Getting my degree later than many and in not the most traditional of circumstances...

Nursing Students General Students

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So I am 29, I guess it was two years ago I really made up mind to go back to school for nursing. I did my cna over the summer, in fact at first everything was happening fast. I was home schooled so I had to start with a ged. I aced the test on my first try. my instructor was very encouraging. She said I shouldn't just be nurse I should specialize. All was going well. Then i went through a separation, and I have three young children. It has been two years now and I am just on my second semester. I had to do developmental math and science. I aced the science, but have been struggling with the Algebra. meanwhile I have been working as a cna. Any one who has been one knows how hard a job it is.

Any other single mom nursing students on here? Do you ever feel like giving up or that youll never get into school? I know 30 isn't that old but its a far cry from 18.

I am putting in my application for the lpn program tomorrow. I want to bridge to rn but I Think this may be a good start for me.

Specializes in Neuro Intensive Care.

I agree with PPs, you are not alone! I am 28, three kids, and just started my first semester of nursing classes after working for about a year and a half on core classes. My class is all older students as well.

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Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

In a class of 60 at my school, about 5 are traditional "college age". The rest of us balance school, families, work and

whatever else we do. I much prefer older students like myself for their experience, seriousness and ability to get

stuff done.

You'll fit right in!

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hun... i just graduated with my LPN and I am 36 with 4 kids, a husband, 3 dogs, and worked as a CNA through it all. It can be overwhelming and difficult, but honestly you can do it. Get yourself on a schedule to study. Take time every week for YOU. You just have to push through it, but it is rewarding in the end. And when you see those letters after your name, you will KNOW it was worth the struggle. Good Luck!

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

I always chuckle when i hear people in their late-20's, early-30's lamenting their late start.

I turned 45 just after graduation, before I was licensed and was almost 48 before I got a good job.

I can still hang with the young 'uns and can outwork most of 'em.

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You can do it - I decided to go back to school at age 37 and just graduated at age 40, passed NCLEX on the first try 2 weeks ago, and just accepted my first nursing job. I also have 2 children and worked 24-32 hours a week while I was in school. It can be done - don't give up!

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Sounds like you have a lot going on...good for you for keeping up with it all! I can barely do nursing school with no kids and no job, so kudos to you! I'm in a BS-BSN program, and a lot of my classmates have kids and/or are in their 30s or above.

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I always chuckle when i hear people in their late-20's, early-30's lamenting their late start.

I turned 45 just after graduation, before I was licensed and was almost 48 before I got a good job.

I can still hang with the young 'uns and can outwork most of 'em.

I'm pushin' 45 and just graduated in December... passed boards a week ago and had an interview last Friday. Thanks for your post...made me feel a bit better :)

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Thanks all of you guys!!!

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Don't waste your time with LPN first-- go right to the program that will let you sit for the NCLEX RN. Won't take you much longer and all your credits will transfer to the BSN program when you want to do that later. If you can do the BSN from the git-go, even better.

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