new "over 35" thread

LorraineCNA · Jun 5, 2003

Just turned 46 a few days ago and hopefully starting LPN classes this fall. I just went to the community college this morning and they told me I can start taking my non-nursing classes ASAP.

Some days I feel really excited about this and some days I just wonder if I've lost my mind.

My friends are talking retirement and I'm talking about going back to school...hehe.

Lorraine

Mkue · Jun 5, 2003

It's never too late !:)

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Jun 5, 2003

Over 50 and starting back in the fall to finish my BSN. Don't think I can continue for another 12 years on the floor. Have worked in Med/Surg nursing over 22 years. Some days I love it, some days I hate it. One thing I know for sure, everybody needs a nurse at some time. Good luck to all the incoming students, we can all compare notes after the first semester.

Gotzfaith · Jun 5, 2003

I am glad to be in such great company. I am 39, will be 40 in September, LPN for 20 years, going back for RN this fall. I spent a great deal of time thinking that I was way too old to go back. I am so excited that I didn't let my fears get the better of me!! I can't wait for classes to start in August. I have loved nursing since I was little, I am looking forward to more opportunities as I further my education. :balloons:

A word to those concerned about getting finances for school. I do not qualify for financial aid, but I can and will be getting student loans for my tuition.

LorraineCNA · Jun 5, 2003

Do you have a link for the Chancellor's Learning Center you mentioned in your post? I did a search but didn't have any luck.

Is this an online program or what?

Lorraine

Kim62 · Jun 5, 2003

Hi all!

You have all been such an inspiration to me. I am 40 and have been wanting to go into Nursing for a long time. I work during the day, so I can only attend school in the evenings. Our local Community College has started an evening program and I have been debating whether or not I should go because of my age. Thanks to all of you I have decided to give it a shot. It has been a dream of mine for so long and I will never forgive myself if I don't at least try.

Thank you all for giving me the courage to do this.

NurseSue · Jun 5, 2003

Is anyone else going to be working 30+ hours while in nursing school?

LoriB · Jun 5, 2003

Sue,

I'm applying both to Drexel and to Jefferson. I have a BS and am doing a second degree accelerated program. I heard that Abington's program is wonderful.

I can't work at the same time because the acclerated program is one year of intense work. Two days of class (5 or 6 classes each semester) and three days of clinicals but I'll have my BSN in one year. Oh that sounds tough when I say it. :)

Good luck!

Lori

Kim62 · Jun 5, 2003

Hello NurseSue,

I will be working 40 hours a week while in school. This should be interesting!

H ynnoD · Jun 6, 2003

I'll also be working 40 hrs a week or as close as I can when the nursing part of my school starts.Plan on using as much of my vacation time as possible then...

redwinggirlie · Jun 6, 2003

Hi all!

I just turned 40 and on the same day got my authorization to test for my RN. Not bad, since I promised myself I'd be an RN by the time I turned 40 (ok, so I'm stretching it a couple of days.... nclex is in a week)

This is my third career and I'm very excited to be in nursing.

Glad to be here!

K

redwinggirlie · Jun 6, 2003

If you can opt out of the 40 hour work week, do! I worked as little as possible and took the student loans offered and (though pb and j sandwiches got old) I did all right through school. Sure, I've got a bit of debt, but it's only a small percentage rate and I got to spend a lot of time on schooling. Guess that was the most important thing. What helped (financially) was discontinuing cable, internet and home phone (have a cell). It wasn't a problem.