Are these legitimate concerns, or am I psyching myself out?

[mom_coach_nurse]

Hello! I've been enjoying reading your boards for a few months now. (Mostly, sometimes you guys scare me ) I must apologize now for how long this is going to be.

Well, I was hoping to get advice from some of you, who are impartial. My family and friends, I believe, are telling me what I want to hear.Ok, so, I'm 37, almost 38 and I haven't been to school in 20 years. I've been a stay at home mom for 9 years now, and now that my youngest is starting first grade, I have really been feeling that I wanted more for myself. I wanted to make my kids proud. I was always misguided. Never knew what I wanted to do with my life, but I used to joke that if someone forced me to pick a job on the spot, nursing was always the first thing that came to mind. I always felt a little pang when I knew someone that was a nurse or was starting school for nursing. But I have never had much confidence in myself or my abilities. I have a very hard time understanding what I read, if it doesn't hold my interest. And I have test anxiety. BUT that being said, I taught myself how to type, because in HS I couldn't get it. I needed to be able to type for my job and didn't get many in the early 90's when I'd go on interviews and couldn't even copy the text they'd give me. So when my mom got me a job with the state in the mid 90's, I taught myself how to type and got the job. After that everything I learned was on the job training. If you show me how to do something usually once, I can do it immediately. I learn best by doing. I taught myself algebra, when I heard that there would be algebra on the TABE test and I had never taken it in HS.So, I have been researching school and this field like crazy. I have many personal experiences with nurses which left such an impression on me. If I could make one person feel the way they made me feel those various times, I'd love that.I took the TABE on May 16th and I failed math. I was literally shocked, I thought I was so prepared. 11.0 passes ATB, and I got 12.9 on Reading and Language and 8.5 on Math Computation. The worst was fractions and percents.What a blow to my self esteem. I retake the test, math only, July 11th. in between studying, I have been thinking, and I way over think things. Now I'm really wondering if I'm not facing an uphill battle and, if this really is the career for me.My concerns and negatives (in my mind) are:My tattoos:-covering up will be difficult, I've got a few on the inside of my wrists. One on my forearm that I'm in the middle of removing but--the removal process is long; I'm bandaged up and that might be an issue in school/clinicals-in my mind jobs will be hindered (why not hire the untattooed nurse?)(a silly one but) My nails won't grow and hurt when they are under stress, they're brittle, peel and bend. This is from years of acrylic... My hands look gross, right now. But I'm trying things to help them get stronger.My background:-I didn't have a very good upbringing and it made me kind of bitter.-I was infertile for years, I have had 3 miscarriages, and after the last, I had a breakdown. Went to the ER, because my husband didn't know what else to do and they sent me for one night to a psychiatric hospital!! In the morning I met with the dr there and he agreed with me that I didn't belong there and sent me home. But it's still in my health history, and quite frankly, humiliating. (experiences with nurses during that and then after during the IVF ordeal, we're amazing. I'll never forget them!)-I am a sexual assault survivor. It went to trial and the guy went to jail. But that FREAKS ME OUT that it is in my background. (Again, my nurse there in the hospital was amazing!!) if I could be a SAFE nurse and give back what I got then, it'd mean the world. No judgement, just compassion)School:-I am honestly scared of my ability to grasp math. I've failed another practice test. Math is an important skill in nursing.-I don't know if my desire to help others is enough. At least thats what I have read here The hours are long, the job is psychical, the jobs are hard to come by. I'm ok with the first two, the last scares me, and as I said, I'm fearful I've already got a disadvantage going in.-The cost is $18,000.00, which isn't an issue but;-if I fail out at any point, there are no refunds. That's an issue.So that's basically it. I'm so sorry this is so long. I feel that I have no one else to talk to honestly about this.Thank you :)

[caliotter3]

Approach the math like you are going to master it and you will. Sounds to me like you are well motivated and will succeed once you decide to start down this path. I also suggest that you start with a CNA course to boost your confidence and get you exposed to nursing. Work on math and at some point you will be able to start working toward a nursing future. Good luck.

[malestunurse]

Hi!

So first off - Relax.

Second: tattoos can be covered up with long sleeve T-shirts under your scrubs, something you'll want to wear even if you don't have body art.

