Am I too late to start?

Willow505 · Dec 8, 2020

I don't think it is too late! I am 36 with a previous degree in English and have had nursing on my heart off and on for several years. My husband and I have had 6 kids since I graduated from college and I haven't had any jobs outside the home all this time. Honestly, I haven't even had many hobbies aside from kid-related things since I became a mom. I finally made the decision to just go for it and START this journey, applied to my local CC, took some math classes over the Summer session, and just finished up Chemistry and Nutrition over the fall. It is an amazing feeling to look back and see that I achieved these small goals toward a much bigger goal. It was do-able for me to take 7 credits over this last semester, so that is what I will take next semester too. I am hoping to start nursing school in the Fall of 2022. I'll be 38 and my kids will be ages 4-14. I'm not exactly sure how it'll work, but I am just going to put one foot in front of the other and keep chipping away at this goal. Things will come together somehow. Oh, and just to note my previous degree in English is only helping with 2 of my needed classes for an ADN (English 101 and Psych 101). My previous math could have counted, but I am so glad I retook some math before Chemistry!

I found this Youtube channel of a mom who started her BSN journey well into her 30s from the very beginning. She even had to take remedial math and sciences (and re-take some of them), in addition to all the GenEd needed for a BSN. She's just now starting nursing classes. I find her so inspiring. She's also on Instagram. https://www.Youtube.com/channel/UC437qDHaU4Vou53K0s4N0wQ

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Dec 11, 2020

On 12/6/2020 at 11:26 PM, KalipsoRed21 said:

They have been trying to “phase out” LPNs for 20 years.

Actually, it’s been far longer than that. Our LPN instructor told us this during our 1984-85 nursing program. The economic crash in 2008 is what relieved me of my LPN duties.

EmoryAMN2021 · Dec 11, 2020

On 12/6/2020 at 11:26 PM, KalipsoRed21 said:

They have been trying to “phase out” LPNs for 20 years. Just as they have been trying to make BSN “the standard” for the last 15. If it costs $4K and 18 months to be an LVN (average wage $17-20 an hour) and 12-20K and 24 months to be an RN (average wage regardless of BSN or ADN is $24-30 an hour) then I would say the cost to wage benefit is justifiable for doing an LVN program. The average cost to bridge from LVN to ADN (RN) is $6-10K 1 year. The average cost to bridge from ADN to BSN is $10-30LK another year no real increase in wage unless you choose management. So if one wishes to experience nursing with the least amount of financial strain an LVN is a good option with opportunity to bridge at a later time after experience in the field, making a decent wage while going to school and actually experiencing the crap they are signing up for before spending more money. Seems like a great option to me. And as a person who went straight for a BSN and spent 47K right out of the gate, I say an LVN is way smarter financially. Especially since I am 12 years in to it, kinda hate it, and my coworkers who did progress up the ladder LVN to ADN make as much of not on occasion more than I do hourly and don’t feel as sc***ED as I do because they don’t have student loans.

I disagree with your assessment. That extra salary increase of $10 an hour, 40 hours a week over the course of twenty years is an increase of $384,000 MORE than an LVN.. that makes up for a BSN threefold. Even with a $47,000 degree you still make $340, 000 more than you would have. I see so many nurses make this mistake because they don’t do the math and just look at the quicker cheaper option, my sister being one of them! And yes, they are absolutely phasing out LPNs in NY and most of the big hospitals are firing those who refuse to go back to school. They have a certain amount of time to get it done, just as CRNAs will have to have a DNP by 2022. People always look at the cost of a degree but the return is what they need to look at as well as the benefits of each position. Work smarter, not harder.

soon2beRN2021, ADN · Dec 11, 2020

I am currently entering my last semester in my RN-ADN program, and will have my BSN this August 2021. I started my ADN while pregnant, and will be graduating with a 2 year old. My daughter was born with a cleft lip/palate, something that is genetic in our family. Between nursing school, surgeries, and my own needs--I have been doing extremely well in school!! I have a 4.0, and I have only had to make up one clinical day in over 1.5 years. All you need is passion, organization, and focus! I was able to do my best by having my mother watch my little one during clinicals, and help me out at home on the two days before a big exam/final. I would recommend going straight for your RN, as there is more $$ in the job and more positions available. Of course, this is something you have to weigh--as RN programs are longer than LVN/LPN.

Unlike others, I have not paid very much for my ADN/BSN journey. I currently do not work, and hubby makes very little. FAFSA has saved me, and I have earned grants. I would recommend getting your ADN through a good community college, as the cost is VERY low (the issue is the programs are competitive for slots, due to cost). You can then bridge to an RN-BSN program at a four year college, and you either can get scholarships/grants, or you pay out of pocket for just two years instead of 4. I did all of my BSN requirements and electives at my community college for a low cost. I was able to get a job through my community college at a local hospital, similar to a CNA but with shadowing nurses for big RN skills! They even entered an agreement to give me a RN job once I graduate this May 2021. I know I could not have afforded a BSN program straight out of HS (I am 23 :)). Just as a nursing student, I have realized the hours can be long. BUT, you can choose your hours and there will always be a job for you in the market. I had a LOT of classmates without kids who actually did worse than me and failed. So do not let the fact you are older and have a family stop you! If you really enjoy the career prospect, do it! If once you enter school it isn't for you, you can always withdraw. Good luck!

igtgrnokbye · Dec 12, 2020

On 12/4/2020 at 5:01 PM, Brittany DeLong said:

Is it too late for me to start nursing? Will the job take away time from my children? This is not a career I have prepped for and have zero idea of what I would be getting into. Has anyone else started out like this?

No it is not too late, unless your age is a qualifier in the program you are interested in. For more details on requirements see your schools handbook or ask your schools guidance counselor if you are too old.

The job oftentimes as a new grad offers irregular hours so expect to some night shifts.

You should prepare before starting school. Consider being a CNA or volunteer at your local hospital. If emergency is in your future volunteer at your local fire rescue department.

Yes others have started like this.