Afraid To Make Decision - HELP

Published

This may be kinda long but I need help.

I am taking an A&P class this semester (without lab) that is not as in depth as an A&P required for the RN Program at our school. This is the A&P required for the LPN Program. With only three weeks left in this semester I have an A average in the class.

I have always wanted to be a nurse, but was afraid to go to school because I didn't think I would pass the classes. I was horrible in math in school, graduated 37 years ago, never took chemistry, did horrible in high school because I did not want to be there. Then in 1991, I got brave enough to enroll in an English 101 class at a 4 year college to see if I could do "college work". I passed that class with an A+. Fast forward to 1998, I took a history class at our Community College and passed that class with an A. More years passed (still wanted to become a nurse one day). Checked into the RN Program at the Community College, was scared to death of taking the ACT, did not think I would even make the required 20 needed for the RN Program. Would enroll in classes then withdraw - FINALLY, last fall, I decided I would purse nursing, checked into the LPN program available at our school - the ACT requirement was 18 - no college algebra, no chemistry classes - had to take CNA classes and get my CPR certification. So, took the CNA classes, got my CPR - took the ACT in December 2006 and ended up getting a 22 on it. Got my packet put together for the LPN Program and got it in 1/2/07 (deadline was 3/1/07 for the Fall 07 program). Had decided I did not want the responsibilities of an RN (still scared I could not pass some of the required classes for the RN program). Decided I was to old to try and get an RN degree (I will turn 55 in October of this year) I think I have been making excuses why I shouldn't go for the RN Program because I am afraid of FAILURE. Of course I am afraid I may not make in through the LPN program either, which I know that is not an easy program either. The school is not going to send out the letters for the LPN program until the first week of May - in case I do not get accepted, I have gone ahead and registered for the A&P class required for the RN Program for this fall and now find myself making excuses and looking for reasons to drop that class and pursue something else if I don't get accepted into the LPN Program.

Have any of you gone through this????? I would love to work in L&D one day or with kids, I know I am limiting myself with the LPN route in our area to do that. I am just so afraid of failing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This is my advice....I never took Chemistry in high school either, and to top it off, my ONLY choice was to take Chemistry from the most difficult professor at my school. I was dead and determined, if I had to study day and night, I WAS going to "get" it...my goal was to get a C. If you want to see my story, read the thread called, "My psycho Chemistry Professor".

So what happened?

I have the highest grade in the class....from basically teaching MYSELF. He doesn't allow us to ask questions in class.

The secret? Read the book and do ALL of the homework...every single blessed problem, and study EVERY single day for a minimum of 1 hour, and 2 hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Chemistry is different because you are dealing with terms and vocabulary you have never seen before, and math equations that are new...that is why you have to study MORE because you have to make the unfamiliar, familiar.

I guarantee, you can pass the class and get your RN that you really seek.

Don't EVER let fear stay in your way.

If you don't even try...you have already failed...remember that!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Mama of two, I am a mama of 4 and know just how you feel. I am same. No self esteem, since I've been home for 17 years. I'm 36 now and am qualified to do absolutely nothing. I want to take classes too but am afraid of failing. I will look stupid to my kids and they do so well in school. My daughter is a straight A advanced class high school student. I cant even help her with homework because I cant remember what I learned 20 years ago. I had high school bio and algebra, got B's but it escapes me now. You are doing so well, I wish I had your courage to go to school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Mama of two, I am a mama of 4 and know just how you feel. I am same. No self esteem, since I've been home for 17 years. I'm 36 now and am qualified to do absolutely nothing. I want to take classes too but am afraid of failing. I will look stupid to my kids and they do so well in school. My daughter is a straight A advanced class high school student. I cant even help her with homework because I cant remember what I learned 20 years ago. I had high school bio and algebra, got B's but it escapes me now. You are doing so well, I wish I had your courage to go to school.

Anne36, honey you are the mother of 4 children, yes, you are qualified to do something!! Start taking classes now, like I did, one at a time. Let your daughter that is in high school quiz you on your homework. My boys are 6 & 8! You did so well in high school in algebra and bio - It will probably come back to you. I encourage you to sign up for one class and take it, then sign up for another and then add another to it. I wish you well. You know we are capable of doing more than we think - I can't believe I have did this good in my classes this semester come to think of it. You are 18 years younger than me, I believe in you. Don't wait until you are my age to start going back to school - do it now - take that first step and register for one class. Let me know when you do!! I will be cheering you on! Blessings to you and your family.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I took honors chem in high school....unfortunately, it had been too long and had to retake it in college...bare squeaked by. in fact, i'm not sure i would have passed if it wasn't for a rather generous grade curve.

