Desparate for advice...or just give up?

[3rdgenRN2B]

I've wanted to be a nurse for as long as I could remember. Unfortunately, when I had the chance right out of high school I messed up. Now, years later, I'm married with kids and all the responsibilities that go with it. I pretty much figure the boat to being a nurse for me has sailed, but I can't help but think about it still.

I know I could go back to school and take classes, but here's what's stopping me...

My family is on my health benefits. We can't get out own health benefits bc hubby is a Type 1 diabetic. The nursing programs around here are only full time day. Since I can't quit my job to go to school, should I just give up and walk away? And I should add that hubby is self employed so the option to get insurance through his employer isn't there right now.

Advice? Give up? Or start taking pre-reqs one at a time and hope that in three years when I'm ready to apply to a nursing program that hubby either gets a job that offers benefits?

Thx.

[3rdgenRN2B]

I know this is an old thread... But I'm revisiting the idea of chasing my dream once again. I've been chipping away at an accounting degree for a while now, but I know it's not what I want. I still can't shake the desire to pursue nursing. I'm so afraid of failing tho. Afraid that I'll spend the next two years taking prereqs only to either not get into a program or have to turn my acceptance down because of my family obligations. At the present time I provide the health insurance for my family. My hubby is self employed and a type 1 diabetic so it's been essential that I provide the health insurance through my job. I know that by the time I finish prereqs that the insurance issue may change but I'm so scared.... I need to find the confidence to at least try tho. I owe it to myself. I've wasted 8 years now wondering and the feeling hasn't gone away...

[Trenata]

I haven't read through all the comments yet, but have you considered an online program? You can take coursework online, but then do clinicals on the weekends at a local hospital. It would be hard, but if you really want to be a nurse, it is something to consider. Some universities have online coursework out of state, but have clinical locations at local hospitals.

[3rdgenRN2B]

Really? I've never heard of this outside of bsn programs - and those are for already licensed RNs. Do you have any names of schools that offer this?

I really want to believe that what's meant to be will be and that these obstacles will work themselves out as I near them but its soooo hard to have that kind of faith. I've repeatedly told myself that this is an unattainable goal for so long now that its hard to believe its a possibility no matter how bad I want it. I'm trying to change my way of thinking.

[SmYle4PeDs, BSN]

Just don't give up! Anything is possible if you trust in The Lord. I started my prereqs about 3 years ago while praying that The Lord would open the door for the opportunity to be a nurse. Mind you, I made most of the money working for a government agency and carried the benefits. It seemed like a far fetched dream, but I couldnt shake the feeling/desire to quit my job and become a nurse. I had to stop taking classes, because I couldn't get into any classes because they were all full. My husband ended up getting a new job that pays pretty well and I ended up getting pregnant with my 3rd baby last year. I decided to try again to enroll and finish up my prereqs, since I planned on taking at least a year off for maternity leave. I enrolled in three CC's and all three college classes were filled before my registration date. I felt discouraged, but I kept believing that a door was going to open up for me. I emailed like 3 or 4 chemistry teachers asking if there was anyway way for me to get in an already filled class. Most of them said no, but one suggested that I keep trying to get on the registration list. I checked online everyday and it was still full. Well, I prayed that if it was meant for me to be a nurse for me to get into that class. The next morning checked online and there was one spot open on the wait list. Long story short ?I got into the class. It was truly a miracle. With my husbands new job and some savings we can afford benefits . You never know what can happen. I'm learning to take one day at a time. The Holy Bible says, Why worry about tomorrow when today has enough trouble of its own? Not to mention that tomorrow isnt promised to no one. So, just go day by day and see where it leads! I would start saving money so u guys can be on one income. I plan on quitting my job once I get accepted into nursing school. We have saved money to help with the monthly expenses. I pray that everything works out for you.