At what age did you decide on nursing?

Spiker, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 3, 2010

I was 27 when I decided to go back to college. I had 2 years at a state university, when I got married because my husband was being drafted (this was during the VietNam War). In the time that followed, we had 2 girls, & by then they were both in school when my husband encouraged me to return to college. Luckily it was close to base, some classes were even on base, & our clinical was at the base Medical Center, so all was very convenient. That aspect is very helpful, if you have something close by. We also had great neighbors, who helped out a lot with the kids if one of us couldn't be right there, or maybe you have family near-by. It was a lot of work, but with great support from my family & friends, was worth it. I often doubled up meals, & froze them for later, the kids "helped" around the house, my husband did alot to help, too. When the kids went to bed, I hit the books till bedtime, graduated 2nd in my class, & on the Dean's List. I've been an RN for 31 years now, & am so glad it all worked out! I wish you much luck, & know you can do it with the love & support around you! :yeah: :nurse:

eab12191 · Jun 3, 2010

have wanted to be one since high school. Went to college right out of high school and wasn't serious and failed out of the program I was in and wasted $20k (private college) so now 5 years later I am very serious about attaining my goal. I am almost 24 and will apply to the program in the spring. So if I get accepted the first time around, I will be 25 when I start.

Spiker, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 4, 2010

To yisy4u Congratulations for getting as far as you got in school! Working, taking 3 classes & a lab as well IS stressful!! That's way too much for anyone to take on, especially with English being fairly new to you: more stress!! Try taking a lighter class load, which lengthens the time it'll take you, but should be easier to get thru in the long run. And don't give up on speaking English because you're afraid of mistakes!! How else can you learn???? We all learn by trial & error! This goes for anything in life, not just school, or even Nursing School. Talk to your advisor: I'm sure he or she can help you plan a course of action for completing necessary classes, & help you manage your time. There is always someone there to help you thru. Good luck!

dream& achieve · Jun 4, 2010

I have 2 children, (19 yrs & 7 yrs of age). I start the RN program in the fall, shortly following my 42nd birthday..it's never too late, so dont beat yourself up, you can do it! :yeah:

mmiriamasher · Jun 5, 2010

I was 17 when I went to nursing school, no university studies in those days. I finished my RN studies when I was 20 and worked till I retired at 58.5 (yes, early retirement!!!) Went for my Bachelor's at 40!! I was single at 17, but married with two high school boys and worked full time. If I did it, anyone can!!!

I was never sorry I went to nursing, but was glad to retire.

Good luck to you all.

Intern67 · Jun 5, 2010

I always kick myself in the butt though for not getting right in after high school graduation and taking my classes seriously
So I am curious to know the stories, as I am sure they will be encouraging, at what age did you decide to start taking classes to become an RN? Did you have children? etc.

The entire field is probably relieved I did NOT go into healthcare immediately after graduation. Seriously, I could not find my butt with both hands when I was 18.

I decided to become a nurse at age 39. Children were indeed a contributing factor. I don't have any and from what I can gather from my classmates, being childless makes nursing school much easier.

Good luck!

futrldnrse · Jun 5, 2010

I had my daughter in 2003 and graduated from high school in 2004 when I was 17. During my senior year I took a CNA certification course but didn't get the chance to work as a CNA because after graduation I went straight to LPN school, graduated at 18 and went to straight to work. It took me a couple years to really get serious about classes, kept starting then dropping, etc. One morning in june of 2008, I literally woke up, opened my eyes and said that's it I'm going to register to take these classes no buts about it. I started in the second part of a summer session in july of 08 and took A+PI and Pysch, did the best I could as far as grades and then in Sept of 08 I applied to both the colleges I wanted to attend and got accepted into both of them which are very competitive programs. I started RN school in jan of 2009 and I just graduated in May of this year, took the NCLEX thurs and found out I passed today. It was hard having a daughter to support, not to mention I got pregnant in Dec of 09 so I spent whole last semester pregnant but nonetheless I got through because it motivated me even more. Making accomplishments is kind of addicting and it feels good, so good that in August I'm starting a full-time RN to Master's program for Family Nurse Practitioner which I will graduate from in May of 2013. You can do it and just when you think you can't look at your kids and your bright future if you go ahead and do this. No doubt there may be some hurdles to jump but sometimes I think when you sacrifice, the sweeter the reward is. Good Luck!!!