I would say to go ahead and ready yourself for the RN program. If you don't get in can't you then apply to the LPN program? Also, hang onto those courses....I've been indecisive in the past and added/dropped courses and when I finally decided that I did want to take those original classes I was locked out. I had to wait for someone else to drop it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I took honors chem in high school....unfortunately, it had been too long and had to retake it in college...bare squeaked by. in fact, i'm not sure i would have passed if it wasn't for a rather generous grade curve.

I would say to go ahead and ready yourself for the RN program. If you don't get in can't you then apply to the LPN program? Also, hang onto those courses....I've been indecisive in the past and added/dropped courses and when I finally decided that I did want to take those original classes I was locked out. I had to wait for someone else to drop it.

I have gone ahead and registered for two summer classes needed for the RN Program and have registered for three classes in the fall semester needed for the RN Program. Still no word if I got into the LPN Program or not. My A&P teacher was talking to me yesterday and said if I did not get accepted into the LPN program, she wants me to pursue the RN program. She said I will be make a fantastic nurse!! She asked me what my plan was in case I did not get into the LPN Program and I explained to her how I had gone ahead and registered for the pre-req classes for the RN program. She was so happy that I had. She also stated that if I got accepted into the LPN Program, that maybe I would go ahead and pursue the RN program anyway. I was in her office checking on a test grade that the whole class had problems with. We all pretty much thought we had failed and she confirmed that overall the class had done pretty bad on the test. I made a 92 on it!!!! I was one of two that made an A on the test! For the most part grades were in the 70's on down. Only three tests and the final to go and class will be over. I have enjoyed school this semester tremendously.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

OK here is my two cents..... I dropped out of school at 15 because I got pregnant.. I am 35 now and 5 years ago I decided to go back to school to get my GED and get a degree. I had never taken a chemistry or algebra course when I was in high school. In december I WILL be graduating and I'm able to sit for my boards for RN. It can be done. I have a 3.33 GPA and I really think that i would have never passed untill I was older. Take one semester at a time. Don't do a full course load. If you know the class is tough get a tutor right away and dont take any other classes with it. It may take you a little bit longer but you will pass. you really need to apply yourself but it can be done. good luck :monkeydance:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do you want to know what I think??? (Well.... I'm going to tell you anyway...) :lol2: I think you need to believe in yourself more! Look at all you have done in the past and come out with A's and A+!!! Just give yourself some credit, try your best and you will come out with flying colors!

Good luck to you with whatever you decide... But whether you become an RN or an LPN, I think you will be a great nurse!

Take care,

Jennifer

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Mama of two, I am a mama of 4 and know just how you feel. I am same. No self esteem, since I've been home for 17 years. I'm 36 now and am qualified to do absolutely nothing. I want to take classes too but am afraid of failing. I will look stupid to my kids and they do so well in school. My daughter is a straight A advanced class high school student. I cant even help her with homework because I cant remember what I learned 20 years ago. I had high school bio and algebra, got B's but it escapes me now. You are doing so well, I wish I had your courage to go to school.

My goodness! You too! You need to have have more confidence in yourself! If you started now from scratch... they will teach you everything you need to know! Don't give up on yourself! I have 3 kids and a husband who travels all week long (nationally).... I know you can do it! It will never hurt to apply if that is what you really want.. I say go for it!

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Anne36, honey you are the mother of 4 children, yes, you are qualified to do something!! Start taking classes now, like I did, one at a time. Let your daughter that is in high school quiz you on your homework. My boys are 6 & 8! You did so well in high school in algebra and bio - It will probably come back to you. I encourage you to sign up for one class and take it, then sign up for another and then add another to it. I wish you well. You know we are capable of doing more than we think - I can't believe I have did this good in my classes this semester come to think of it. You are 18 years younger than me, I believe in you. Don't wait until you are my age to start going back to school - do it now - take that first step and register for one class. Let me know when you do!! I will be cheering you on! Blessings to you and your family.

oh yes start now, one class at a time will really boost your self esteem. I started in 2004 taking one class at a time I started with math as it was my worst subject, like the original poster I quit once and then deceded to do the LPN pre reqs fearing I couldn't do things like Chemistry which I had never had. I got the courage again last year and started seriously doing my rn pre reqs I finished nearly all my classes this is my last semester of pre reqs and curretnly maintaining my 4.0 I was a terrible high school student, I have dyslexia and always struggled in school, but now age brings maturity humbleness and fight to get in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion