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Discussion

is this for me?

hi all.. I am desperately looking for words of encouragement from students that are parents and or that have left their full time jobs to pursue this career. I am at a point in my life that I really need to make a decision as I feel that I have no more time to waste. I reside on LI NY, I am currently a part time student working on my pre reqs..I'm 35 I work full time, am married and have a 5 year old. My fear is this... I have a pretty decent job, and make a really good salary. But I know that my current job is not what I want to do forever. im actually at work now and I am not "present"

my fear is not so much the hard work of nursing school but the time invested. I'm most afraid of not having a job after I'm done in 4 plus years ( I recently learned it would be in my best interest to get a BSN) which is another thing that scared me, I thought I would be done in 2 plus years ( with the associate)but now im looking at being 40 years old and searching desperately for work.

I think that my family can survive on my husbands salary for a these few years but I know it will be a struggle. I'm full of fear.. that's the bottom line. can someone tell me its going to be ok? what are clinicals like... will I be able to take my daughter to school in the am? I've heard that clinicals can begin as early as 6.30 am? is this a daily or a couple of time a week? this would mean I would need to pay , or even find a sitter at that hour? my husband leaves for work at 5 am. I do not have any family near by to help with her?

the more time passes me by the more I have this desire to go on this journey. How do I know its the right choice? how do I give up what I have now... on a dream? and what if I fail? ugh I'm sorry I know how I sound. I know that no one has the answer for me... but I would really appreciate any words of encouragement or honesty for that matter. thanks so much!

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    Face your fear. In order to follow your dreams, sometimes you have to throw the pieces in the air and let them fall as they may. Many great people had to overcome fear in order to do great things and follow dreams!

    I am going for my ADN first,due to needing employment soon then going for my BSN. I understand your fear, I am where you are.

    Go for it!

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    You will have to have someone help you while you are in school. You have to go to clinicals when they schedule them and at least at my school you are not allowed to miss. So I have several back up plans in case my son is sick or he needs to be picked up or something.

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    I understand your fear. Although, I cannot relate, you are not alone. My program is full of parents, some single, whose real lives interfere with their dreams. However, they are determined and they work hard. I think you should take a leap out on faith and just go for it. I do recommend you go for your ADN instead. A lot of us prefer to start working and getting experience while going to school for the BSN.

    Don't worry about those clinicals now. Focus on your pre reqs. I'm sure you will figure something out.

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    Also, check to see if you can find a school that has a daycare center for children.

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    Like purplelover mentioned, I am throwing the pieces of my dream in the air and allowing them to fall. I've been a stay at home mom for 10 years (corporate american prior to that), and in my early 40's. My 2 children are in middle school, and we survive on 1 salary. I am certain, with every ounce of my being that I am doing what I am meant to do. I don't have it all figured out yet, but I push forward, in spite of uncertainty and fear. You have to be determined, and you have to want this. Most people here on allnurses, excel and that is because they are determined as well. Your determination will drive you!

    Also, if you can get buy-in from your spouse, that's even better. He/she will have to step up and help, more than they did before. My husband wants me to excel and believes in me, so he busts his behind to help me in whatever way he can. I went from volunteering at my kid's school constantly, to rarely volunteering. Don't get me wrong, I am still involved at their school and very committed as a mom and wife, but I've taken off the many hats I used to wear. I am a student!

    Search your soul, ask the tough questions, and if you truly have a burning desire for this, GO FOR IT! A few years in the big picture of life isn't much, and it flies by. You will have moments of fear and uncertainty, but you simply have to push through your fear. Every time I face my fears, I grow as a human being. It's a bumpy, yet exhilerating ride, but worth it!

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    thank you all so much!

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    thank you for that!

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    also... I have been reading a lot about how difficult it is to get a job after your done. I think this is hurting more than helping me.. should I stop researching this stuff? or do you think its ok to have an idea of what I may be up against.

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