Is it the right move? (long post)

delirium · Feb 9, 2003

Lloyd,

All I can say is good luck.

I can't offer you any real insight into the practice of nursing because I am still a student myself, but I remember feeling the way you felt, and I think you'll be fine. Having a significant other as an RN is a big help to you, because you know more of the reality of nursing than some of your classmates.

If this is what you want to do, go for it.

Take care,

Reb

roy_d · Feb 9, 2003

delirium · Feb 9, 2003

You're welcome.

If you have any questions about nursing school, I might be able to help you. But I tend not to speak on subjects I know nothing about, so can't help you with the daily grind of nursing.

Now if you were to ask me in a year, I'm sure I'll have lots to say.

xantha31669 · Feb 9, 2003

Roy since I am a student as well I can't speak to the role of the nurse quite yet, but i can give you some advice as far as school goes. The schools really tend to look at A & P as a good indicator of how you will do in the much more difficult area of nursing. In nursing not only do you need to know the facts you need to apply them as well. You probably know this because of your girlfriend though.

I will be 34 next month and I am by far not the youngest person in my class. Some times it is better to have a little experience in the world.

I will say this though, if your only going into nursing for the job security and semi-decent paycheck, I would think real hard about it. Have you thought about getting a CNA and getting a little hospital experience to see if that is a good environment for you. It also helps alot in those first few weeks of clinical to be comfortable with pt care. (This is from someone who didn't do it and saw the difference it made for other students.)

Good Luck!

Lori

roy_d · Feb 9, 2003

Thanks for the advice. Yes I have worked in a hospital although not in a patient care situation, and I worked in a rest home (doing laundry of all things), I actually was thinking of nursing 8 years ago as my career path, I knew alot of nurses and I like to help people, I just got discouraged by hospital politics and went into computers (what a mistake, wishing with all of the 20/20 I can muster I hadnt). I am planning on getting a CNA license this spring, I agree that hands on with patients is very valuable.

renerian, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2003

I hadall my pre's done and had to wait another year for a seat. I had to threaten the college with an age based discrimination lawsuit to get in. They kept telling me the only seats available were for new high school grads. I told them I was contacting a lawyer and I had a seat the next day. We started out with 500 students in our nursing class and ended up graduating 250. I graduated with 80 hours. It helped me when I got to the BS/MS degree program I finished as I had a good head start.

Go for it.

renerian

researchrabbit · Feb 9, 2003

I didn't have any trouble getting in, but the application process is so anxiety producing that I was uncertain whether I'd be accepted -- I think it is meant to be discouraging. There were 200 applicants for 45 slots. But one of my friends was #10 on the alternate list and also got in, with a "C" average.

Apply to school while you are doing pre-reqs -- if you can, and depending on your school's policiies -- at my school, those who were on the waiting list were told that they would move up in the waiting list the longer they were on it.

You would be surprised at how many people drop out before they ever get to the nursing program.

Don't worry about the competition; worry about you. Stay excited and keep your grades up! 5 years out of school is nothing, really. Those study skills will come right back.

I graduated from school at 41 and my age didn't seem to matter to most instructors or students. And it hasn't mattered to potential employers, either.

Good luck!

memphispanda, RN · Feb 9, 2003

Remember too, that the reason you hear so much talk about the nursing program is that you are taking classes required for the nursing program. It just makes sense that people around you would be going in that direction. They may be ahead or behind you also, so they may not be competing for the same class that you are tyring to get into, or they may be taking the classes with plans to go to nursing school elsewhere.

Age isn't much of an issue. I saw an article somewhere that said the current average age of nursing students at graduation is 31. You will most likely find yourself in the company of many people your age. I'm 31 right now and there are many people in my program younger and older than I am (I actually think I am the only young 30something in there--most are 19-24 then 38+).

You can do it! Good luck, work hard!

babynursewannab · Feb 9, 2003

Let's not forget your gender concern, either.

Don't let it bother/worry you. Quite frankly, all of the guys I know who are nurses or are in school with me are doted on constantly. Teachers love the different perspective. And, when it comes to hiring time, prospective employers are eager to "diversify their workforce."

All of your concerns are normal and we all have gone through them or are currently going through them. Chin up. You'll do great.

roy_d · Feb 10, 2003

Thanks all, encouraging words really help. Good luc kto all who are in my situation, and those who are further along :)

vaughanmk · Feb 10, 2003

The schools in my area aren't even filling teh slots avaliable. In fact, the school I'm at hesn't even had enough applicants to fill the slots. There is NO competition among students. You apply, if your grades are right, then you get in. Then again the shortage has hit us really really hard.