completely new to it all

Anoetos, BSN, RN · May 11, 2010

Just relax. Worry doesn't help anything. You can do this, just take it slow at first if you like.

Sand_Dollar, BSN · May 11, 2010

hi MommytoMommy&RN,

First let me welcome you to allnurses! You sound similar to me when I started out. A little background on myself. I'm 42 and was a SAHM who home schooled my two children up until I went back to school (they do online school now, so are still at home). I had gone to University 20 years ago, but had problems during my sophomore year and dropped out.

When I decided to pursue nursing, I had all the fears that you do, racing through my head. Was I smart enough, was my family going to suffer, what if I fail? I started slow, with two classes (Bio & Eng). I got As in those and found I had plenty of time. Every class I did, my confidence increased, and it will be the same with you. I found out what I had the hardest part with, which were housecleaning and dinners. My daughter who is 15 started to make many of the meals for me, and I didn't worry too much about housecleaning, I did it when I could. I am also looking into crockpot meals and OAMC, so there are always options and solutions out there.

I did all of my pre-req classes online. They are accepted at every U in our state and I will be graduating with my Associates in Science at the end of this semester. I am no longer worried about the NCLEX or any other tests I have to take, I know now I can do this, even if it's the hardest thing I've done. I did the best that I could and that's all that you can do as well. You will see by my signature that I applied to, but was denied, to the first University BSN program I applied to. I had already developed a plan B (backup schools/plans are always prudent in my book). I gave myself one day to 'grieve' and it was onto plan B. I wasn't about to give up on this. I have worked too hard and come too far to let a 'no' stop me from reaching my goal. And, more importantly, what kind of roll model would I be for my son and daughter if they saw me call it quits when I encountered an obstacle.

If you want to be a nurse, then do it! Do your best, plan ahead, use time management skills and reach your dreams! Remember, you aren't alone, there are amazing, considerate people on this board that can help you when you need it, make you laugh when your down and even become friends in RL.

Good luck in your dreams!

~SD

Kyla.ann · May 11, 2010

You sound very similar to where I was at this time last year. Like you, I am 28 with two little girls at home. I also work full time. I was extremely nervous when I made the jump to go back to school last year and pursue my nursing degree. I started in the summer with two fairly easy online classes, then in the fall I jumped headfirst into my first science course in 10 years along with another online class. I will be honest, it was a struggle at first. It took a lot to figure out how to balance my job, school, my husband and my kids but I did it and each semester it has gotten easier.

The only way you are going to know if you can do it or not is to just do it. It might be scary, it might be challenging, but you won't ever know what you can accomplish until you try.

Loly82 · May 12, 2010

Hey, I'm also 28 with two little girls at home. I started my journey last summer. I took PE at first to transition back into college, then AP 1 and Psyc, , Spring I took AP2 and Chem, I had some other nonsense classes from attending college out of high school that were able to transfer over. I'm proud to say, that like you I was a nervous wreck when I decided to go back to school. I have always dreamed of being a nurse but took a break when I got married had a baby, then husband was deploying back to back....there just wasn't any time. So, when my youngest turned one, I decided to go back because my brother told me this "Stop trying to make excuses for yourself and just do it". So, that was the absolute turning point for me. I just finished up the spring semester. I have an A in AP1, A in APII, A in Chemistry, A's in both Psychology. With lots of determination, it can be done. There were plenty of times I felt guilty for taking the time away from my kids, house, the wifey life and lover life but the sacrafices I make today are all for them in the near future. I'm taking a speech and engl in the summer and Micro in the fall and I will apply in January. You can do it, but time management is a PRIORITY!. Don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today, that goes for school work and house work. Stick to a schedule... Mommy time, wife time, student time, hubby time.... If you can stick to that you should do fine. best of luck!

annag425 · May 12, 2010

hi MommytoMommy&RN & welcome to the site!

although I am not at the same position you are I know exactly how you feel. i came out of high school knowing without a doubt in my mind that nursing is what i wanted to do. i've been working 3 very long hard years for my dream and am finally accepted into the nursing school of my choice. although i still have a long road ahead of me i cannot begin to explain the joy and happiness that i feel. i am one step closer to my dream and there's simply nothing like fulfilling your dream. work hard and don't give up =)

RNTutor, BSN, RN · May 13, 2010

Congrats on your decision! It's definitely always scary to get out of your comfort zone. But I would encourage you to just stay positive and not focus on the negatives. Try to surround yourself with people that do that same. You will find that if you spend too much time with the 'negative thinkers,' then the fear and anxiety will overwhelm you. But in nursing school (as in pretty much ALL areas of life), the things that we are most afraid happening rarely even happen.

Good luck, and welcome to allnurses!