Accepted - but now I have cold feet!

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I have been reading other posts relative to the age of students in nursing school. You see, I will be 52 on my next birthday, and have just been accepted into the Spring of 09 nursing program at the University for a BSN. My husband and I have worked all of our life to put all 3 or our children through college and one through graduate school. I have been working full time while going to school at night for the past 4 years to take all of my pre-req classes and other general ed classes (all taken at the local community college). I applied to the university in August (as I have finished my last pre-req of Micro) and got an acceptance letter almost immediately. The signed letter is to be in the director's office by October 24th! I have been waiting for this moment forever and I cannot get my hand to hold the pen and sign that letter! I am absolutely petrified. Petrified about my age, if I can do the physical work, and even afraid to give my notice at work! (I just don't want to deal with all of that about quitting a job). Right now I am the office manager/registrar for a K through 8 school with over 500 students and 40 staff members, so I know a bit about multitasking, but I feel this may be a daunting undertaking.

Am I crazy? Please let me know.:confused:

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Your not crazy. It's natural to feel overwhelmed by new challenges in your life! The good thing is that you have probably experienced quite a few things in your life that may have been nerve-racking, so get that pen in hand and sign it, because you are going to become a nurse!

Congrats!

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Specializes in ER, PACU, Med-Surg, Hospice, LTC.

It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with something new and strange. You have worked hard for what you want, so now is the time to go for it!! You are a smart and educated woman. If University is what you want, sign those resignation papers and go for it!! And remember, just because you start a Nursing program, doesn't mean you have to stay in it. You may like it....you may not. There are many different majors that you can branch off into if you change your mind.

and even afraid to give my notice at work! (I just don't want to deal with all of that about quitting a job).

I know it can be hard, but look at it this way. Employers don't have any problems with letting their employees go....whether the employee has been there 20 days or 20 years! So, if you are worried about what your employer might think....don't.

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Thank you, you are so right about loyalty regarding employment issues! I think it is the "caretaker" issue in women that sometimes makes us want to make it alright for everyone else, but then we forget about ourselves and our own needs. I will let you know when I drop that letter in the mail! My gut tells me to put it in the box today.

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My gut tells me to drop the letter in the mail today. I feel much better this morning, and you are right about having had quite a few other nerve wracking experiences to chalk up on my resume! Thanks.

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You are not crazy.. you are scared! Take a deep breath- it is going to be ok! Put that acceptance letter in the mail today. You have come too far and worked too hard to give up now! I know that the night before I started my first pre-requ I sat straight up in bed, having a panic attack and thought to myself -what am I doing?? I can NOT do this! Well I got up the next morning and forced myself to go and have never looked back! You have to face your fears or else you will regret not taking this amazing opportunity you have been given. Report back once that lette is in the mail!;)

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I'm still a year away from the possiblity of starting nursing school and I'm already scared! Constantly asking myself if I'm being stupid to think I can complete this program, and pass the nclex as well! I just try to take one step at a time and not worry about what the future will bring. Maybe naive, but all I can do right now.

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I think you've worked awfully hard the last 4 years going to school while working full time. It would appear that this is something you really want to do. I think you should go for it!

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i dont know if this helps, but i say go, go, go for it!!! i am 46 and where you were a few years ago. i am slowly taking my prereqs and raising three kiids, but i would give anything to be in your shoes right now. i have read other women on this site talk about the fact that they will still be 46 or 52 or whatever age whether they go to nursing school or not, so accept the calling you have in front of you and jump in with every thing you have. the older girls on this site must continue to encourage each other, because it is easy to think we cant do these things, but i know you can and hopefully i am right behind you!! blessings and good luck

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Specializes in Medical Surgical/Addiction/Mental Health.

there is a lady in my class who is 53. she brings to the group life experiences and a maturity level that no one else has. more importantly, she keeps everyone in the group grounded. i guess you can say she is a mother figure, which i know has helped me tremendously. you have been selected into the program. this means that statistically you are prepared to enter the program. if you underwent an interview as part of the selection process, some faculty member felt you would add value to the group. i say go for it. i am 33 and going back to school for a second degree and career change. i struggled with whether i should go back to school because i felt at 33 i should just stay put. i was told by a wise person that we all go through life seeking our calling. some are fortunate enough to be able to find it young while the rest of us find it later in life. regardless, the goal is to find it whether you are 33 or 53.

i sincerely hope you accept the offer. and if you do, i would say good luck to you, but i don't believe you need luck as you clearly exhibit determination. so, i will say go and add value to your group and fulfill your calling.

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Thanks to all of you.... I will be 35 when I am hopefully starting the program and will be 37 when I finish it. I am right up there with you gals.... GO FOR IT!!!!!!!

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Hi,

First off, you should congratulate yourself for getting in the program. Why stress about your age? If you know in your heart that you can be the best nurse you can be...then by all means sign on the dotted line;stuff it in the envelope and send it on its way!!!!

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