starting over again......

Shar83 · Jan 16, 1999

That is really great that you're starting over again, and have not lost your dream! I am proud of you; and with this type of determination, I know you will apply yourself and accomplish your lost dream!!

The work and studies are stressful, demanding, pressure cookers, exasperating, fulfilling, rewarding, exciting, and the best!! I speak as a 44 yr. Mom, with 2 teen sons and very supportive husband who encouraged me to fulfill the dream I put on hold to raise our sons. I love it and would not trade this for any money in the world. I am where I belong, and thought I had missed it. Sure it is hard; but I see the big picture, and love what I am doing. You can do this to, and you will. Go get them girl! Pour your heart and soul into it and make sure you remember to ask for help from those who have been there: the kids (forget the age differance!), the teachers, the books, the computer, the library and most of all, don't forget that Someone is only a prayer away, and will help you if you ask Him. He will help you in all your studies, and essays, and exams. Just ask Him. God has sure helped me and I thank Him daily!!

You can send me a private message (PM).

------------------

srn

sunshinejoanne · Feb 4, 1999

Starting over it's never too late! Im in a 2yr ASRN program,with a diversity of age groups one being a 45yr lady who has 3 grown daughters and one7year old also and three granddaughters we call her "swinging grandma"

I went back to school after 15 years, I have a very supporting husband and 14 yr old.

Everyone of us has sacrificed for this degree.But we agree it's worth it!The pressure is great!! You just hang in there! You will ask yourself why am I doing this?! It is normal but just take it day by day. Have humor our you'll go nuts! My partner gave 4 fleets and 1 rectal tube in the past 2 days, she is now deemed "Enema Queen".You'll work so hard that before you know it graduation will be here and cramming, exhaustion, tears and frustration will all be a memory.Good luck and keep us posted.

cindys · Feb 7, 1999

I'm also going back in school after ten years and I'm raising my 3year old. Boy, this is sure not what I expected. Most of my classes are flex classes with no one to keep you envolved. I have to force myself to study and remember what my goal is. I also got thrown head first into the computer world, something I was trying to put off until my son was older. But as you can see I'm plugging away. It is so hard to keep the prize in mind at all times. I have spent many nights feeling like I'm not being a good mother, not paying enough attention to my family and crying because sometimes I feel that no one understands. It's nice to see there are other people going through this.

bluesboyj · Feb 7, 1999

I know how it feels to miss the boards the first time. I was ready to give up too by my wife, boss, and the people I was working with that I went to school with, wouldn't let me. So I took it the next time and passed. I've now been doing critical care for almost 15 years. It can be very hard I know, but stay the course. Get your RN. Once you get that license in your hand, you'll realize the effort was more than worth it.

------------------

Blues Forever

Terrydu · Feb 25, 2006

I know how you all feel; only I am a 49 year old woman who won't be starting the nursing program until right after I turn 50! If God's with me, I may be ready to start when I'm 52. I feel like I may at least have a few years to enjoy it. My daughter graduated from college and is married now so this is the first time I've had a chance to do what I've always wanted to do. I do need lots of support as I am really scared. Please say a prayer for me!!

WDWpixieRN, RN · Feb 25, 2006

I know how you all feel; only I am a 49 year old woman who won't be starting the nursing program until right after I turn 50! If God's with me, I may be ready to start when I'm 52. I feel like I may at least have a few years to enjoy it. My daughter graduated from college and is married now so this is the first time I've had a chance to do what I've always wanted to do. I do need lots of support as I am really scared. Please say a prayer for me!!

Terry:

I just finished a bachelor's in Business in '99. Hit and miss while my kids were growing up until I completed that degree. After 6 years in the IT field, sitting in a cube all day and wondering at the end of each year (or month or week or day) -- what exactly DID you accomplish? In whose world did you make a difference?!! ick.

So, I started taking prereqs a couple of years ago to work toward an RN program. I turned 50 in December and continue to wait. I have had to take 2 deferrals to start a program but am bound and determined to start next fall (I can not take any more deferrals or I have to reapply and go to the bottom of the waitlist).

It's scary, frightening, and so overwhelming somedays to be thinking of this change in careers. Sometimes the science classes overwhelmed me and I worry that this waiting will hurt me once I get in to a program. I had avoided sciences all my life so imagine this now!

All I can say is try to balance the scary with thinking how every exciting this is going to be!! On the days when I wonder whether I will truly be able to do this, I think of how very challenging and hopefully, fulfilling this will be. Check out some of the older students' threads on this board. They're VERY encouraging! Best Wishes!

jschut, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2006

I say "Go for it!" I am a 43 year old with 3 children still at home (and 3 others not) and 3 insane step children and a needy husband.....if I can do it thru all this mess...you certainly can!

Follow your dream and again I say..."Go for it!"

Best of everything to you!

{{{HUGS}}}

Terrydu · Feb 25, 2006

Thank you all so much for the words of support! They truly make a difference. You know how it is when you wake up and think "what on earth am I doing?" I'm too old or too depressed or too something!! Then there's that little bit of hope that comes shining thru!

JR816, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2006

You're never too old too better your life. You only get one. Might as well make the best of it.....Good Luck to you. Maybe back in the day, the timing just wasn't right.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 25, 2006

I always have looked at that in five years I'll be XX yrs old. Well, whether I go to school or not, I'll still be XX yrs old. Nowadays, age is a mind-thing. Good luck...let us know how it goes.