I have posted in the LPN/LVN section of this forum as well, but I'm still in search of as many opinions and as much information that I can gather. I ask if I'm "too old" not in the sense of age, as I know that numbers have little to do with what you choose to do with your life. However, I ask it in the sense of how my life is right now and if it's something I can accomplish with all that's already going on. I just had a baby, literally a week ago! She is my 3rd. I have children in middle school, nursery school and now a newborn who will be going to daycare. I'm married, we need two incomes so I must return to work (god, I hate my legal assistant desk job), we want to save to buy a house within the next year or two, we need a new/bigger car and can't get out of our current lease, my husband is trying to get his business up and running....so, with that said, how the heck does someone like me find the way, time-wise and financially to actually go back to school? I want to become an RN and I personally would like to work in L&D, maternity, peds, something of that nature. However, I'm pretty open to other fields as well. I have also considered going for my LPN or even Surgical Tech, just to get a foot in the door and then further it by going for RN. It all sounds great and it's exciting but then I look at the fact that I'm in my early/mid 30's, we don't have that house, we pay practically a mortgage just for nursery school/daycare and here I have the audacity to think I can go to school?! Am I insane or is this actually possible in this day and age with the cost of living as ridiculous as it is? Someone PLEASE tell me you've been in my shoes and have somehow, someway succeeded!!!!!!
I started my BSN at 32 and finished this past May, I'm now 36. I do not have children but there were a few in my class in their 30's who did and they completed school. The oldest in my class was early 50's.
If you really want it you will find a way and things will work out. Many people in my class had issues arise throughout school, in the end we all made it.
Maybe there is a part time option? Financial assistance? Start looking :typing and the pieces may fall into place for you.
Do it sooner than later... then you will be done sooner than later.
Oh LMAO! Thank you guys for your responses, they are all much appreciated!! Thank you for the laughs as well too. I am in the process of teaching my kids responsibility and how to help out around the house, the oldest already does a good job of keeping herself and her room neat, so hopefully that will all pay off for me. I agree with whomever said "you're never too old until you're dead"...what a great outlook, one I've always had and have even preached to my own husband and friends. However, I guess it's hard to see the forest through the trees sometimes. I want it so bad, for many reasons. Sure the pay would be better and who wouldn't want the flexibility, but it's more than that. It's the fact that I could be helping someone, maybe someone (or a few someones) who've been in my position, with losing family members to sickness or having children. Dealing with all that I've dealt with, I've seen how some people can be cold and harsh, yet I've seen more of them demonstrate compassion and understanding...I want to offer that to others. Maybe I'll hate it, who knows, but from where I stand now, I feel or think that it would be something I would love, something I would prosper at and what could be better than utilizing something you are good at or love to make a life for yourself and family? IMO, aside from being a mother and wife, not many other things are as rewarding as knowing you've made a difference in someone's life. I remember watching my grandfather in Hospice for example, the nurses loved him and he loved them. It made his last days so comfortable and it comforted us as well, he died smiling because people cared. When I was in maternity (with each of my children) I couldn't have asked for better nurses for myself or each baby. This last time, I had one who wasn't even assigned to me one night, but we got along so well that she came in to check on me anyway and we would have such wonderful conversations about our children, etc. That's what I want to do it for, as selfish as it may sound.
Anyway, I guess I'm overwhelmed right now and while I've always been a multitasker (some would call it OCD lol!), I guess with the wheels turning without actually "doing" it, makes it sound scary. My parents taught me to never think that I couldn't do something or everything I wanted...but I've been out of school a long time and like any change in life, it can be intimidating.
I think it is awesome that you are pursuing a career change while in your 30's and a busy mom and wife. I am in the exact same place right now. I am 30, mother of one 5th grader and a busy home daycare owner. This will be my second year of being stuck at home for a living and I will not be making a life long career out of it. I miss co workers and leaving the house every day. The career I'm looking into is actually dental hygiene. I know, I know, this is a nursing forum. I saw your question on a google search and joined so I could respond. Any way, I'll be starting night classes this coming quarter and a lot of the classes are available on line. This is just for the prerequisites. Once I start the 2 year program we will live off of grant money or student loans. I can't wait! The pay is great and it is what I want to do. I just got done reading an article on the subject of career change and feeling too old. In the artical it talked of a woman who started med school at the age of 60. When asked if she realized that she will be in her 70's when she graduates she responds,"Yes but I'll be 70 any way. I'd rather be 70 and a Dr. thanjust be 70." Kudo's to you! If she can do it, I know we can.
went into nursing school when my daughter was one years old and my other daughter was 13 years.. Did my prerequisits part time while I was pregnant and the baby was little. I was lucky as far as babysitting, both grandmas were able to babysit while in school.. I was in my late 30's graduated when 41. Am 44 and working on my BSN. Eventhough sometimes being a nurse isnt all that I imagined that it would be I dont regret it at all.
Just wanted to thank naturallystrawberry for going out of your way to join just to respond to my thread!!! I appreciate it and take comfort in knowing I am not the only one out there in this situation and also not the only one who wants more out of my working life/career than what I feel I am currently "stuck" doing. Good luck to you as well with dental hygiene, I wish you the best!!:)
:)
jmking
139 Posts
Trust me you are never too old to go back to school.