Baby Steps, continued

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Well as I said yesterday, I actually made the call to the admissions office at the local community college where I live and left a message...and I recieved a call back this morning and Ms. Joyce said she would send me the information on the Nursing Program:balloons: Also, I don't need an appointment to speak to an Admissions Officer, simply come in between 8a-5p, Mon-Fri. I wish I had someone to go with me. I know I'm being a big baby about this but I know what's going to happen, I'll go and stand out front as usually looking in and WIMP OUT! I'll get butterflies in my stomach and start to perspire...I think in my other life, I was murdered in a college classroom or at least in the building.

I am 41 years old, I will do this damn it. I will do this!!!!!:monkeydance: :monkeydance: :monkeydance: :monkeydance:

chiari

Hi Chubbi! I am 41 as well, and I was extremely nervous to go back to school too. Can you enroll online? That's what I did! The only time I ever go to the administration building is to buy my books or my semester parking pass. Everything else can be done online, which is not nearly as intimidating as being there!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Vicky

Unfortunately, you can't because it's a degreed program that is labeled "Selective Admissions", therefore, you have to speak to an admissions officer first.

How are you enjoying returning to school? How are the classes? Did you have to take any developmental classes?

chiari

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Specializes in Neuro.

Hi Chiari,

You are doing the right thing. Take it 1 step at a time. That is what I did. I am 38, so I am up there in age!! :uhoh21: Anyway, I was scared to death to go to school, especially being out so long. I didn't do good in HS, so I figured that I wouldn't do good in college either. I don't have a 4.0, but I do have more A'sthan B's and no lower grade! I did have to go talk with an advisor first, I think that everyone does. They were very helpful and told me exactly what I needed to do and what to take and how to even get started. I also had to take developmental math classes, because I BOMBED (with a capital B) the math portion of the entrance test (unfortunately, if you have never taken the THEA or Accuplacer, or similar test, you will have to do that 1st) But it wasn't bad. I actually enjoyed learning the math that I didn't get in HS. But...to get to the main part of the story!!! It wasn't bad to get started. I feel like a pro student now!! The part that I like the best is the fact that my 4 children get to see how hard I am working and studying and it is rubbing off on them. I am now finished with my pre reqs and am just waiting on the acceptance [or denial :( ] letter. I am working on pre reqs for the University here to go for my BA when I get done with the ADN.

So...you can do it. There is always someone out there who was just like you and is now an excellant nurse. Or in my case, a great student!!! Keep us informed~

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Hi Chiari,

You are doing the right thing. Take it 1 step at a time. That is what I did. I am 38, so I am up there in age!! :uhoh21: Anyway, I was scared to death to go to school, especially being out so long. I didn't do good in HS, so I figured that I wouldn't do good in college either. I don't have a 4.0, but I do have more A'sthan B's and no lower grade! I did have to go talk with an advisor first, I think that everyone does. They were very helpful and told me exactly what I needed to do and what to take and how to even get started. I also had to take developmental math classes, because I BOMBED (with a capital B) the math portion of the entrance test (unfortunately, if you have never taken the THEA or Accuplacer, or similar test, you will have to do that 1st) But it wasn't bad. I actually enjoyed learning the math that I didn't get in HS. But...to get to the main part of the story!!! It wasn't bad to get started. I feel like a pro student now!! The part that I like the best is the fact that my 4 children get to see how hard I am working and studying and it is rubbing off on them. I am now finished with my pre reqs and am just waiting on the acceptance [or denial :( ] letter. I am working on pre reqs for the University here to go for my BA when I get done with the ADN.

So...you can do it. There is always someone out there who was just like you and is now an excellant nurse. Or in my case, a great student!!! Keep us informed~

Thanks blessed061987:smiletea2: , your story is so motivating for an old-timer like me. :smiletea:

chiari

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chiari, I'm right there with you. I'm 37 (just turned last weekend) and I want to get my nursing degree. I'm working as a CMA right now in a LTC facility and love it!! But I want more. I'm also scared. Scared of the lack of sleep I will have for the next several years(I want to go for my RN). And scared of being the oldest in my classes since I waited so long to go back to school. I'm also scared that I won't any where near remember everything I'm supposed to in class or in real life situations. Any advice from anyone out there??

Hugs,

Shawna

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Good morning, futurenurse...I have the same thoughts...what if I actually get accepted in nursing school and pass the Licensing Test and then freeze on the job...

chiari

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You know what Futurenursethatcares, WE CAN DO THIS!! Let's just take it one step at a time. Stop looking to far into the future because our minds will play tricks on us and make up excuses why we shouldn't do this.

chiari

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Exactly we just need to do it!! There are so many reasons that I want to. I just need to remember those and take the plunge.

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Specializes in Neuro.

futurenurse,

like i told chiari, you can do it!! you are already in the field working as a cma, so it is just another step up. as far as being the oldest in class, you won't be if it is like anywhere else. i am in classes with people, not just women, but men also, who are a good 12 years older than i am. one woman i was in class with was 62! i tend to be in the older half of my classes, but there are about as many my age as there are the "babies." i have found that taking the evening classes tend to have the more mature folks in there, as they usually work and go to school after they get off. now i did find that in the remedial classes (like the math i had to take) if you go early in the day, they tend to be filled all with the younger kids right out of school, and it does make a huge difference. i have found that a lot of the instructors will not stand up to people and make them sit down and be quiet, so it is hard to concentrate when you have 5 cell phones going off, with those 5 also talking and cutting up.

but...back to encouraging both of you. i have made some great friends in school, both younger than i and older. it doesn't take much to find someone to study with and to kind of rely on as needed. i grew up very very shy and could not have ever imagined going to school and walking around this strange place not knowing anyone. but, i have and it has been a great learning and growing experience. believe me, if i can do it, anyone can, including yourselves.

as it is, i am now just waiting on my acceptence letter (which should be here withing the next 3 weeks, as i got the info form yesterday) then on to start nursing school. it has been a great year and i have met a lot of wonderful people. i just wish i had done it sooner than i did. it is hard going to school with 4 kids and a husband who is also in school at night!

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Unfortunately, you can't because it's a degreed program that is labeled "Selective Admissions", therefore, you have to speak to an admissions officer first.

How are you enjoying returning to school? How are the classes? Did you have to take any developmental classes?

chiari

Hi Chiari,

I have enjoyed going back to school the past 3 years, however I am exhausted right now because I am taking microbiology right now and it's kicking my butt! I have a 4.0 since I went back, so the pressure is "on" to maintain it.

As far as developmental classes, I did start out with pre-algebra because I didn't remember a thing in math, and I also took a "basic" anatomy & physiology class before I took the regular anatomy & physiology and it helped me a lot! All in all, if I don't get accepted, at least I'll have attained an AA degree. But I want to get in an RN program so bad, if it's the last thing I do! Believe me, 3 years ago I never thought I could do it, but if I can do it, anyone can. I'll be 42 in 7 months, and that's always in the back of my mind. But I know I am not the oldest to ever do this. Keep your chin up and go for it!

Let us know what happens...

Vicky :D

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Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I am getting closer to actually diving in. I just need to figure out financing and scheduling etc. I work 12 hour nights and need to see what kind of school schedule I can sort out around that. This is still scary but if I'm gonna do this I just need to do it!! And stop being a chicken. LOL :rotfl: I definitely want to take it one step at a time. I started as a CNA and now a CMA then it's time for the next step LPN then RN. I will be working the whole time so I think that will be the best. I just keep reminding myself it's gonna be alot of work but it will all be worth it when I'm done.

Hugs to you all,

Shawna:nurse:

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