovely and I agree that there are some innate qualities that just can't be taught.

I too have some experience caring for a family member, but I guess that is done out of love.

I'm pleased for you that your son is enjoying it so much, it sounds like his true vocation.

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Janetmarie · 23/12/2019 01:40

Am over 50 years old now ,being a career over 20 years and would like to study nursing but I haven't got the requirements needed,I had done NVQ 2 and 3 and OCR in math and English but am determined to go on please tell me how to be a nurse without a degree.

Muchtootall · 23/12/2019 08:01

Have you looked at a nursing apprenticeship?

shaunism · 30/01/2020 19:27

Changemylife16, did you do it? Curious as I am considering doing the same at 45, so wondered how it's been for you.

AtiaoftheJulii, how are you liking (or not) the job a few years in?

Yourejokingme · 05/02/2020 19:43

@Changemylife16, nursing lecturer here.

Check the entry requirements of where you would like to apply. Maybe you'll need an access course, you might not. If you want to be a nurse, apply.

HCA experience is not mandatory. I didn't have any, many of my students don't.

Being in your 40s is not even nearly too late to apply. I massively applaud older students who leave careers, come back after raising a family etc to follow their dream. Lots ofy students are 40+
The hours are long and the work is hard and like a PP mentioned placements are not generally flexible. You will get there though.
In your personal statement convey how much becoming a nurse means to you. Link in any motivating factors, team work experience, knowledge of what you understand the role of the nurse to be and all the best with your application.

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