Advice?

Whats to be embarrassed about? Some people dont get on with their lives until much later on in their life, and some never do!! Not all programs require one to be a CNA prior to being a nurse. One should take the time and check out the different schools...LPN..RN....all have different criteria. Gl

Not to discourage becoming an LPN, but why not an RN? I'm 22, I'll be 23 when I apply for my schools nursing program and I will always be 24 when I get in. I also have a baby! I struggled a lot with my age, and with the Time it will take to complete the program... However I will have finish something so huge and I will have made a huge accomplishment when I'm done. I just finished the CNA program at my school and I'm going to be working at a nursing home. I will have so much more experience, Work and life included, then all of the younger nursing students when I get into the program. Somebody on here told me to just use my life experience to be a good nurse. Don't worry about your age and don't worry about the time it will take . The time will pass anyway!

Don't worry about your age, you aren't behind! You'll find with nursing (and CNA training) that many, many people are career changers, and at 22 there is a good chance you'll be one of the youngest in your training.

Where you work has a fair amount of influence on what it is like to actually work as a CNA. I was fortunate to have good work environments with a lot of team support and generally enjoyed my time as a CNA even if there were rough days from time to time. It is very possible to work and go to school at the same time, just need some time management skills and good communication with your employer. I personally found working part-time more feasible, but this may depend on your financial means and how much you need to work in order to support yourself.

Honey I am 27 and just pursuing nursing.

I'm starting a CNA program at Sentara next month just so I can start working in the hospital setting and gain experience as I finish my prerequisites to get into nursing school. Hopefully I'll be able to get into Sentara's RN program after working for them a year and finishing prereqs on the side.

I say that to point out that unless you're six feet under it's never too late.

What's with us putting all this pressure on ourselves to "figure it out" like life ends at 30, ya know? :)

Honey I am 27 and just pursuing nursing.

I'm starting a CNA program at Sentara next month just so I can start working in the hospital setting and gain experience as I finish my prerequisites to get into nursing school. Hopefully I'll be able to get into Sentara's RN program after working for them a year and finishing prereqs on the side.

I say that to point out that unless you're six feet under it's never too late.

What's with us putting all this pressure on ourselves to "figure it out" like life ends at 30, ya know? :)

Thank you...it feels good to know I'm not alone...I appreciate the help and encouragement :)