Confused

memphispanda, RN · Jan 27, 2004

You certainly aren't too old to consider nursing school--I say that as an almost 33 year old new grad.

Try http://www.allnursingschools.com for information about programs in your area. You could also post your general location so someone from near there could possibly answer your questions.

hartsbur · Jan 28, 2004

the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.....

mittels · Jan 28, 2004

Are you saying 30 is old? Im 35. LOL

By no means are you to old to go to ns school. You have experience in the world as an adult and that directly helps with learning. The oldest person in my nursing class was 62 yrs old. The average age was students in their 30's.

Good luck to you. It is worth it in the end.

ADNRN · Jan 28, 2004

I was 37 when I started nursing school. Besides, the ADN is the quickest route. I don't think there are any "accelerated" programs for that. There are accelerated RN to BSN degrees, but you have to already be an RN.

...of course...you could always be an LPN. That's only a year, and it's not academic in nature.

If you become an RN and have a BSc in another field, there are RN to MSN routes you can take, but again, you have to be an RN first.

Nursing School is not easy. It's the hardest thing I've ever done, academically. And the job of a nurse is not easy, but it can give you real life if being really alive is what you are seeking.

I never recommend to anyone that they give nursing a try. It's too important, it's too tough, and it requires a spirit that doesn't break. It's like you either turn into Christ or Satan, a saint or a demon and there's very little in-between. Nursing is a spiritual journey, and it changes you one way or the other.

Better you should become an MD. I understand you can go to med school with any bachelor's degree and a few prerequisits. You can be an "applied academic" and you never have to worry about love, spirit, monism, good vs evil, etc, etc.

sjoe · Jan 28, 2004

You might give some thought to programs that take much less time, such as ultrasound tech, OR tech, healthcare IT, etc. A great number of jobs in healthcare are these kind of technical positions. There is a lot more going on than nursing.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 28, 2004

I'm a student with University of Phoenix - and really like it a lot. good luck.

JenW · Jan 28, 2004

I'll be 29 when I start the nursing program (assuming all goes as planned), so don't worry about the age. I've applied for the ADN program at my local community college. LPN takes one year, RN takes two years. The ultrasound tech programs, etc. mentioned above take about the same amount of time at my school. If you already have a bachelors degree in another field, there are accelerated programs for a BSN, but otherwise you are looking at having to get a LPN or RN first, as far as I know.

Anyway, good luck!

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 28, 2004

Hold on a minute......!!!!

Before you jump into nursing school, my strongest recommendation is you shadow some nurses first. REALLY get A "lay of the land", so to speak.

Don't invest a lot of money and time in something you may NOT be cut out to do. Nursing is not something you get into just cause it "the job outlook is projected to be good over the next 30 years". Please, before you jump into it, check it out and see if this is really for you. It's not a cake walk and some never make it thru their 1st or 2nd semester of school----then they realize they made a huge judgment error. Take your time and make sure this is for you before you invest your hard-earned money and time in what will be a difficult program at best. You will work harder than you ever have, studying nursing. Make sure it's what you really want first.

I wish you well. I hope you find what you are looking for.

Biscuit12 · Jan 28, 2004

There are accelerated programs, depending on your current level of education. I attended the Vanderbilt "Bridge" program and went from having a BS in Biology from another school to having a Masters in Nursing. It was not easy, though.... its a challenge to get the basic skills in and the Master's skills in in that time frame. Not for the faint of heart. I think there may be a couple of other places that offer similar bridge programs. Before doing something like that, though, consider doing something that gets you some clinical exposure so you can know if you will like it (like volunteering or working in a non-licensed position in a clinical area). Working with sick people is not for everyone, and not all types of nursing are for everyone.