cmonkey · Jun 6, 2010

I am still young, 25, but need some stories of encouragment. I have a 2 yo son and am due with my 2nd little one in December. I am registered for fall classes at my local college and will continue to take my pre-req's until I am done. I always kick myself in the butt though for not getting right in after high school graduation and taking my classes seriously; I was definately a slacker and can't afford to be that anymore. I have always wanted to be a nurse and can't imagine myself anywhere else.
So I am curious to know the stories, as I am sure they will be encouraging, at what age did you decide to start taking classes to become an RN? Did you have children? etc.
Thank you.

I think I was 39, and I had three kids under 5. Meh, nursing school doesn't sound that bad right now. :lol2:

PS, 41 now, kids are 6, 4, 19m. I start August 23rd :yeah: And I didn't get my BA until I was 37 or so? Maybe 38 even. So I got you beat, slack-wise. Just get trudging. You're going to be X age whether you go to school or not, so just get it done and be X age AND a nurse.

willow65 · Jun 6, 2010

You sound much like me. I was 25 when I started pre-reqs and had a baby under a year old anf a 7 year old. I was also going through a scary divorce situation. It took me 3 1/2 years to complete a 2 year degree because I opted to take it slow doing only one or two classes per semester before nursing school so I could be sure to keep my grades up. Got accepted into nursing school with a 4.0. Didn't keep it for long after got in but that's OK, I got in. I graduated in '93 and took the last set of written boards in February of '94. It was difficult going to nursing school with young kids but not impossible. There were a couple of times that I sat down and cried and said that was it I was quitting only to know when I had cried myself out that I would go back and try it one more day. Mostly I did it one day at a time but lo and behold all of those days added up and I finished. Good luck to you.

kimberlyb · Jun 6, 2010

Hey there-

I knew that I wanted to be a nurse right out of high school, and went to college when I was 19, and with the waitlists in my area and all the competition, I just got in, and I am 25.I also have a 2 y/o son. I won't lie to you and say that I am so glad that it worked out this way because I truly would have liked to have been done by now.It would have been easier when I was young, with no children, and not married and didn't have as many responsiblites. However, 25 is still young and nursing is good field to go into. You are really never to old to follow and persue your dreams. It doesn't matter what the past was like, just keep going to make your life better now.

Heinz beans · Jun 6, 2010

I was 21 when I decided to get into nursing, I had an 18 month child. It took a few years out of school to get a better idea of what I wanted to do. I have always loved helping people and health science and nursing just fit for me. It was just a case of following what I loved which led me to where I am.

My motivation to be a student over a homemaker was to ensure in the future I would have a skill to rely on if things went pearshaped. Admittedly I missed the mental stimulation and types of challenge that work provided. Respect to stay at home mothers though

rayne215 · Jun 6, 2010

I am still young, 25, but need some stories of encouragment. I have a 2 yo son and am due with my 2nd little one in December. I am registered for fall classes at my local college and will continue to take my pre-req's until I am done. I always kick myself in the butt though for not getting right in after high school graduation and taking my classes seriously; I was definately a slacker and can't afford to be that anymore. I have always wanted to be a nurse and can't imagine myself anywhere else.
So I am curious to know the stories, as I am sure they will be encouraging, at what age did you decide to start taking classes to become an RN? Did you have children? etc.
Thank you.

Im 29, with a now 6 yo kid, my mom was dying of cancer in 2007, i been working in a restaurant and thought i wanted a career in hospitality, after my mom succombed to cancer in 2008, it was then that i decided i wanted a career as a nurse. i feel OLD ill be 30 feb 2011, and im still waiting tables while i get my pre reqs done for RN (though i just made a thought to get my LPN first) i dunno still up in air. im with you OP