Had my kids, worked part time on and off over the years doing various things - mostly customer service stuff, went to school for a Computer Science degree, but no jobs to be had w/o experience (especially here in Michigan), decided to go back to school for nursing. My goal is to end up with a Masters (why not?!:). But first things first.
My question is - which option would you suggest:
I have the option of going to school for bachelors in nursing another lo-o-o-o-oooong four years (remember, I've already racked up 4+ years and a lot of loans for a different degree, so I'm not looking forward to more schooling). This means I wouldn't be able to work in the field (no experience/no degree) for another 4 years. That would be spring of 2011 - and worse - that puts me at 54 years old - I mean 54 yrs young :) when I graduate.
Or I could go take a CNA class - takes 6 weeks, costs just under $700, and I could start working right away - early as December - after "graduating" (albeit working in a nursing home, but ya gotta start somewhere). Then I could take classes starting in January, ending in December for a 1 year intensive PN diploma via Everest Institute (used to be Olympia Training). Meanwhile, start taking the prereq classes such as Chem and Bio (that I didn't take/need for the computer degree) and apply for nursing school the following year (2009) at Grand Valley - best estimate for graduation is still 2011 (if I hustle). That still puts me at around 54, but with experience working as I go.
Question:
~Anyone start out their career as a CNA? Does it make sense to start there, for $$ and experience reasons?
~Has anyone attended Everest/Olympia for Practical Nursing, and if so, how long before you got a job after graduating (and are they legit)?
~Anyone else over 50 and going to school for nursing?
~I can work any hours/shifts (all my kids are teens or older), but what is the reality of working while going to school?
I am so very nervous about being viewed as a silly 50 year old lady going back to school. Any advice would be appreciated (except the advice of not going to school - wild horses couldn't keep me away - I'm just nervous)
"If you have a 4 year degree already, lots of schools have "fast track" RN programs. I would NOT suggest starting out as a CNA in a nursing home at your age. The work is literally back breaking and you could end up having a permanent injury, ending your nursing career before it even started. I'm in my mid 40's and have been doing this kind of work for better than 15 years and can't keep up with the CNA's."
I've looked into the fast track - of the colleges that offer RN within 75 miles of Grand Rapids (I'm willing to drive that distance), they either:
1) have a looonnngg waiting list - even for the fast track up to 2 years.
2) have prerequisites and my degree was in computers - no biology/ anatomy/chemistry, so I'll have to take all those medical/core classes before I can be accepted and begin nursing classes.
3) have the "fast track" fashioned in such a way that I'm still graduating about the same time as a 4 year program (mostly because I need to take all those medical prerequisites) - furthermore, they strongly suggest I don't work while attending the accelerated due to the intensity of all the classes - and I can't afford to not work during that time (I intend to pay as I go and/or have all my loans paid off by the time I graduate)
I agree with you on the CNA back-breaking scenario - I'm in shape, but I'm am also 50 - and I don't need to be put out of commission with an injury.
What do you think about training as a medical assistant/unit secretary? That way I could be in the "thick of things" around nurses while going to school for the RN. I could do a quick 17 week intensive class for med assistant and go to work right away. Anybody start out this way?
Anyway, y'all have been very informative and kind to your "elders" ... :) I really appreciate any advice. Thanks! :)
Hi ya over50!
LOL, I am 52. 3 yrs ago I went to Everest, formerly known as National Institute of Technology here near Detroit. I posted my thoughts on Everest in another thread. I have nothing nice to say about them.
I just wanted to tell you that you are thinking like I was thinking back then. Today, I am currently finishing up my 1st yr of nursing school. Next year at this time I will be looking forward to graduating while dreading that NCLEX exam...lol.
Get your butt to the community college & start taking those sciences!
I will be 53 when I graduate & I am proud of it--& so are my kids & grandkids. I am not the oldest fart in the class either! And since you have to take all the sciences like I did, you will have the opportunity to get ALL of the co-reqs done by the time you enter the program.
Just do it!!!
If you must do the CNA thing, go through the Red Cross or an Adult Education program. Save the $$$ for when you are in the program.
I was looking into Indiana Dabney University. Didn't like the fact that they don't offer student loans or they don't have their clinicals in Indiana. I heard the first class will graduate this month.
I would like to hear from any of the nursing students that attended.
Not working as a CNA in a long term care facility is sage advice. No offense to you, I don't know your capabilities, but the LTC stuff is definitely backbreaking. I did it for several years in my early 20s and it is certainly not easy. You won't learn very much either, and it just isn't worth it if your end-goal is being an RN. I'd suggest applying for a hospital position as a CNA if your interest is in acute care. hospitals aren't easy work either, but at least you won't screw up your back or shoulder trying to roll a 300lb patient three times a night. Good luck.
Hello I am currently a student at Everest Institute in G. Rapids. I started in January and will be done now in a couple of weeks:balloons:I say go for it. It has its problems but it is definately worth it to go. In less than a year you are trained what you need to know to successfully pass the state boards. Oh and there are people over 50 in my class now. Don't let age frighten you!
AuntNana
96 Posts
Hi ya over50!
LOL, I am 52. 3 yrs ago I went to Everest, formerly known as National Institute of Technology here near Detroit. I posted my thoughts on Everest in another thread. I have nothing nice to say about them.
I just wanted to tell you that you are thinking like I was thinking back then. Today, I am currently finishing up my 1st yr of nursing school. Next year at this time I will be looking forward to graduating while dreading that NCLEX exam...lol.
Get your butt to the community college & start taking those sciences!
I will be 53 when I graduate & I am proud of it--& so are my kids & grandkids. I am not the oldest fart in the class either! And since you have to take all the sciences like I did, you will have the opportunity to get ALL of the co-reqs done by the time you enter the program.
Just do it!!!
If you must do the CNA thing, go through the Red Cross or an Adult Education program. Save the $$$ for when you are in the program.
Good luck!