Did I do the right thing in postponing nursing course and chem?

[WDW4ever]

Hi everyone:

After thinking about it for years (I am 40!), I applied to a local community college that has a nursing program with a nearby hospital. I was accepted for the ADN / RN program (I have a BA with no science background).

I was accepted, and registered for A & P I and Chemistry for health sciences. Surprisingly, I got the invitation letter to take the first nursing course that same semester (a theory course)! But after a few days of school, I was feeling completely overwhelmed! The school had advised taking the nursing theory class by itself, but does allow you to take A&P I and Chem as co-requisites rather than prereqs. Since I am older, I figured I needed to get started ASAP. Also, I got laid off, and figured I might as well take as much as I can while not working. I have three children, including a toddler.

DH, seeing how overwhelmed I have been this week, said why don't you take it slower. What's another year in the scheme of things - I had waited this long. So yesterday, the last day of drop / add, I dropped chemistry and the nursing theory class so I could focus solely on A & P I and lab.

I am disappointed that I will be delaying the nursing courses, but I suppose it is better to make things more manageable and get good grades. I know some people juggle much more, but with the kids also, I feel like I was splitting myself too much. I really do want to pursue nursing, but felt like I was setting myself up to fail.

I guess I'm just feeling like I need some encouragement that I did the right thing? Has anyone else (particularly career changers or older students) started this slowly, or started with a bunch of courses and decided to slow things down?

Thanks for listening!! :)