Can I do this?

[ChaseTyMadi]

Hi Everyone!

I'm a 32yo stay at home mom (for the last 12 years!). My youngest just started school, so now it's time for me to follow my dream. I would love to become a labor and delivery nurse. I'm just so nervous about getting started. I've been studying for the COMPASS test--which I will be taking this week. I'm a quick study and catch onto things pretty fast. But when I start thinking of all of the medical terminology, measurements, anatomy and physiology and other things I will have to learn it scares me to death. I plan on taking any general education classes I need (depending on my test results) as well as Anat & Physio I and dosage calculations this spring. They will be offering the HESI entrance exam in mid February...would it be a waste of time and money for me to take this? I have absolutely no experience at this point. I know there is a study guide available. Is it possible to study the guide and pass the test or should I just wait until next year. Am I too old to get this started? I guess I just need some encouragement and advice and who better to get it from than those who have been there and done that!!! Thanks so much!!

~Crystal

[flygirls2, BSN]

I don't have a lot of advice for you -- but I just wanted to tell you that you will do it! I had to quit school when I had my daughter a little over a year ago. When she was about 9 months, I started taking my generals online---so I was still home with her. I was doubtful about the A&P classes and all of that as well, but when it comes down to it--you do what you have to, and you will get through it! I start clinicals in January and I am so excited! Just wanted to let you know that if I did--you can too! Good luck:) Oh, I am aiming to be a L&D nurse too!

[Epona]

I can tell you it will not be easy. I am starting a BSN program in Jan. I already have a BS and one of my areas of study in school was Bio, Pre Med. I had the A&P, Med Term., Genetics, etc. Lots of medical type classes. I studied MY TAIL OFF. I studied a little bit each night (3 hours a night) to stay on top. I was dedicated and knew I had to do it. It's been 10 years since college and now I am going back to get MY BSN. I HOPE I have the same studying capacity. I have no children yet, so that may help a little. It's been a good while.. hey.. wish me luck too!!!

All you can do is take one day at a time. You won't know unless you try. I say GO FOR IT!!

[avery]

Best of luck to all of you. On a sidenote, I found it a lot easier to get through school with children. After all, who knows how to manage their time better than a mom! I didn't think it was that bad at all! I graduated in May of 2006, got my dream job and am starting graduate school part-time in January. I started when my boys were 1 and 5 yrs old. You all can do it too! As one poster said, "you do what you have to do."

Avery

[aileenve, ASN, RN]

You will be great! I went to college and graduated as a RN at 42 with 2 kids under 10, remember its never too late! Best of luck to you!

[Batman24]

I am going back to school after graduating college in 1993. I have to brush up on a few basics, but if you have the will and desire you can and will do it. I have been telling myself this constantly for weeks now.

What is the COMPASS test?! I have never heard of that, but I am new to all of this as well.

[ChaseTyMadi]

At the college I'm applying to, if you are under 21 you must take the ACT/SAT test before entering. If you are over 21, it is the COMPASS. It is basically the same as the ACT, to determine what your "weaknesses" are and if you need to take any general education courses before working on your degree.