Anyone else ever wonder if they are making the right decision?

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I know there has to be people out there like, changing careers and wondering if they are doing the right thing for themselves and family at this point.

I am seriously wondering if I am doing the correct thing. I am turning 38 this summer and will be 39 before I enter the ADN program. Even if I take the extended track program for the ADN I will be 42 when I graduate and was hoping to retire at 62 which is only 20 years. And then I have to try and save enough so I won't have to work while I'm in the program which with 2 little ones, seems almost impossible at this point. I take a class right now with a girlfriend of mine and I am doing much better in lab then I am in the lecture and now I am concerned about my ability to take on nursing at this point in my life. My concern is that it will be too much and I will either fail miserably or quit and if either of those happen, I will have given up my job and extra security for my family for nothing. My DH does not have a problem with me going to school for nursing but maybe he was right when he said I should have done it long ago. Yet I know from being on this board that there are many people out there like me. Making a major career change later in life and I know it can be done, but how do people get through the low times when they are doubting their choice, their ability to get through and their self confidence in general?

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Specializes in CNA/Nursing Student.

I can't say I'm really in the same boat as you in regards to all of your other responsiblities that you have with your kids, etc. but I did just change career paths to start studying nursing and I know what it feels like to wonder if you're doing the right thing. Sometimes I really doubt myself about whether I will have what it takes to be a good nurse, as well as, surviving nursing school, but what keeps me going is that I know I want a career that will allow me to help people. Also, with nursing, I know I will always be able to find a job.

I can't speak for you personally, only you know what you really want and what you can handle, but I have know alot of people who are like you and are changing their career later in their lives along with the responsibility of having a family to take care and I don't believe any of them have regretted their decision to become a nurse. If you decide to take on the challenge, my best advice would just be to make a lot of friends in class and on this forum and you'd be amazed at how much help they can be when you're going through really stressful times at school, both emotionally and academically. Best wishes and good luck!

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I wish you the best of luck and hang in there. There is a reason you chose to change your career and its most likely because you aren't completely happy with the way things are going right now. Nursing can offer you so many opportunities and it is possible to retire in 20 years if you have enough determination. Hopefully you have a support system at home and if you don't I can almost bet my life that you will find one when you get into school. We are very caring people in nature and we learn to stick together and help everyone out.

The best of luck to you:up:

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I can speak for me! I am an Accountant full-time, I am 38 now, will be 39 in May. I am starting Nursing School in August. Work full-time and go to school, my husband is retired so my income is important. He is totally supporting me, as long as I take some time and swim in our pool this summer- hee. Anyway, I am a 3-year survivor of breast cancer and I am not letting anything stop me from my goal (to be a nurse) except for GOD of course. You can do it if you want it bad enough!!!!!!!! Good luck

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I am 52 and completing my ADN in a few short weeks. If age is concern, don't let it be. It's just a number, and I can probably guarantee you'd be far from the oldest member of your class.

As for the finances, I can't speak to that....only you can determine the best course of action for your and your family's situation.

As for your concerns "about my ability to take on nursing at this point in my life", it sounds like you are bright and intelligent. If you want this bad enough, you will do it. If you only "think" you want it; you might be unhappy. Try setting up a shadow in a local hospital to talk to other nurses; determine your reasons for going to NS over staying put with the status quo. Maybe create that pros & cons list. Then go with your gut.

Best wishes!!

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I'm in 1rst semester NS, and there is a varitey of students in my class. Some are going for their 1rst profession and others are on their 3rd. Also, the age gap ranges from 19yrs. old. to 62=)

All I can say is, if this is something you really want to do then you should def. do it! Graduating at 42 is young, and 20yrs. is a REALLY long time!!! I know too many people who in there elder years talk about what they could have done and wish they had done....don't be one of them....

Good luck!

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Hi there, I just turned 36 and am taking my pre-reqs and hopefully will be starting NS in the fall of 09. I have two small kids as well and a husband serving in the Navy. I have all the same concerns you do. Life is so busy already, what am I doing adding nursing school? And being an old lady to boot!:):lol2: I'm definitly not letting my age stop me though and you shouldn't either. I think some of our life experience will be a great asset to our classmates. Any way, keep your eye on the prize, and you can do it!!

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Wow, we just may be exactly the same age. I am 40 and by the time I graduate with my BSN, I will be 42. I worked full time during the day and knocked prereqs out at night and I started putting some money away in a 529 for school. I have one child and we also have a 529 for him, but I knew that one day I would be done with prereqs and I would be walking away from my job of almost 21 years. Last year I finished all my prereqs and got into my school of choice, and "retired". Yes, it was a huge leap and scary, but I can't imagine working and nursing school at the same time. Although there are many in my class that do just that. All I can tell you is that I love nursing school and I am not the oldest and fit right in with my classmates. Finances are definitely a balancing act. I just realized today I forgot to pay my car insurance, but otherwise we are managing. I have a supportive spouse and my family at times suffers in silence. This is finals week and my house has not seen a vacuum in about two weeks. Add to that several all night paper writing sessions and cramming sessions and the flu that my whole family keeps passing off to each other and back. Needless to say we are . And despite all that I still love it. I know I am still on the path to being a nurse and I love the challenges of juggling it all and making it all work. You can do it!!!

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Wow, we just may be exactly the same age. I am 40 and by the time I graduate with my BSN, I will be 42. I worked full time during the day and knocked prereqs out at night and I started putting some money away in a 529 for school. I have one child and we also have a 529 for him, but I knew that one day I would be done with prereqs and I would be walking away from my job of almost 21 years. Last year I finished all my prereqs and got into my school of choice, and "retired". Yes, it was a huge leap and scary, but I can't imagine working and nursing school at the same time. Although there are many in my class that do just that. All I can tell you is that I love nursing school and I am not the oldest and fit right in with my classmates. Finances are definitely a balancing act. I just realized today I forgot to pay my car insurance, but otherwise we are managing. I have a supportive spouse and my family at times suffers in silence. This is finals week and my house has not seen a vacuum in about two weeks. Add to that several all night paper writing sessions and cramming sessions and the flu that my whole family keeps passing off to each other and back. Needless to say we are . And despite all that I still love it. I know I am still on the path to being a nurse and I love the challenges of juggling it all and making it all work. You can do it!!!

Thanks for post, I guess it is possible. Today I sent off a little more money for my future schooling needs and future daycare bill for my youngest (if he stays home with me I will never get any studying done in NS). I guess it will just all fall into place when the time comes.

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