Advice PLEASE - Considering Nursing @ 39

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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:idea: Looking for advise...

Thanks for reading!

I have taken all of my pre-reqs for the RN program online. I lprefer not to sit in class and have someone repeat what I have already read. I know that one of the pre-reqs for the LPN program used to be HCC130, basically legal and ethical issues in healthcare. It is designed to make you think about the variables you face as a healthcare professional. You would have no problem doing that online (if it is still a requirement).

One word of caution, if you take pre-reqs online and work, do not overload on your first semester. Some instructors expect a lot of work for low credit classes.

Blessed Be

Great information! Thank You.

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I'm in a similar situation to you except I'm doing it 15 years later.

I got laid off from an $80,000/yr job at the age of 54. I must say that although I usually didn't hate the job and often enjoyed it, I didn't feel a passion for it. To satisfy my lifelong interest in taking care of sick people I've been volunteering at a local EMS 12-25 hrs/week for the last 25+years.

When I got laid off I decided to finally go for the RN. As you may imagine I felt the same sense of urgency to get going and get finished, only with 15 years more urgency.

I got accepted immediately into a well respected 22 month hospital diploma program in our city. The tuition for that program is only about $15000 and they have a tuition forgiveness package if I work for 2 years in their system (the largest system in the area). I figure that I can get the RN and start working and then finish the BSN with my employer paying for it. Because I have a BS and MS in a science I've been led to believe I can finish the BSN fairly quickly. I've only finished one term and as far as I know none of us old folks (there are a bunch of 40 and 50 somethings) had any trouble, though it is a lot of work.

So, depending on circumstances in your locale, I'd at least look into the hospital programs, if you have any, as a cost effective way to get to the same goal.

Thank you for sharing. This information will help in developing "my plan".

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I just graduated at 45. Another woman in our class graduated at 48. Obviously, this is our second and/or third careers also.

Nursing school didn't cost me anything because it was cheap to begin with ($5K at my California CC including costs of books, uniforms, etc.) and scholarships, grants, etc. covered those costs and then some. Of course, because it's so cheap ... there are waiting lists.

Just a little scared about the $40,000.00 debt as a single person.

The only way I'd borrow $40K for school is if it saved me at least two years on the waiting list and the salary over two years was high enough to make up for that amount and then some.

I'd do a lot of research on pay in my area before I'd take on that kind of debt. In California, where RN's tend to make more money, it's probably worth it but, in Arizona where RN pay is a lot lower ... probably not worth it.

I know that the college I'm considering has a tuition assistance association with a hospital/healthcare affiliate - The contract requires you to work for them a year per every $____ they cover. My fear is - You're stuck - for up to 3 years and they basically control your salary and you could be making less than what is fair for your skill set. Is that possible?

I'd be very suspicious of these deals. Some of the hospitals in my area that offer them also have the lowest pay ... like $10K a year less base salary than most hospitals. They also tend to be horrible places to work.

I'd also be very careful of the payment terms. With one contract, the students have to pay back $167 a week if they quit ... that's nearly $9K a year for five years.

A lot of these contracts are nothing more but indentured servitude where the hospitals try to take advantage of students who don't know any better ... mostly because these hospitals can't get anybody else to work for them.

:typing

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Accelerated programs are tough enough without working on top of it. I don't think what you're proposing can be done, quite honestly. Mind if I chart an alternate plan for you?

Get your CNA like you have planned. While doing that, take the prereqs for Gateway's FastTrack LPN program: Certificate : Practical Nurse Fast Track : Nursing : GateWay Community College. It's only two courses -- a three credit and a one credit. I believe they both can be taken online through Rio Maricopa Community College, Maricopa County Community College, Rio Salado College for Distance Learning Online Education, Rio Salado Community College (who offers course start dates every two to four weeks for most courses).

Apply to Gateway's FastTrack LPN program. If there's a wait to get in, start knocking out your prereqs for the RN program: http://nursing.gatewaycc.edu/NR/rdonlyres/42849C85-302D-47C6-86A5-E4B9AF5494E1/0/MCCDNPGenericInfoApp2007rev51006.pdf (see page 7).

Once you've got your LPN courses completed, you could go take the licensing exam, after which you could work as an LPN while you finished up your RN. Also once you've got your LPN courses completed, apply for Advanced Placement into the RN program (no wait as far as I know).

