[KMEP]

Hello everyone. I hope it's ok that Im here, Im not a nurse but I'd love to be. I am 29 married and have 3 kids. Ive always wanted to be a nurse, a L&D nurse. Anyway Ive been thinking about it more and more, but have no idea where to start, how to start. I never went to college, graduated HS though. I was talking to my sister who said nursing school is very expensive, and Im not rich. I guess what Im wondering is where Id get started. How I can find out where I need to go, how much I need, etc. This has always been my dream and I really want this. Thanks so much for any info.

[nursein08]

Hi KMEP and welcome to Allnurses! It's great that you want to go back to school. I too have 3 small children and I just got accepted into a nursing program (RN) at a local community college, so let me be the first to say that it can be done! Do you want to go for your RN or LPN? You'll first want to find out what kind of programs are offered in your area. Most community colleges offer an RN program and LPN program, and a lot of vocational schools offer LPN programs too. Then you can get in touch with the advisor and find out what kind of testing or prerequisite classes you need to take. There is plenty of financial aid out there, so you could also meet with the financial aid advisor and they will let you know about loans, grants, or scholarships. I hope that this helps a little! If you need anything else, just ask. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

[WannaBTraveling]

Welcome KMEP,

Nice to have you here! I am not a nurse yet either...I am taking pre-req's at my local community college. I would recommend you start with your local college - even if you want to go to the university level. The advisors and nursing department can give you all of the information that you need to get on your way to Nursing School.

I am a 34 year old married mother of 4, and I work full time...so it is VERY HARD----but I have doing this for over a year now and I just want to say that I still think it is worth it!!! I am having a great time with my little ones helping me study!

I hope this helps!!!!

[KMEP]

Thanks so much!!! And congrats to the both of you! Stupid question, what is the diff between a RN and LPN?! I am not sure, but Ive always wanted to be a L&D nurse!! My husband makes decent money so would I even be qualified for financial aid. I'll def look into it. Thanks again!!!!!!

[nursein08]

An RN is a registered nurse and can do a few more things than an LPN, which is a licensed practical nurse. Usually an RN requires a college degree, but there are some areas that offer diploma programs. I would recommend going for your RN if you want to work in the hospital, because it seems (in my area anyway) that most of the time LPNs are in long term care settings. As far as financial aid, there are federal loans that could help you out. Just check with the financial aid advisor and see what they can tell you. Good luck!

[KMEP]

Thanks so much!! So if Im going for a RN, I'll need a college degree first?

[RNinSoCal]

KMEP-
To become a nurse you first have to complete a set of pre-requisite classes that qualify you to apply for a nursing program. You do not have to have a college degree to apply for a nursing program, you just have to complete the pre-requisite classes and maintain a high GPA. Contact your local colleges and request a list of classes needed to apply for their nursing program. No one has to apply to the nursing program in order to take the pre-requisite classes. The hard part is getting into the actual nursing program. Many colleges are impacted and have more applicants than they can accept at one time. My advice is to start taking pre-requisite classes and apply to all nursing programs in your area after completing them to increase your chances of getting in to one. Most people need 2 years to complete the pre-requisite classes. The BSN RN program I attended took 3 years to complete. So my education took 5 years. Some nurses make it in 4 but I couldn't fit it all in. Hope that helps you. Many working moms take more than 5 years to finish but every one I have talked to say it is worth it. Best of Luck!!!

[Tweety]

Welcome to Allnurses.

It's best to go to your local school and talk to an advisor. There's probably going to be an admission exam to see where you place English and Math wise. You might have to take some remedial math if you haven't had an high school Algerbra. Also, as was mentioned there are pre-reqs to get into nursing school.

Nursing schools tend to have waiting lists, so it's a long process that only the patient and those who really really want it get through. Good luck to you.

Don't ever feel you can't come here to any forum and ask questions and get support.