[jaywolves]

I'm new as well. Another career changer. At 32 after 15 years in IT/Graphics Design, my newspaper announced this year that they'd be looking at outsourcing my production department. Well, I can see the writing on the wall. In Idaho, there's not a lot of opportunity for Graphic Designer above $8/hour. I've got the best job I could have. When it's outsourced, I'd be S.O.L. I have considered nursing off an on for the last 5 years. Didn't have the heart to try and get all my transcripts in order, suffer through paying for school and try to be the old guy in the all female classes.

I bit the bullet. I will start pre-reqs at the end of March and I start my CNA class in about 3 weeks. CNA is required for the nursing programs up here. All of which are EXTREMELY selective. Out of 140 student applicants at the community college, 28 were taken.

I'm excited and worried about it all at the same time. My wife is being very supportive about my return to school, but giving me a huge amount of crap for choosing a "non-manly" profession.

After being an artíst for the last 15 years, I figured she was used to it. I'm tired of lining cat-boxes and bird cages all over the treasure valley with my hard work. I want to do something meaningful that has a future in it. I want to know I'm making a difference instead of wasting my time.

Any tips on getting through pre-reqs and the PAX-RN would be greatly appreciated. By the time I was 21 I had been a Marine and completed my first solo in a Cessna. I'm not afraid of hard work to get where I want to be. I am however, worried about school. It's only been 15 years since I sat in a class room.

I'm really happy about there being a forum for those of us who are all going through the same thing.

[BChach]

jaywolves--
I am also in graphic design and have been working in advertising/marketing for 18 yrs, since graduating with my first degree. I am starting school in May. My boss gives me grief for entering nursing because it will be harder and less "pleasant" than office work. So far that is most common "negative" comment I have gotten. If people realize you are serious they'll respect your decision, I hope!

[jaywolves]

We'll have to stick together then. I'm catching a ration of crap for it, but it is what it is. I'm going to go through with it. I'm going to apply myself and I'm going to be the best I can be.

I won't miss being the mule. Handling the responsibilities of getting all of the work done WAY past deadline. Knowing full well that all of my effort is nothing more than an exercise in futility. I've never been an award winner - just the go to guy when it absolutely HAS to go right NOW. So these are things I won't miss. I'm looking forward to a profession that gives me some kind of a sense of fulfillment.

Besides, I don't think I'll hear any complaining when I finally reach my educational goals and can bring home the bacon in ways my wife hasn't yet experienced. Until graduation - it's going to be pure hell. Balancing the mortgage, car payment, tuition and books... but, sometimes you have to sacrifice certain luxuries to get to the finish line.

I'm sure it will be worth it in the long run.

[BChach]

Your post details how I feel at my graphics job too...this must be a universal experience.

At any rate, yes it is tough to balance it all but you will feel fulfilled in the end. I took many courses online, which really helped me balance my daily life. I commute via train for a few hours a day, too, so was able to use that time to read/do homework. I've been taking prereq classes for just over a year (spring, summer, fall...whenever and wherever I could get them) and am starting my accelerated nursing program at Johns Hopkins in May.

I don't mean to question anyone's relationship with you, but do you find it a bit rude that the same people are harassing your career choice after you have been pretty clear and determined this is what you are interested in pursing. Trust me, this is not an easy educational path or career. This field is an applied science, you need to use your mind as well as what you have learned to think about and be critical of what you see and discover. Would your detractors be as directed and committed to this? Watch them... in another year or so if they have a medical question you can see who they will come to first for insight. I know it will be you.

Originally Posted by jaywolves

We'll have to stick together then. I'm catching a ration of crap for it, but it is what it is. I'm going to go through with it. I'm going to apply myself and I'm going to be the best I can be.

I won't miss being the mule. Handling the responsibilities of getting all of the work done WAY past deadline. Knowing full well that all of my effort is nothing more than an exercise in futility. I've never been an award winner - just the go to guy when it absolutely HAS to go right NOW. So these are things I won't miss. I'm looking forward to a profession that gives me some kind of a sense of fulfillment.

Besides, I don't think I'll hear any complaining when I finally reach my educational goals and can bring home the bacon in ways my wife hasn't yet experienced. Until graduation - it's going to be pure hell. Balancing the mortgage, car payment, tuition and books... but, sometimes you have to sacrifice certain luxuries to get to the finish line.

I'm sure it will be worth it in the long run.

[jaywolves]

Yeah... I know you're right. At some level, I think it all amounts to jealousy. Not necessarily that I am pursuing nursing. Jealousy that I am willing to toss aside 15 years worth of career experience. The climbing of the ladder, the constant learning of new software, and a decade and a half of building professional relationships - a network spanning 7 states - to take a chance on something new.

I can't help but think that those of us who have been faced with making this decision as a career change. As a move to something more stable and fulfilling, are in many ways very courageous. I think that some of those around us that want to give us crap for our decision are the ones that really hate what they do and wish they could find the nerve to do something similar.

Meanwhile, I'm breaking out with acne from my nervousness over the math placement test. I was always a fair student - just miserable in Algebra. So now I have to test into a high enough Algebra class that I can get it out of the way without having to start with "math for special kids" and work my way up. It's nauseating. I know I'll be fine once I get past it - but for this first attempt at school, that's my biggest worry. Then the paying for classes and finances and... etc.

It's exciting - it's also frightening beyond words.

====== C(^^) Here's to manning up to a challenge. Thank God we have a place like this to share our frustrations.

[c-different]

HEY HEY!!

I am in an ADN program in the Houston area. We have a surprising number of guys (about 10-12 out of 70). I'm in my second semester and now is the time that it's getting crazy. I am actually procrastinating at this very moment.

Just thought I would introduce myself.

have fun

[dirtysleepynurse]

i am a male student nurse of el camino college in torrance, ca, who is currently in his first semester of a two year adn program. i am about start my clinical on 4/4/08---and i'm deathly afraid of it, which suggests that at this current state of being ought to make one very conscientious of one's actions, and as far as learning goes would enable one to retain more information, hopefully. however, am still grasping my way here and there, but very excited in doing some thought experiments along the way, employing some of the theories learned, and will learn in the future. it's a huge laboratory out there, would love to tease out well-defined patterns of human behaviours interacting in their natural environment in sickness and health. excited and scared, m.

[jaywolves]

Just a little follow up - week four of my CNA program next Saturday and I'm really enjoying this class. I tested into Intermediate Algebra and get to start those pre-requisites this week! I'm a bit nervous, but I am enjoying class so far.

[flames9]

Howdy!! Im in a 2 yr ADN course(now second semester). I believe we started the class off with around 230 students, and I bet there isn't even 20 guys! I know we are down below 170 students now and lost a few guys as well!! So far soo good. best o l uck to ya ll

[jlnmoreno77]

I'm a thirty year old nursing student in my first year in the nursing program at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. I was on the waiting list since 2005. i just got in this January. I've been working as a CNA close to home. I have to admit it is not fun.Moest of the women I work with are great cannot complain, but there are a few that can turn your hair white if you let it..I one of eight in my particular intro to nursing class.i feel thats a pretty good percentage...