Thinking of studying nursing ... am I crazy??

Katnip, RN · Feb 20, 2003

Yep. I understand pretty much what you're going through. I'm 46 going to graduate this spring. There are a lot of men and women here who are back in school for nursing. If you're crazy for thinking of doing it, then we're crazier for actually doing it.

I'm not going to pretend it's easy, juggiling family and nursing school, but we're all testimony that it can be done if you want it badly enough. In my class at least half the students are over 30, with kids. Some married, some not.

Good luck, welcome to the gang. Let us know what you decide.

Kat

Love-A-Nurse · Feb 20, 2003

welcome! you can do it!

studentdeb · Feb 20, 2003

Angela,

Welcome. I completely understand where you are at. I am 40 with two children (4 & 2) and I work as a Disbursing Tech. I am tired of working in a job that does not offer a variety and that gives me the feeling that it doesn't matter if I am here or not.

I have been taking my prerequisites for nursing since last summer. I have A&PII and microbiology left to take. I also have been accepted into the nursing program to begin fall 2003.

I sometimes I feel that I am too old, but see so many people who are my age and older going to school gives me more incentive. I am nervous that I won't make it and will be giving up a decent job, but I am tired of telling myself that I want to try something new and then don't.

I think if you want to do it, you should. Otherwise you will always wonder.

Good luck in your decision.

maire, ASN, RN · Feb 21, 2003

Welcome, Angela. :)

If nursing is something you really want to do, then nothing should hold you back from it. Do some research, figure out where you would go to school, how you would pay for it (grants, loans, scholarships, etc.), what sort of schedule you would have with classes, etc. Would you be able to work full-time while you go to school (many here do it) since from your post it seems you are the primary source of income for your family (correct me if I'm wrong; shooting from the hip here)? If you become pregnant (since you said you were trying to have another baby) would you still be willing to take classes (many do; many don't; I didn't and took a year and a half off when I got pregnant with my son. He'll be 1 on Saturday and I just started my first semester of nursing classes after going part-time for pre-reqs for what seems forever now) ?

Whatever you decide, don't base your decision on your age. That is IRRELEVANT when it comes to nursing school! :) Do some soul searching and make your choice. In the meantime, hang out here and "listen" to all of us; maybe we'll get you motivated.

Good luck to you, and keep us posted!

(Pardon my rambling posts; my train of thought runs me right off the page sometimes)

Mimi Wheeze · Feb 21, 2003

You're not crazy! I'm 34, taking pre-req's part time. I'm in A&P 2 right now. It has been a BIG adjustment for me, going back to school, re-learning how to REALLY STUDY. (My first go around in college, 15 years ago, was just party time)

I have a 9 yr old son and am married. Everybody else in your family will have to make some adjustments too! I was also wondering what it would be like being surrounded by "youngsters" in college, but it hasn't been that bad.

Just hang out with us here, this is a great place for support, and boy do you learn alot from veteren nurses! Good luck!

fulwood · Feb 21, 2003

Angela, Go ahead and at least give nursing and school a shot. Better to try and see if you want ot do it than be like me sitting on the sidelines of line always vacillating about should I or should I not do nursing? Only thing that happens is time passes you by and life can at times become more complicated. If the time is right in your life and stop that 2 hour commute each way as well if possible go for it. You will never know.. Good luck...