Start part-time RPN now or wait four years and do full time RN

I hear you. I started school when I was 37 and also did an LPN program but took it in the US since it was faster to get in. Then I continued with my RN and am currently working as an RN while still in school part time to finish by BSN. In the US it is easier to afford school since my employer is currently paying for my classes (post RN). I am now 42 and my kids are in 3rd and 5th grade. From my experience even if it is hard I would try to get school over with as FAST as possible. As kids get older they actually get busier with homework, sports, activities etc... and have found it harder to do school as they are older. I only have 2 boys and have found it hard enough. And remember the sooner you get school done the sooner you can start contributing an income. The opportunities out here in the US are really paying off (although I think wages in Canada have also increased dramatically the last 5-10 years also). I am in a weekend program and work Fri-Sun and get paid time and a half for all my shifts (don't think that exists in Canada though) and that allows me to stay involved with my kids during the week and can help them with homework etc... go on field trips and stay involved. I am doing my BSN one class at a time online and just trying to fit it in as best I can without impacting the family too much. I have completed 10 classes out of 15 so hope to finish next year at 43 years of age but in the meantime am earning a very good salary. My husband is actually working less than I am now and between us we are doing OK. It is hard to support two careers full time and with the long working hours of RN's it is nice to have him available for the kids. My husbands flexible schedule is also more agreeable due to some health issues that developed (believe it or not) right when I was in nursing school and chronic condition that makes it hard to have him work in a traditional job, so it seems to work for us for now. Bottom line from my experience if you can possibly get some family support (something we didn't have at all) I think it would be best to get school completed sooner than later. Although, I think your work as a ward clerk is helpful to future nursing (you are used to multi tasking). I worked as ward clerk for about 10 years also prior to nursing so totally know where you are coming from.

Hi there! I feel your pain...I work fulltime, have young children and studying the pn program p/t at Humber. I am also interested in completing my BScN one day and wonder if I am biting off more than I can handle at times.

I am only able to accomplish all that I have with the support of my husband and without it...I could not do it. He is my sole support system with 3 children and the kids are in a full-time daycare program during the day.

hang in there...if its truly what you want to do...it will work out.