Why the HURRY to Get into Nursing?

[PacoUSA]

I was just curious to hear the reasons people are trying to get into nursing school as soon as they can. I am asking because I have read so many posts from people on here who are practically suicidal over being denied or waitlisted, who are taking 18+ credits of prereqs in one semester and stressed out, or who are just ansy about not being a nurse already.

I mean, I am as eager to enter this field as the next guy (or girl) but I want to do so methodically and without sacrificing anything in the process. I firmly believe that when it's meant to happen the situation will work itself in that direction. I am presently waitlisted at one school but because I may not be ready to start the program this year, I will probably decline the acceptance if it comes through and re-apply next year. It's what's best for me.

What's wrong with waiting another year if things don't go your way this year? Why is that going to be so disastrous? And I am just talking about a year or two ... I can understand when some science prereqs are on the verge of expiring for entrance, which is understandable -- I mean besides that. I don't understand the rush to get licensed and get to work either, considering how many new grads are having difficulty finding work these days. It will be a couple of years at least before we can see a rebound in the field. Is there anyone out there who even thinks that nursing jobs will "run out" (going out on a limb with this last question, but I recently read a post that eluded to this as a reason for rushing)?

Just trying to understand.

[alex08]

I think the answer is obvious! Who wants to sit around and waste time when they can be out there fulfilling their dream???

[juliaann]

After 2 years as a CNA and MT and CV Tech, I'm ready for more responsibility and knowledge! I know I can cut it on the floors, I know nursing is right for me, and I'm ready to get there! I like to be intellectually challenged, and while my current job and recent jobs are difficult in many ways, intellectual challenge was/is not one of them.

I am good at school and can handle 18+ credit hour semesters VERY successfully, along with my job and marriage. Why not? I can afford it (no loans here!), and I'm ready to get the show on the road!

Although I am being patient in holding out for the program I really want, and have already turned down 2 acceptances to programs that I've decided aren't in my best future educational and career interests. I'm content, but eager. I "wasted" 4+ years of my life on my history degree and subsequent entry-level min. wage jobs.

[rholman]

cause, I'm 44 and would like to complete this goal before I'm 50 and I become the patient. LOL!

[tiredstudentmom]

I give kudos to you...I'm only a little older than you (32) and I'm in a hurry, but I'm not killing myself over it. I have 60 credit hrs from UNT when I was, nonetheless, an art major ( and really d*** good at it too!). My husband and I became pregnant w/ our first child at the end of my sophomore year of college. There went my priority of going to college and came the new one of motherhood and family responsibility. I have worked many years at crappy jobs because I didn't finish college and just needed to support my family. Then I went to Medical Assist. school and got really lucky and landed a good job where I'm currently employed. It's decent, but my husbands career field isn't always stable (tech support, he's a geek!). I have found my other calling and it's called nursing. Don't get me wrong, I love creating art and I have a real talent for it, but the careers involved don't interest me much. I found a compromise that will pay the bills, enrich my intellect, and allow me to pursue my love and hobby: art! I'm not in a get into nursing school or I will just die mentality, but I do want this so very badly. It keeps me focused on the long run. We don't always have as much time as we think we do. I want to do as much as I can while I can to provide the life my family and I know we deserve.

[One1, BSN, RN]

Yeah, it is. And obviously important enough that you felt compelled to answer it.

Your question definitely stands out among other posts, I give you that, even if not for the reasons you might think...

[Michaelxy]

Because school is just a means to an end. I have no desire to be in school any longer than I have to, after all if I wanted to be a career student I would go for my PhD. With each passing semester, my little nest egg shrinks faster than the approval ratings of our latest administrations medical plan.

Frankly, I find school as somewhat annoying and look forward to the day that I may rejoin the working class. If all else fails, I can always go back to previous profession.

[cupcake231]

because I am very passionate about nursing and I am just so excited and can't wait to actually be a nurse....I honestly don't want to be in school for forever...I'm ready to get out there and get going!:)

[gallatea]

This seems like a no-brainer. Unless you are living with your parents and they pay your way, who wants to be unemployed for another year. Or stay at a job they do not like or are making minimum wage at?

Most people, I would think, just want to work at something they love and pay their bills like everyone else.

I guess it depends on whether you are 22 or 42 though. Many going into nursing are older, so they have real bills, kids to raise, mortgage/rent to pay. So waiting another year or two or three, on top of the 2-3 it takes to finish the nursing program itself (while you are doing nothing but spending money all the way through) can be financially devastating for some. The sooner one gets started, the better.

[Anne36, LPN]

Im getting a little bit of that 'why dont you take the summer off" thing .

My reason for taking a summer class is that I am in a hurry because of :

My age> 39 next week!

The economy> I really need the income NOW

Money> I have run out of money for school. (need 1 more class to apply to LPN)

Time> I cant wait much longer to bring in an income, did I mention money? I have been skating on thin ice the last year and may have to quit school to work a crap job before I know it.

[Veganmom]

To me taking a full load of classes is preparation for nursing school. I'm not going to be able to take one or two classes at a time during nursing school, so how is taking them that way going to help me get ready for a rigorous schedule? I have the time and ability to take 4 or 5 classes a semester, and I'd like to make money sooner than later. I'm also an older student who took time off to raise children. Now is my time to focus almost completely on school.

[pandorasbox]

I think a lot of us are in a hurry because we are "career-changers" used to making a decent wage. The quicker we get done with nursing school, the quicker we can rejoin the job market. Time keeps on ticking, and the older we are, the quicker it seems to fly by. In my opinion, it's better to work hard now so we can reap the benefits of our hard work much sooner than later.

[coffeeaftermidnight]

I'm 32 years old. I have four children. Nursing will be my second career. Currently, my life is on hold for school. I work 40-50 hours per week, I go to school full time in the evenings, my weekends are consumed with studying. I'm in a hurry because I want to get my life back to "normal" as quickly as possible, and hopefully have my education nearly complete by the time our oldest hits college (three years - probably not possible but maybe). :)

Each term I'm in school, I'm giving up time with my children. Our oldest is 15 (my stepson) and our youngest is 18 months. You bet I want to get through my schooling as quickly as possible, I'm missing out on memories! I know it's worth it in the end and it's in the best interest of my family; but i don't want to draw it out any longer than necessary.

(BTW, my hurry isn't affecting my grades, I've been able to maintain a 4.0 carrying a full-time course load - 19 hours last term - so I figure why not?)