Finally Doing IT! My Long Journey...

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Hello all! I joined All Nurses a little over a year ago with every intention to start nursing school at that time. Well, I chickened out again....See this has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I have applied to college at least four or five times in the past, and would end up getting too scared that

I couldn't do it or wasn't smart enough. But, I started this journey a couple of months ago, and I am going through with it!!! I have been accepted to my local University and will officially sign up for my first two classes in two days. I am just starting out with remedial math and English 1. I have been out of school for 25 years and have to get my feet wet. I plan on going full time in August 2014. I have a decent job and feel guilty for hating it. It is an office job and all I do is sit for 8 hours a day and do a little paperwork and answer the phone. Some people would love a job like that. Well I hate it! I feel like

I have accomplished absolutely nothing at the end of the day. There is no room for advancement and I am bored. My passion is nursing, I am so fascinated with the medical field and helping others. When I am in a hospital or clinic, I feel like a kid in a candy store! LOL!!!

So, as I said I have been out of school for 25 years and yes that makes me 43. I read All Nurses everyday looking for encouragement. I do not read the negative stuff as life is already hard enough without it. I do find alot of you in the same position as myself. I got married had a son and wanted to raise him and get him in college. Well, now I am divorced and me and my son will be attending the same college in two weeks! This has been the hardest decision I have ever made, but I am going for it. I will get older whether I go to school or not. I would rather try and fail than not try at all. I don't want to regret that I never tried one more day!!!

So, I hope this encourages someone out there, like so many of you have encouraged me. I am scared to death, but I really want this and with encouraging stories on here and help from Above I will do it!!!

Thanks for listening.

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Right on! I am 40 and have just started out on my nursing path. Nursing has been calling me my whole life and now I'm finally going for it. I am scared but determined not to let that stop me.

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Congratulations!! I remember that feeling. I am actually submitting my application to the nursing program this (coming up) week. I am taking my nursing entrance exam this week too. Not gonna lie, kind of freaking out about that part! It is a long road, but, it is so rewarding. I quite honestly am shocked I made it this far. Being a wife and mother as well as a full time pre-nursing student has been difficult, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am happy for you that you are beginning your journey, you will do great. Just stay focused, and keep your eye on the prize (that got me through many times I doubted myself). Congratulations again!!! :)

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Specializes in Hospice.

Age is but a mere pesky nuisance of a number. (From a 50 y.o. Nursing student) :yes:

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47 years young here :-)

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I am in the same boat. I am 35 and just starting my nursing journey. I too was in an office accounting job, but got very bored and unmotivated to go to work. I've always dreamed about being a nurse, but losing my dad to cancer a couple years back and seeing what great care he had by the nurses and other medical staff really gave me the boast I needed to pursue my dream. Good luck to you and its nice to hear I am not alone.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Congratulations!! Good for you for taking the bull by the horns and pursing your dreams!! You're setting a wonderful example for your son! :)

It is NEVER too late to go back and pursue your dreams. In my nursing class of 23, I know at least 5 are 45+, and last year's class, there were even more.

You're smart going back a couple of classes at a time and building up to full time- you'll get into the swing of things, which will be SO helpful.

NEVER feel guilty about leaving a mind-numbing job. Yes, of course there are some people that would love it. Sure. There are some people who would love to be plumbers. There are some people who would love to work in finance. I would personally want to scratch my eyes out every day if I did either! What makes each of us tick varies- that's part of the beauty of being human. You deserve to have a career that makes you happy, and I'm SO happy that you're pursuing it! I love hearing that from people!! NO REGRETS!!!!!

Good luck!!

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You should never feel guilty (for some, possibly even embarrassed or ashamed) by a decision to better yourself.

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40 here! Finishing up pre reqs this semester and apply to my BSN program Feb 1st. Starting back school after 20 years was scary for me too. I started part time the first semester to get my feet wet. Starting slow really allowed me to re learn how to get into the student mind set. Good luck!

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Specializes in 20 years experience in healthcare.

I'm in the same boat! I start my remedial math and English tomorrow. Best of luck to us all we can do this!

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Wow, you guys are all Awesome!!!Thanks for all of the wonderful replies:) This is the motivation that I needed!

Good luck to all of us!!!!

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You can do it! I too am 43 and returned to school in 2012, which feels like yesterday, but is actually already 2 years ago. Time flies and that is exactly what I told myself when I was considering returning to school. Like you, I feel a deep urge/calling to be a nurse, and that drives me. I started slow, like you, the first semester, but then started taking a full load the next semester, in order to get through faster. If all goes well, I will finish up my last pre-reqs this fall.

Good luck!

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