At my university we aren't allowed long sleeve tops under our uniform. Who wants their sleves dangling in a body cavity anyway

[Jmira.BSN.RN]

I agree with the others who suggested trying CNA first. This would give you a feel for the hospital, working 12 hour shifts, and getting to see what nurses actually do. Experiencing nurses from a patient's standpoint can't give you a real feel for nursing, patients only see the tip of the iceberg. Working as a CNA may also get you a leg up when it comes time for that RN job

None of your "issues" are going to be real issues, ex: stop the acrylics and get a nail treatment at the drugstore. they will have plenty of time to heal. lots of people have tattoos, you will just need long sleeves under your scrub top for clinicals. your health information is completely private. your "criminal" issues need not apply, you were a VICTIM, not the one receiving a sentence.

your age is not an issue, either. In my class of 40 students we have many students over age 30. I am 24 and feel like an odd woman out being so young. although this may vary depending on where you are located. Here in southern california the nursing students tend to be a lot older.

The only area you will need to work really hard on will be math. there's so many helpful tips for med math and dosaging out there. you will just have to push yourself to overcome the math part, but you can do it!

If this is what you want in life you need to put all of the past negativity behind you and solely look forward. Nursing school is extremely tough, tougher than you imagine it will be. Having a child/children makes it that much harder, I know this from experience. You will learn to put school first, before everyone, even before your family. But there will be nothing greater than showing your family that you can do it, because YOU CAN :) Good luck!

[Live.&.Learn]

"

5:18 pm by edmia

"Hi!

So first off - Relax.

Second: tattoos can be covered up with long sleeve T-shirts under your scrubs, something you'll want to wear even if you don't have body art.

Third: short nails are best and they will get stronger by the time you graduate.

Fourth: your personal health history is private and protected for a reason. No need to disclose your one night psych history! That's private and more people than you know have psych issues.

Fifth: victims of sexual assault are kept confidential in the legal system for a reason. That should not show up in any background check.

And lastly, Relax! You will do great on your math test and as you get back into the groove of studying, these worries will fade.

I started this career in my 30s also and we are much better prepared for it than someone fresh out of HS. "

I agree with edmia, I went back to school after 15 years, was better for it, I cover my ink with a long sleeved t-shirt, and I have 3 kids at home...you can do this!!! Follow your dreams, your kids will be so proud of you and you will be setting a great example for them. You can learn the math, that's why there are beginning math classes in college. Best of Luck yo you

[mom_coach_nurse, LPN]

Thank you all so much, you've made me feel better!I'm sorry about my post, my edit button is gone completely!

[edmia, BSN, RN]

At my university we aren't allowed long sleeve tops under our uniform. Who wants their sleves dangling in a body cavity anyway

Hmmm. Some people have to cover their arms for religious reasons, would they not have been allowed to attend your school?

The point of wearing long sleeves is for first impressions with patients. Once they get past the outside and are being well cared for, you can roll up the sleeves and they probably won't notice the tattoos

[Live.&.Learn]

It is school and hospital policy where I am to cover any tatoos.

[sharpeimom]

what about taking a basic level (remedial) math course this summer, all by itself? during the summer, your

instructor has more free time available to help you. be sure to use your college or university's learning center

because that's why it's there.

practice cutting recipes that serve 6-8 or 10-12 down so they serve 1-2 or 3-4. you've just done fractions!

those ideas come from my college professor husband. you'll do great!

[MoniqueS]

I was never good at math and I ended up with great grades. Math takes lots of practice and it is hard to learn by yourself. Tackle one day/ one grade/on problem at a time. You can do it! Aim at the long time goal and realize that you have the power to learn anything step by step :)

Meditate and realize that you deserve to have your end goal :)

Good thoughts!

[newbtonursing]

I have been out of school over 20 years. I was never great in math, although in high school I never really tried.

I used a website online which helped me brush up on my percentages and decimals, called math.com . Click on the "Practice", and it will be listed under "Hot Subjects". There you will find the list of lessons for decimals, percents, and fractions. They will explain how to do it in detail, and then you get to practice what you've learned. Hope this helps, GOOD LUCK! You can do this!

[cookiemonster84]

i''m not a nurse, but i think the most important thing is to get some good old confidence. :) you will be just fine. if you can get tested for a learning disability, it will prolly behoove you. as far as your past---all of that is private. you will be okay, don't worry. :)

[mom_coach_nurse, LPN]

thank you :)