Career Changers with no prev. educ in SCIENCES!

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in Currently: Certified School Nurse.

Hi -

I have a BS in BUSINESS and now 10 yrs later am going to start taking pre-reqs for Nursing.

Am VERY excited but NERVOUS beyond belief. I never grew up with the sciences being my strong suit and because my BS is in Business, i have never even taken Bio or Chem at a college level.

People have told me that "older" students are different. That i will do fine. Maybe i couldnt have done it if i tried at 18 but now i'm in my 30's and more dedicated.

Would really LOVE to hear back from folks in similar situations. WOuld love to hear that you are doing great and would even like to hear that its a major struggle. I want to know!

Many thanks!

Specializes in Medical/Surgical.

How about a Graphic Design major? Yep, mostly Art and computer classes w/ my first degree---huge difference. I was scared of sciences too, but you will be fine. If you want it bad enough you will do well. I'm almost done, only 2 sciences left and I'm applying to a nursing program this month! I say go for it! Don't let your fear of the sciences stop you. If you do, you will regret it. I did. I almost changed my major to Nursing my sophomore year, but didn't because I didn't think I could pass the classes. I'm not in a program yet, but I figure if you do well in your sciences and juggle your time wisely during your prereqs, you should be fine in nursing school.

Good luck! :D

Yep, me too . . . Social Work. Back to school at 38 and my first class was anatomy.

You can do it.

steph

Just try taking one science class a semester. Start out slowly and see how you do. Just realize that science classes are hard work and be willing to put in the time studying. I was not strong in science in high school because I thought I would never use it. I got all A's on all my science prereq's. Maturity does make a big difference!

Specializes in Telemetry, Oncology, Progressive Care.

I was in the same boat as you. I was taking "business" classes even though I always had wanted to be a nurse but I let the sciences and what other people said scare me off. The sciences don't come easy to me. It is definitely a different mindset than other classes. All those other classes are a breeze for me. Now I don't think I could have done this in my 20's so it is probably a good thing I waited til I was a little older.

The science classes still aren't easy for me and yes I do struggle but I have only gotten one A and the rest have been B's. I am tired of getting B's and I really try for the A but I just don't swing it. I do wonder how I will do once I start the nursing classes. When I went back I started with the basic chemistry and biology. If you are thinking of skipping those classes my advice is don't. Even if you had biology in high school it is so different now than it was back when I was in high school (I'm only 1 year older than you) make sure you take it.

I wish I could tell you I was doing great. I think I'd be doing great if I was getting all A's but that's just me. I do feel like I have learned a ton and don't regret my decision at all. I am taking my last pre-requisite now and will start in the nursing program this fall. It has taken me 2 1/2 years to get all my pre-requisites done and I'm finally near the end. I am finally starting the next chapter.

So definitely go for it if you feel like this is what you want to do. You could always take a CNA class to see if this is what you really want to do and then if it is start with the sciences. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Kelly

yep, i start one of my last business classes tomorrow and start anatomy in two weeks. i will wind up taking 3 business classes and 3 science pre-reqs this summer. i know i am crazy :uhoh3: but i think i can do it, simply because of my dedication and drive.

topcat

You're never too old. Heck, I'm 52 and just finished my last pre-req. If I apply now and IF I'm accepted I wouldn't start until spring '05. Graduate spring '07 and that makes me..... older than I want to think about. But, I'm ready to learn (I know it won't even really start until after nursing school!) and I hope I have a little to bring to the table.

And always remember - Old age and treachery will beat youth and brains any day!! HAH!

I also have a Bachelor's degree in Business and never considered myself very "scientific", science classes were never my strong point. I just finished taking A&P II along with Med/Surg and it was a struggle for me, but I passed all my classes with good grades and even made the honor roll, so I'm happy. I think it will be easier if you don't take it with nursing courses though. I didn't start off A&P with good grades and felt intimidated at first, but I was willing to do anything to make it through. If you have trouble talk to your instructor, classmates, whatever, plus it never hurts to read, read, and reread again if necessary. Take good notes and record lectures if you have to. Tell yourself failure isn't an option and go for it! Good Luck!!! :)

Specializes in Currently: Certified School Nurse.

The responses I have gotten here have all been amazing! Many thanks or the support, encouragement and kind words!!!

(feeling MUCH better now!)

Hi -

I have a BS in BUSINESS and now 10 yrs later am going to start taking pre-reqs for Nursing.

Am VERY excited but NERVOUS beyond belief. I never grew up with the sciences being my strong suit and because my BS is in Business, i have never even taken Bio or Chem at a college level.

People have told me that "older" students are different. That i will do fine. Maybe i couldnt have done it if i tried at 18 but now i'm in my 30's and more dedicated.

Would really LOVE to hear back from folks in similar situations. WOuld love to hear that you are doing great and would even like to hear that its a major struggle. I want to know!

Many thanks!

You are not alone..I'm 30....I have a BA in Psych....my only science class was meteorology (AKA Weather).....

I just finished my second semester of pre reqs....GOT A'S AND B'S.

Trust me it goes fast. I completed General Bio and Math for Health Sceinces in the fall and Anatomy and Physiology this spring. I'm taking my general Chem class this summer and then my pre reqs will be complete, and I feel like I just started!!!!! Its awesome....

You can do it and its never too late....the time would pass anyhow right, might as well utilize the time to get yourself a great career where you will make a difference in peoples lives!!!!

You're never too old. Heck, I'm 52 and just finished my last pre-req. If I apply now and IF I'm accepted I wouldn't start until spring '05. Graduate spring '07 and that makes me..... older than I want to think about. But, I'm ready to learn (I know it won't even really start until after nursing school!) and I hope I have a little to bring to the table.

And always remember - Old age and treachery will beat youth and brains any day!! HAH!

Wow, Ned that is so awesome!!! Good for you. I am just starting pre-req's at 36... and it seems like it's going to be forever until I get into the Nursing Program, the competition is very tough at my CC.

KattB - 52 isn't so bad. I ran into a post somewhere on this site from someone who was 70! So, I'm feelin pretty spry these days.

Watch out for me - if you're in any of my classes in the Dallas area my plan (my hope!) is to wreck the curve!

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