Dropped out of highschool..want to be a nurse

outbackannie · Jan 25, 2001

First thing get your GED! You can go through a Jr. college and get an Associate's degree. It's best to get all of your prerequisite courses done before you apply to the nursing program. This will take full time about 2 yrs and 2 summers. The nursing program lasts 2 yrs. You can get your Certified Nursing Assistant at the Juco too and start work in the medical setting while going to school. You need to be real sure that nursing is what you really want to do.

chili2641 · Jan 25, 2001

Berry Bear,

I am not a nurse so I will not answer your nursing school question. I have however worked as a nurses aid for over seven years. I had trouble in high school as well. Three years after I started working as a na I started college. I now have an A.A and a B.S. I want to work as special education teacher for the Department Of Corrections which I need a Masters degree for. My point is go to school and if you love what you study you will do well and succeed.

P.S Working as a nurse aid is a great place to start.

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Nursing assistant

puzzler · Jan 25, 2001

Never too late to start.

My story-- quit school and got married at 15yo; 3 children by 21; GED at age 22; LPN age 30; RN age 40

Still going strong. If I can do it-- you can doit too. Go for it!!!! You will never regret it and good luck

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Sheryl

If you enjoy word puzzles come visit me at www.CrosswordsForNurses.com

SoCalGAL · Jan 25, 2001

Hi BerryBear. I agree with outbackannie, first get your GED (remember, the way to start the longest journey is with the first step...) Do you have a local community college? The couselors there can help you with researching your interests and guide you to take the courses that you need. As for your age, you are still very young- many of your classmates will be much, much older! To answer your question about how long it took me to earn my degree- about 20 years (I returned to finish my BSN after my kids started school)One of my classmates (in her 30's) started her nursing career by getting her GED, and she was an intelligent and caring woman (by the way, she graduated with honors). You have already made the first step in pursuing your education by deciding to go back to school, best wishes and good luck in any career that you choose.

NurseNikki2001 · Jan 25, 2001

I agree with the other responders. Go for it! I joined the Navy when I graduated high school just so I could have money to go to college. Then I worked as a CNA through LPN school. Now I'm working as a LPN going through RN school. The point is you are not going to be a nurse over night. You have to start somewhere. I advise you to go to your local community college and make an appointment to see a counselor. They can help you set up a step by step plan for your success. Good Luck and keep us posted!

duckie · Jan 28, 2001

I have never posted before but I just had to write. I got married at the rip old age of 16. My daughter was born when I was 17 1/2. I had quite school in the middle of the tenth grade. After my daughter was born I found out I was unable to have other children, so I figured I needed to have dreams to strive for. So, I contacted the local high school and arranged to take the GED test. This was over 20 years ago and classes weren't required if you took it and passed on the first try. Thank the Lord, I did and started LPN school within the month. That was 20+ years ago and I am so happy I didn't just give up and not try. You can do it and I hope you will. It may not always be easy but once you succeed, you will feel such pride in what you have done. Go for it!!!!!!!

PopTart · Jan 28, 2001

Hi--

1. Call a community college or university and take the GED tests. You'll need your GED no matter what profession you decide on.

2. Find out what nursing school you want to go to and request information from the school. A community college is great, it's a lot cheaper and the classes are smaller. You can get your ADN (RN) there and if you decide to get your BSN after that you can go to a university.

3. If you are concerned about the cost of tuition and materials, go to the financial aid office at the school and request a loan form. They can help you with deciding what type of loan to apply for. I've never seen anyone turned down for a federal loan. Borrow only as much as you really need because you have to pay it back and if you default on your loan the BNA (Board of Nurse Examiners) can revoke your nursing license. Try to get grant money, too. Ask about Pell grants and any other grant money they offer. You can get thousands in grant money and it doesn't have to be paid back.

Good luck.

[This message has been edited by PopTart (edited January 28, 2001).]