[Selke]

Originally Posted by doi

I am 44 years old and algebra is very difficult for me to grasp. When I attend school years ago, algebra wasn't on the math agenda. It was basic math, easy math, understanding math. Now since I attend college years later agebra is one of the courses neccessary to know or master in order to become a nurse. Not proud to say but this is my third time taking the course. I keep receiving an "making progress" grade. To me this is just a pleasant way of saying I failed. I try so hard but I guess not hard enough. I will not surrender. Of course I will take algebra again but this time I am certain I am going to pass. I desperately want to become a nurse not only for the money and benefits but because I love to help people and want to assist the ill. I was told not to continue, to take another course because this one is not for me. I will not listen to that. I am determined, ambitious, focused and a fighter for what I want and I want and will become a nurse.

You inspire me. Thank you for your words. Keep it up. Don't give up. Never give up. You will make it. I need you to make it. I get so discouraged, myself; I need to know that others like yourself, like me, can succeed. You are a great human being! Don't surrender. Algebra can't quantify your heart. Develop your heart, your courage.

[krisssy]

Originally Posted by doi

I am 44 years old and algebra is very difficult for me to grasp. When I attend school years ago, algebra wasn't on the math agenda. It was basic math, easy math, understanding math. Now since I attend college years later agebra is one of the courses neccessary to know or master in order to become a nurse. Not proud to say but this is my third time taking the course. I keep receiving an "making progress" grade. To me this is just a pleasant way of saying I failed. I try so hard but I guess not hard enough. I will not surrender. Of course I will take algebra again but this time I am certain I am going to pass. I desperately want to become a nurse not only for the money and benefits but because I love to help people and want to assist the ill. I was told not to continue, to take another course because this one is not for me. I will not listen to that. I am determined, ambitious, focused and a fighter for what I want and I want and will become a nurse.

Do NOT listen to that person who told you to quit. I took algebra twice. I had a lot of difficulty with chemistry. I had to drop it once and retake it the following semester at night. I did graduate with an RN and a BS. I went on to get an MA plus 24 credits in education. I am now working toward my nurse practitioner degree. As I got older, I did better and better in school. Recently I took a refresher nursing course. I did the entire calculations math workbook by myself. I couldn't believe it. As I got older, I learned that I was a visual learner, and being a visual learner, I had to learn everything visually. Now that I study as a visual learner, I am a great student. That includes math. My grades just kept getting better and better. HS was terrible. College was ok. Grad school was good. Post grad school was all A's. I have a feeling NP school will be all A's. What if I had given up because of Algebra and Chemistry? I was even on academic probation the semester I had to take chemistry, anatomy and physiology and microbiology. I had sooooo much trouble with science and math. You keep studying and keep striving. Never give up-never. Do not ever let anyone talk you into giving up what you want to do. Krisssy RN MA NP 2b I forgot to add-I never took chemistry in HS, and that made it almost impossible in college, but somehow I did it!

[Kim O'Therapy]

I am 39 and start clinical rotations August 2006! My previous full-time employment was administrative and in the computer industry. I stayed home several years after having kids. I decided that if I was going to have to go back to school in order to "catch up" with technology; I might as well go back and do what I really wanted to do - nursing! Good luck.

[linfull]

I'm 37 and have consider nursing very seriously for the last one to two years. I work at home as a medical transcriptionist (associate in science). I don't have benefits, but I don't have to drive anywhere to work (saves on gas), I'm home with my son (no daycare cost) and I get lots of tax write offs. But I don't make a ton of money. My husband is a tool and die maker...pretty shaky business to be in right now. We just wonder is it worth investing a sizable chunk of change to start all over. I want to work with Hospice which means tons of driving, gas, wear and tear so would I really make that much more in the end?? I don't work weekends or holidays, but trying to save for retirement is tough. Anyone have some sage advice?

[danu3]

Originally Posted by linfull

I want to work with Hospice which means tons of driving, gas, wear and tear so would I really make that much more in the end?? I don't work weekends or holidays, but trying to save for retirement is tough. Anyone have some sage advice?

Some Hospice do not require tons of driving. Like my local VA has a hospice wing right in the hospital.

[linfull]

Originally Posted by danu3

Some Hospice do not require tons of driving. Like my local VA has a hospice wing right in the hospital.

I live in a rural area and the closest Hospice house is about 45 minutes north. Not a fun drive in the middle of a Michigan winter Our Hospice works either nursing home or in the patient's home. We love where we live, so moving really isn't something we would consider unless we absolutely had to. My dad was at a Hospice house in Ohio and it was just wonderful. I always swore if I won the lotto I would figure out how to build/fund a Hospice home for our area. Thanks!

[Dublin37]

Hospice is so totally amazing. My sister went through hospice, and they made such a difference in her last months of life. I am seriously considering going into it, but i know i need to build up a thicker skin before i jump in. I will be starting the RN program in August. And I will be 44, 46 when i'm done. But hey, it's just a number. dublin

[JudithLane]

Chin up, Dublin 37 !! I am 60 and will be almost 63 when I finish. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to have had a long career in psychiatric social work, and to feel and look young enough to hopefully have another career ---in nursing! Re: Hospice: I recently was lucky to hear a presentation by Barbara Karnes, RN, a Hospice nurse from OR. She was inspiring. Her book is The Final Act of Living and I highly recommend it. Best wishes!

[MimisMomLVN]

you go girl. I am 48 and just graduated from an LVN program on 11/18/05 in California. working on my prereqs for RN program (bridget program). i worked in law for 25 years but always wanted to be a nurse. congratulations to all of us I say for having the guts to get through school and reach our goals no matter what age (only in the mind anyway). my 21 year old is in RN school right now and she gets mad with me because I graduated from LVN school with honors (4.0). she says i am her inspiration and i say she is mine!!!! I believe I am where I should be and where God wants me to be at this time of my life and I plan on making a difference in this life before I leave it. You are all my inspiration and mentors. Thank you for your encouragement and inspiration!!! Oldernursing student in California P.S. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers, i will be taking NCLEX in Feb and am scared--------------- studying 24/7 but sometimes feel like i'm learning things for the first time in the NCLEX review books. anyone else felt like that?????

[Iwanna-B-a-Nurse]

That makes me feel sooo much better! I'm 44 and have been told by a couple of family members that I'm crazy for considering a change "at this stage of life."