Is it too late for me?

Fonenurse · Dec 26, 2005

Hi Blaire

It's never too late - especially as you have such a yearning to do this. Go to where you received your education and talk to them - ask them if they will take into account your prior learning. Ask them what you need to do to go back. I always work on the 'if you don't ask, you don't get' principle.. what's the worst that can happen? They can say 'no, go away' and that is only information... but I am sure they won't. It sounds like you have a lot to give - go for it!

Good luck, and let us know how you get on!

Blaire · Dec 26, 2005

Thank you for your reply.

I've spent the past 10 mos taking care of my husband (multiple medical issues). And took care of both my 24 yr old daugther (w/ cancer) and my baby granddaughter (who was hospitalized 4 x's before she was 6 mos old)not even 2 yrs ago. So I've spent a lot of time in these surroundings.

I even had one of my husband's nurses, while she was checking and changing the sterile dressing on his indwelling catheter for dialysis, ask me to assist her in removing a large blood clot when she realized that I wasn't squeamish. They were short on the floor and she could see that I was following what she was trying to do. She started to ask me to leave the room and then asked if I was a nurse, to which I said "no." She wondered if I could help her out. I suggested she soak the gauge pad with the saline solution and rest it on the clot to soften it up. She did and with my help, pouring more saline she was able to remove it without causing more bleeding from the sight. She thanked me for the help and even informed the Surgeon and Nurse Supervisor.

After that, I have done nothing but think about going back to finish nursing school.

My husband, who is recooping from surgery a few wks ago, has agreed that I need to go back and he will help me figure out just what I need to do. I've never gone to college and I think that is what is holding me back.

stpauligirl · Dec 27, 2005

I attended a Nursing Asst program in '97. I missed one day of clinicals which was to be made up, but not scheduled for a little over a month after I completed the NA program.
I was 36 at the time with 3 teenagers. I was in classes full-time and taking care of my mother several times a wk. My mother died after complications from suffering cardiac arrest shortly after I finished the NA program. I was due to make up the clinical I had missed, the wk after my mother's funeral. I couldn't go thru with it and was unable to take the state exam to become certified. I was the one who was with my mother and I communicated with the hospital staff, etc as well as, my family. They thought I was a "rock" and that I had found my calling in nursing. I truly thought that too.
But, I didn't pursue it any further, and I have really wanted to go back so many times since then. My kids are grown and I presently work in the legal field, which I am not happy doing. I have seen my family through many medical crises the past 9 yrs and I can not tell you how many times I've been asked if I worked at the hospital or if I was a nurse.
My mother championed me. She wanted to see me become a nurse. I am just wondering if it's too late for me? I don't know where to start. Any advice or suggestions, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Blaire

It's never too late. I am 46 and had a very eventful life full of drama. I actually almost died from a terrible illness when I was 40. I decided that it is time for me to do something REAL last fall and started classes towards nursing. Many people look at me like I am crazy or something.....I hear things like: "Are you sure?", "isn't it too much ?"or "isn't it too hard ?"

I was left with a learning disability and there were moments when I doubted that I could do what I set out to do. Now three classes later there is no doubt anymore in my mind that I will make it and eventually become a nurse. I will be 50 something when I am done with it! But what else would I do with myself.....follow your dream and it sounds like you have family support which is very important. Good luck!

stressgal, RN · Dec 27, 2005

Get the phone book out, call all of the colleges in your area and make an appointment to talk with an advisor at each school that offers a nursing program. Also ask if an appointment can be made with financial aid for the same day.

Next call all of the Hospitals in your area, talk with the human resource departments and ask about available jobs as a PCA and any nursing scholarship programs they offer.

Once you have the information in hand you can decide what course of action to take.

It isn't too late. I am 41, attend a community college and am not the eldest in my class at all.

Just remember.... the same amount of time will pass if you go to school or not, but in the end, isn't it better to have something to show for it?

Go for it!

kayel · Dec 27, 2005

Do it! It is not too late! I am in the same age range and am enjoying it immensely. Also, I am not the oldest in my classes by any means! If this is something you have always wanted to do, now is the time!! I look forward to hearing that you have gone back to school! I love what stressgal just said -- "get the phone book out" !!!!

dsomday · Dec 27, 2005

I am 39 and just starting my pre req's. I was worried I was too old, never been to college, afraid of what people might say. I am not even sure I will make it into the nursing program. One thing I have realized though, I am more afraid NOT to do it!! I say if this is something you want, go for it!! You will be so proud of yourself and so will everyone else. If some people act negatively towards it, it is just because they wish they had the guts to do what you are doing. Good luck and remember you are not alone!!!!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 28, 2005

No, never too late. Good luck

Angels' · Dec 28, 2005

:) HI BLaire:

I agree with the previous posts..go for your degree.:Melody:

I’m starting classes this spring 2006. I’m in my fifties...with the age worries, the years it will take to become an RN..and ...if I will be accepted into the program.

I hope you follow your heart and accomplish your dreams.

Angels’ :balloons:

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2005

Blaire, you have it in you to be a nurse and be a good one. You must do this. Good luck.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2005

Good luck....it's not too late!

First of all, figure out where you want to start. CNA, RN, etc. Maybe you could study for a test for a CNA, and make up that one day, and be granted your CNA without having to take the whole course over again. (Maybe just a refresher course, then take the test.)

I agree with those above. Check out local schools around you. Talk to an advisor there to find out which classes you need to take, etc.

Again, GOOD LUCK! :)

Lesli61 · Dec 29, 2005

It's never too late. Persue your dreams and it will keep you mentally and physically vibrant. I am 45, and have been teaching high school chemistry for 23 years. I like teaching, but I don't have that strong passion for it. I make good money and have summers off. I am proud of my accomplishments, but still don't feel fulfilled. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 14 when I worked as a volunteer in the ER for 2 years. So I'm going to do it. When I am done, maybe I'll love it, maybe I'll hate it, but at least I will know about this 'road not taken'. Why didn't I do it in the first place? No support from family and spouse. I was too scared to do it despite their negativity. Everyone encouraged my to be a teacher so that I could have the summers off! I always regretted my cowardice. I am taking A&P 2 spring semester, and I am starting part time clinicals in the fall of '06. I will continue my teaching career while in nursing school. I was very lucky to find a part time program with evenings and weekends. Otherwise, it couldn't be done since I have a family to support. I know if I decide to retire early from teaching and pick up a full time nursing career my yearly salary will drop about $15,000, plus I will have tuition loans to repay. But at my age, it's no longer about the money or the goal; it's about the journey. I've also learned that we are all capable of so much more than we realize.

Don't worry, be happy!