AZ Mom -

Can't thank you enough for your detailed "alternate plan" you provided me. I intend to begin my CNA course on 1/22/07. I went to Rio Salado today and spoke with an Academic Advisor. I signed up for the two pre-req courses (both begin 3/5/07) for Phoenix College's PCT (Patient Care Technician) course which I plan to take in August. I saw a PCT position and I think I would love working in that capacity while pursuing nursing. You must have your CNA to start a PCT position and gain your PCT within 12 months of hire. As you suggested, I plan on taking my LPN and RN pre-reqs on line through Rio Salado in preparation for their nursing program. The AA said I should be able to avoid the waitlist (once I get to that point) if I am already working in a hospital/healthcare facility. I'm so excited. Rambling somewhat! :) hat amount seemed consistent with the CNA programs approved on the AZBN website.

Thank You! Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who responded to my post. I appreciate your generosity!

Happy Holidays!:Holly1:

RMBnAZ

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I just want to mention...I am 56..have an application already in to a 2 yr nurisng program. I will admit that I have considered my age...it does not last long..it is really what I want to do..did I mention that I am a male...Just go tackle it..if you have the desire...

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I just want to mention...I am 56..have an application already in to a 2 yr nurisng program. I will admit that I have considered my age...it does not last long..it is really what I want to do..did I mention that I am a male...Just go tackle it..if you have the desire...

Excellent! Go Roadracer!:yeah:

Thanks for your post.

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I don't think you will regret pursuing nursing. I too worked in customer service for a wonderful company for 19 years when they experienced a reorganization. I also made an excellent salary and it was hard to leave, but took a severance package and headed back to school for nursing. I am 43 years old and it has been the best thing I have ever done and won't ever look back.

$40K for tuition is kind of steep so you might want to think about pursuing an LPN (only takes approximately one year), go to work and have your employer pay for your BSN. Much cheaper!!!

Good luck to you and your future decision making.

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I don't think you will regret pursuing nursing. I too worked in customer service for a wonderful company for 19 years when they experienced a reorganization. I also made an excellent salary and it was hard to leave, but took a severance package and headed back to school for nursing. I am 43 years old and it has been the best thing I have ever done and won't ever look back.

$40K for tuition is kind of steep so you might want to think about pursuing an LPN (only takes approximately one year), go to work and have your employer pay for your BSN. Much cheaper!!!

Good luck to you and your future decision making.

Thank you for your response and inspiration! I appreciate the messages that God has sent me through those on this post.

Yes, I figured out the tuition for private school was probably way out of wack. I intend to pursue through a community college. And, as you suggested - I'm hoping to get with an employer (as a CNA/PCT) that will assist in the nursing education tuition.

Thank you for your good wishes.

Best to you. Happy Holidays!:Holly1:

RMBnAZ

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RMBnAz,

Are you a 'zonie' I am a 38 year old Prescott Valley woman who was just accepted into the nursing program at Yavapai Community College. I was self employed for the last 20 years and I am going back to school full time. I have 2 teenage children and a wonderful and supporting husband but I must say that going down to one income definitely has its challenges. Thank G-- that Yavapai's tuition is only 6000 for the entire course books not included.

Good luck to you and I'm sure you will do fine just keep your head up and stay focused.

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RMBnAz,

Are you a 'zonie' I am a 38 year old Prescott Valley woman who was just accepted into the nursing program at Yavapai Community College. I was self employed for the last 20 years and I am going back to school full time. I have 2 teenage children and a wonderful and supporting husband but I must say that going down to one income definitely has its challenges. Thank G-- that Yavapai's tuition is only 6000 for the entire course books not included.

Good luck to you and I'm sure you will do fine just keep your head up and stay focused.

I've been a "zonie" for almost 4 years. I was born a Michiganian.

Congratulations on your decision!!:balloons:

Thanks for your well-wishes. I will surely need them.

RMBnAZ

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Where are you located at?

I had to take a class through Rio Salado and if I still lived in the valley that is where I would attend. They have an awesome support source with a lot of online courses and they are reasonably priced. They also start many courses every two weeks and have a variety of accelerated courses.

Just a little food for thought. Their flexibility might allow you to work and attend with a lot less expensive. Good Luck!!

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AZMOM -

Can't thank you enough for your suggestions a few weeks ago. I started some of my Rio on-line prerequisite classes today. So exciting - and, overwhelming. And, I'm hoping to begin my CNA class in the next 2-3 weeks.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

RMBnAZ

Get your CNA like you have planned. While doing that, take the prereqs for Gateway's FastTrack LPN program: Certificate : Practical Nurse Fast Track : Nursing : GateWay Community College. It's only two courses -- a three credit and a one credit. I believe they both can be taken online through Rio Maricopa Community College, Maricopa County Community College, Rio Salado College for Distance Learning Online Education, Rio Salado Community College (who offers course start dates every two to four weeks for most courses).

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