changes ahead

RN 2005 · Jul 23, 2003

All normal fears!! It sounds like your husband is supportive and that is a real plus. You said you have waited for this for a long time - That sounds like the key to me. Us older returning students (I am 36) have already had alot of life experiences. If you are anything like me this has always been at the back of your mind nagging at you - How much you wanted to become a nurse. I think it is good that you are listening to this and doing what your heart is really telling you. Change is scary and it is easier to not rock the boat. But what is the fun in that!! LOL

I am sure you will do great - just stay focused and enjoy the experience! :)

Wren · Jul 23, 2003

Kat.... Congratulations on your new career path and welcome to nursing! It is a wonderful career and I hope that you love it. Sounds like hubby is supportive... plus you can post any questions and concerns here and we will all jump in with answers (even if we have to make them up) :chuckle

Good luck!

essarge · Jul 23, 2003

Kat,

Congratulations!

I'm 47 and went back to school at 44. I had to make a lot of adjustments and now I'm really close to the end. It has all been worth it (to me). I also felt guilty about returning but, it was time for me to do something for me. I think some of our generation was brought up to think that we were not allowed to do things for ourselves until the kids were grown and the hubby "gave permission". Or that we were not allowed to do anything but raise a family and take care of a husband. WELL, I'm in school full time and I'm fulfilling my dreams and have no regrets.

You will do fine in school and it will be an enjoyable, long awaited experience. I put in for all the financial aid I could get so that I wouldn't have to work a lot of hours to make ends meet. Sure, I've got student loans to pay back but, who cares, I would have had other bills to pay anyway!

Best of luck on your new journey in life!!

KAYfutureLPN · Jul 23, 2003

You'll do fine, you sound like a strong person.

I'm 19 (20 on Friday) and I have two children and a hubby who has a travelling job-(never home!). School for me will be MOn-Thurs from 8 to 4:30... I've been a stay at home mom for a while now (ever since October 2000) and it's going to be hard to put my boys in daycare and get back into the study mode without any help from anyone. But if this is Gods plan for me (which I'm pretty sure it is) it will work,

Hugs

Kay

jschut, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2003

Hey~

You are gonna be alright. We made it with a family of 6 (and for 3 months, a family of 7) on my hubby's disability and me only working weekends.

Yes, we got behind and had a couple of bills cut off for a day or two, but we made it, because it was something I wanted for sooo long. Just like you.

We are still behind and facing possible bankruptcy, (if I don't get off my bottom and make a budget!) but believe me. It was worth it. And it is worth it to be a nurse. Finally. I AM A NURSE!

Best of luck to you!

Much hugs~

Julie :)

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jul 23, 2003

You can do it.

I do not work either, I have 2 kids not in school yet, my husband only makes $20K a year yet with my student loans and Pell grant we get by and actually do pretty ok.

Your certainly not alone though, good luck! And of course it is normal to be nervous about it all.

Marilyn

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jul 23, 2003

Originally posted by kat57
wondering if we can make ends meet on one income (my husband says yes)

Let your husband worry about the bills and you worry about your schoolwork. If he says it will be fine, just belive him and go for it!! I am so thankful to have a wonderfully supportive husband as well.

Marilyn

dosamigos76, RN · Jul 23, 2003

Kat,

Most of us "non-traditional" students feel the exact same way. I'm 45 and hope to be starting the Nursing program at our CC this fall. I've spent since last summer going full-time to get my prerequisites done...phew!

You'll do fine and you have found the perfect place her at allnurses.com.

Cheryl

Carolanne · Jul 24, 2003

I'm 43 and went back to school when I was 40. I remember having a lot of similar doubts when I started, but everything fell right into place. My family didn't fall apart, nobdy went hungry, and like the ladies above said, it felt good to finally do something for me! I decided I had more to offer in life than sorting socks and running Mom's taxi. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have done it any differently, but I have dreams too. You'll be fine, and congratulations on your decision to pursue your goal. You're going to enjoy the challenges and feelings of accomplishment that come with it!

kat57 · Jul 29, 2003

Hi Carolanne..

Thanks for the pep talk. I will be leaving my job in December and beginning Jan. o4 due to a schedule problem but never the less I still wonder how it will all work out. I have a cushy secretarial job that I am so bored at my mind is turning to mush, that comfort zone thing sets in you know. So I am excited and scared at the same time. Anyway its always nice to see others like you on the BB with the same thoughts.

kat57 · Jul 29, 2003

Hi everyone

Thanks for the pep talk. I will be leaving my job in December and beginning Jan. o4 due to a schedule problem but never the less I still wonder how it will all work out. I have a cushy secretarial job that I am so bored at my mind is turning to mush, that comfort zone thing sets in you know. So I am excited and scared at the same time. Anyway its always nice to see others like you on the BB with the same thoughts.