Getting discouraged

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Hi -

I got accepted to an AA-BSN program in NYC for fall 2014, but wasn't able to attend due to finances (taking out almost $100,000 in loans was not an option!). I found a part time program at my local community college in NJ, but I can't even apply until October 2015 (because I was lacking Anatomy II, which my NY school didn't require) and if I get accepted that means I start in January 2016 (the evening program is only spring admission), which puts me at 40 years-old when I start.

I have been working towards this goal for the past 2 years and I am just getting disillusioned. While my husband has a good job, I have to work while I am in school because I can't afford not to (rent, kids, etc.,), and overall, I am just wondering if it is all worth it. Right now I am working an office job, and I would love to get a foot in the door at a doctor's office or hospital doing SOMETHING, but I feel like no one will look at me because I don't have medical experience. I just feel like everywhere I turn, there's a wall.

I am just not really sure if this goal is something I should continue working towards.

Thank you and sorry for whining.

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Is nursing something you truly want to do? If so, then you have to work for it. Maybe while you wait for the program to start, take a PCT course and see if you can get a job in a hospital. Some places offer night and weekends classes and clinicals to obtain certification as a PCT.

And there are many people who work while in nursing school. You just need to prioritize and make sure you put enough time into studying. It is doable.

If going to nursing school is a goal of yours, and something you really want to do, then you will find a way...even if it means sledge hammering those walls;)

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Hi -

(taking out almost $100,000 in loans was not an option!)................................... I get accepted that means I start in January 2016 (the evening program is only spring admission), which puts me at 40 years-old when I start.

I have been working towards this goal for the past 2 years and I am just getting disillusioned. While my husband has a good job, I have to work while I am in school because I can't afford not to (rent, kids, etc.,), and overall, I am just wondering if it is all worth it. Right now I am working an office job, and I would love to get a foot in the door at a doctor's office or hospital doing SOMETHING, but I feel like no one will look at me because I don't have medical experience. I just feel like everywhere I turn, there's a wall.

Thank you and sorry for whining.

Bravo for not taking all those crazy loans (i took BIG loans for my first degree big mistake).

I like what nlitened said about PCT course. If you want to be a nurse it wont be that long of a wait IMHO. I know plenty of people 40+ that are in nursing school i will be almost there 34 when i start. I could have done an accelerated program for second degree people but $130,000 plus living was way to far out of reach for me.

The experience issue PCA, CNA or volunteer you will meet people that may give you another idea of how to get in.

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Specializes in ICU.

Are you talking about doing an ABSN program? I'm not sure what an AA-BSN is which is why I am asking. An ABSN is for someone who already had a bachelors in another field. Those programs are typically very expensive. Have you look at a traditional program since you have to work. Maybe one that goes part time? An accelerated program is going to be fast paced and difficult so if you have to work maybe look at the traditional route. It may take 6 months longer but it's not as expensive and may save your sanity. I would explore all of my options in your area.

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I know this was mentioned, but there are a lot of trade schools for CNA and PCT and in NJ I believe unemployment will pay for those schools *or* once you have worked at a nursing home facility (must be nursing home and not hospital) you get reimbursed for your CNA tuition. CNA cert in NJ requires only a month of training besides passing the licensing exams. That said, I really think if an RN is your dream, keep taking these steps twd that. It is always worth it no matter how old or young you are.

Also...this was something I considered when I didn't get into the nursing program at first. LPN school is a little over a year..then there are bridge programs to an RN... the disadvantages are 1. VERY expensive for LPN school..around here it's about $15,000 for tuition alone not even the insurance, books and uniform and of course no financial aid 2. I've HEARD LPNs are not being hired too much (although my classmates sister got hired 4 months after she graduated with an LPN in pediatrics)

There are other jobs in health care too, though. There are ultrasound techs or technologists (in NJ they ARE still in demand) and you can move around in the field in peds, cardiac, vascular, neuro..so lot of options there and salary is about the same as an RN. There's also careers in nuclear med tech, although I don't know about job availability for that one. There is also a job as a medical lab tech. These are the people who work in the basement (usually) of hospitals and look at specimens under the microscope, run lab tests, blood typing, etc. In my area, they are so in demand that seniors are being hired before they even graduate. But there is not any advancement in this field except supervisor afaik. Also in NJ there are a couple schools that give degrees in physical therapy assistants (2 year program).

Anyway, there is always a way! Don't give up!

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Sorry- I meant an ABSN. I have a Bachelor's in Psychology and worked school administration for 18 years.

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