Considering nusing school - advice?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi,

I have been considering going back to school and becoming an RN. I have a bachelors in education, but can't teach in Oregon without a masters (2 more years of school and $20,000). And, I am not entirely sure that I want to teach anymore. I figure if I have to go back to school, I may as well do something I love!

I am 33 with 3 children ages 5, 4, and 2. I currently work from home as a medical transcriptionist and LOVE it! I have found that medicine is very fascinating and I really enjoy learning new things every single day. However, as my children get older and are home less, I am feeling socially isolated and getting restless.

My husband has also, recently, expressed an interest in going back to college to get his RN as well. So... Is it possible for both of us to go to school, work, pay the mortgage and raise 3 children? Or, do I let him go to school first since I already get to be home and earn a pay check? My income alone certainly can't pay the mortgage though. :)

My current employer will pay for most of my education as long as I stay employed with them and work for them at least one year after graduation. Tuition costs for me are not an issue - just paying the bills and raising the kids.

Those of you who are mothers and enjoy busy nursing careers, how is it working for you?

How old is too old to start a nursing career? Do I just wait until the children are in high school? I feel like life will always be busy no matter when I decide to go back. My husband and children come first though! I know nursing will always be there for me, so when is good time to start?

Thanks,

Ang

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Hi Ang,

I just finished my first semester of nursing school and I just began the second semester. I am about to turn 40 in one week! My kids are a little older: 13, 10, 7. My program is an ADN, associates degree program which takes two years to complete. I did not have a Bachelors prior but about 90 hours of college credit. Once I start working as an RN, I do plan on doing an RN to BSN bridge because I am sure my employer will pay for it. That is what a lot of people do. An RN is an RN, but there are more job advancement opportunities with the BSN (Bachelors).

In your situation, you could do what is called an accelerated BSN or a second-degree BSN since you already have a Bachelors in something else. I am not sure how long it takes, probably the same amount of time if you were to go the associates route with the two-year degree. I am not sure where in Oregon you live but colleges like OHSU offer those accelerated BSN courses.

I work from home doing medical transcription as well! I like it a lot but it definitely is only pocket change for me and my husband is the one who is making the money right now. Since I do not work outside of the home, I find it fairly easy to juggle full-time nursing school and a family. The house is messy a lot and things slide, but that is the nature of the beast right now.

In my opinion, I would have you and your husband take turns on going to school. It might be too difficult on the kids for you both to go at the same time. If you are fine with him going first, just continue doing what you are doing being a stay-at-home mom and maybe take your science pre-requisites one or two at a time while you are waiting. You will need courses like Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology prior to acceptance into a nursing program. Maybe that will give your little one a couple of years to stay at home with you. Once he or she is in Pre-K or kindergarten, your husband might be finished and then you could go. Or you could do it the other way around and have you go first!

Yes, it can be done and you are definitely not too old. Look at me! Hope this helps some. Good luck. You can do it! :)

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Another thing I wanted to mention is that I believe there are programs that let you attend part-time. It takes longer but you and your husband could retain more income that way. Just a thought.

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Specializes in Maternity & newborn.

Part time would be great for you... especially if your 2 year old will attend preschool you can get your work done and do a little studying. and if your husband wants to go part time, too, i don't see why you can't work something out where you take your classes on monday & wednesday evenings while he takes his tuesday & thursday. when you start clinicals, though, they would most likely be held on saturdays. you'll need a sitter. you can't escape the saturday clinicals. have you considered any LPN programs? they are generally quicker and they are offerered part time as well. then you can get back to money makin' a little faster.

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Specializes in DOU.

I just graduated and took the boards. Nursing school isn't like regular school. 80% is a B in regular school, but in nursing school, it is a failing grade. In addition to class and clinical time, you will have to study a LOT. For this reason, I suggest you let your husband go now (if you can afford it), and you can go when your little one is in school for most of the day. My kids are older than yours, and even still, my daughter cried during my first semester because I wasn't as available as she felt I should be. She was 13.

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I dont mean to hijack your thread but how exactly did you guys become at home medical transcriptionists, did you go to sch or there is online training(free). That seems like something I could do while trying to complete prereqs. Thanks

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I am just graduating from a 2 year RN program & I have a big piece of advice for you.

There is a nationwide controversy surrounding the HESI Exit Exam. Check to see how the school implements this Exam. Sometimes schools use the HESI Exam to artificially increase their NCLEX pass rates.

Is it a Do or Die Test @ the end of the last semester?

Is it integrated into your final grade?

What happens if you don't pass? - GET THIS ALL IN WRITING!!!!!

If I had asked these questions when picking an RN program it would of saved me ALOT of heartache, money, time etc.

Please do research into HESI practices & not just NCLEX pass rates when deciding on a school. You'll be glad you did!!

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Specializes in School Nursing.
I dont mean to hijack your thread but how exactly did you guys become at home medical transcriptionists, did you go to sch or there is online training(free). That seems like something I could do while trying to complete prereqs. Thanks

Well, I had already worked in the medical field for several years in a clerical aspect so I had a strong knowledge of medical terminology already. No, I did not go to one of those transcription programs. I already knew how to type pretty fast because of my typing course in high school (Which I HIGHLY recommend for those in high school!!), and clerical jobs which required typing.

Years ago, I just happened to look in the local phonebook at some locally-owned transcription companies and made some calls and kind of "wormed" my way in! That was in 2001. Now I have been doing transcription off and on for various places and have landed a really good gig about a year ago for a woman who handles one of the largest urology practices in the nation. It is cool. I do everything from my home. My computer can connect to their computer. I can view everything online as if I was working right there in their office. I am down to just typing for one doctor now since school started, but I really enjoy it for the most part. Good job for while in school and if you have kids.

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Specializes in LTC Pharmacy.

Well, I'm 42 and just started with The College Network. I'm an LPN, and I'm taking the courses for the ADN. I figure after I finish and am working with my ADN I can continue on and take the courses for the BSN. I figure I've been doing the work for many years now, so I might as well get paid for it. With my work schedule, a traditional brick-and-mortar campus is just not gonna happen. This route is a bit more circuitous than I'd like, but I'll get there in the end.

If you THINK you're too old to go back to school, you are. It's all in the mind. Go for it, says I.

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Thanks for all of the responses and advice!

I am jumping in with both feet and taking this RN thing on!!! I am so excited. I start my CNA course on the 16th and then on to finishing up those prereqs. Hopefully I will get accepted to the 2010 nursing program - if all goes as planned, 3 more painful years to success!

Hubby just got a very health raise, so he will be hanging tight for now. :)

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