at what age did you start studying for nursing?

Whispera, MSN, RN · Feb 23, 2014

I was 38 and lived with my husband and two sons, who were in middle school. I don't regret it a bit.

lasair · Feb 28, 2014

19 - left home - best choice ever!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 28, 2014

30s and I lived at home...my own home

Psych was not my first choice, but I did voluntarily choose it over medical. Turned out to be one of the best decisions that I ever made.

nurse lala, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2014

I was 27 and living with my parents, having just graduated. I kinda had psych happen to me, rather than any active pursuit of my own. I wanted a job in spinal cord injury and was waiting for the VA to hire me, and if any of you have worked the VA, you know that the process can take months. Meanwhile I needed to make money. I worked the registry as a CNA while I waited. The facility that always needed staff was a mental health facility. When they learned I had an RN degree they offered me a job, and I took it. Do I regret it? No. Never. There are always bad times in any area of work. But in mental health, when bad things happen, you will find support. The work is not back breaking, like M/S units. There is more opportunity to connect with the patient, to educate and make a difference than nurses are provided in other specialties. I have never regretted the decision I made that fateful day I accepted my first job offer.

Now, why are you asking? What is going on in your world? Where are you working now? Do tell.

fiba · Mar 2, 2014

I was 27 and living with my parents, having just graduated. I kinda had psych happen to me, rather than any active pursuit of my own. I wanted a job in spinal cord injury and was waiting for the VA to hire me, and if any of you have worked the VA, you know that the process can take months. Meanwhile I needed to make money. I worked the registry as a CNA while I waited. The facility that always needed staff was a mental health facility. When they learned I had an RN degree they offered me a job, and I took it. Do I regret it? No. Never. There are always bad times in any area of work. But in mental health, when bad things happen, you will find support. The work is not back breaking, like M/S units. There is more opportunity to connect with the patient, to educate and make a difference than nurses are provided in other specialties. I have never regretted the decision I made that fateful day I accepted my first job offer.
Now, why are you asking? What is going on in your world? Where are you working now? Do tell.

Criminology associates degree graduate.

Initial goal to be a cop, but have a interest in mental health nursing. If I can't get that job mental health nursing is something I have thought about doing.

nurse lala, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2014

That is interesting. I used to think about being a cop. There are some similarities, I think both fields provide access to people in dire need, often after or during a downward life spiral. People tend to seek our services after they lose control. We are likely to encounter unsafe situations.

NurseTot · Mar 3, 2014

I started my prerequisites at age 31 and began the program at age 33. I'm currently 35 and beginning my nursing career. I have never regretted my decisions! I have a background in the financial industry, which bored me and more recently I have worked part time in a hospital. My life experience has made me more appreciative of the work that I do and has given me a much more well rounded and down to earth approach.

fiba · Mar 4, 2014

That is interesting. I used to think about being a cop. There are some similarities, I think both fields provide access to people in dire need, often after or during a downward life spiral. People tend to seek our services after they lose control. We are likely to encounter unsafe situations.

I believe sometimes the two services work together and yeah that is what drove me into pursuing policing, helping others in tough times, but not going to lie I have my healthy dose of fear lol.

pixiestudent2 · Mar 23, 2014

Started school at 20 with a one year old. Lived with my parents but moved out on my own halfway threw my first year... I'll be 22 when I graduate in 14 weeks and hopefully I can continue in psych when I'm a nurse, I work in a psych hospital as an aide now.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2014

At what age did you start studying to be a psychiatric nurse??

I was 23 years old when I enrolled in a fast track LVN program. I wasn't specifically studying to be a psychiatric nurse or anything of that nature.

Did you live at home?

No. I was a single female homeowner at the time.

Do you regret your choice??

No. I only worked in psych for a few months during my first year of nursing. I left that job because the facility was located 50+ miles from my home. In addition, the pay was not very competitive.

amberdawn85 · Mar 23, 2014

I was 27, had 3 kids, 2 of them not in school, amazing husband and obviously not living with parents! :)