Hello, I'm a newbie and need advice

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Hi Everyone,

I need some advice from anyone out there that may be going through the same thing i'm going thru. I have decided (not 100%, yet) to go to school for respiratory therapy. At one time my heart was set on nursing...that was many, many years ago. But different situations got in my way (which I don't regret for a second)marraige and then children. Anyway, now I'm 48yrs old (I know, you're probably thinking...WHOA!!) and my heart is still set on getting into the medical field. Well, since I'm so old I'm having doubts...My kids are 12 and 6..and I'm thinking should I put all my focus into this for 15-18 months (which is how long the course lasts to get certified) and reap the benefits afterwards with a medical career. Or, do I just forget about it and regret it later. Anybody out there in the same situation? Or is there anyone out there that has gone through something like this and very happy that they did? I need some encouragement to go for it or I need to hear that I shouldn't because of other reasons...just tell me what ya'll think. Any respiratory therapist out there that can help??

thanks so much...cbaltz

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You are not alone, many, many people on the forum are over 40, going to school and juggling family, work and school. Good luck, hope your follow your dreams, I am, just finished Level I nursing, three semesters to go...and I am 50, Donna

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Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

I am in Nursing school now...well I graduate on Sat. I have many in my class that are older than you are. In their 50's and even one in her 60's. Don't think that you cannot do it because of your age!! Good Luck with your decision

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Specializes in ER,Neurology, Endocrinology, Pulmonology.

I think you should definitely go for it! I have children too, 3 and 8. I finished nursing school, but I have other plans for my further career. When my kids are older I will definitely try for med.school. I'm 31 and I do not have much education. I know that my odds are slim, but if i do not try i will 100% NOT succeed. You have a chance to be fulfilled in your career, so go get it!

Your children will also benefit from your example.

Good luck!!

Nat

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I think you should go for it!!! I will be graduating from nursing school this Dec. I am in my 30s and I have two kids. If you don't do this you will regret it later. I had always wanted to go back to school and then I made the decision to go for it. It was time to do something for me for a change. I also wanted to set an example for my kids. In our class we have people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. I doesn't matter when you start!! I am not sure about RT, but nursing school is tough! If you have a supportive family and you are disciplined, then you will get through it. I would recommend getting all of your basic classes out of the way before getting into clinicals. Good luck!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Just my $0.02: GO FOR IT!!! My three children may have sacrificed time with Mom and some afterschool activities because I was in Nursing school...but they also are reaping the rewards.

My oldest (13) is already researching schools online--my 10 year old is planning on a career in nursing.

By going back to school, you will show your children how important it is to you. You will also teach them that it is never too late to follow their dreams.

Good Luck!:nurse:

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You can totally do it! I just saw on Oprah yesterday that this lady was a single mother of 5 kids, went for her RN degree, completed that education ... then decided that was not enough & was the first grandmother ever admitted into Yale Med School & she graduates in two weeks! Throughout the whole education experience she never missed a school even with her children! What an inspiration!!!!! :)

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Age is just a number... I am 45 yrs young and I only 5 more classes before i begin nursing school and i cannot wait to start.. Why should you just settle? I believe that if you can dream it you can achieve it!!! You need to really thing about if that is really what is in your heart. i know that for me it is not easy but i continue with my quest and I know that I will achieve my dream of becoming an RN no matter how old I am. This moth makes 3yrs that recieved my ged and for that was a major thing in my life so I know that I can make it..... So can you!!!!!!!! Good Luck

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Specializes in Cardiology.

My graduating class was a nice mix. Some fresh out of high school to some who were grandparents. We were all very close through out school and each brought different experiences to the table, so to speak. Go for it!

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Specializes in cardiac.

I think that if you really want to do this, then, just go for it. It sounds as if you have a genuine interest in the field and because of that, you would do well at your job. It's never too late to go back to school as far as I'm concerned. Plus, after just 18 months you could have a steady job and be doing something that you truly like to do. Good Luck.

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As an older college student, you have a differing perspective of the world than the traditional college student that graduates at age 22. The experiences that have made up your life over the past 48 years will serve you well in any endeavor that you choose. Think about how your view of the world has changed since you were in your early twenties. I expect that you will consider yourself more mature, more patient, and full of wisdom. Your growth and experience is a huge bonus. School actually gets easier as you age because you are better at setting priorities. And being a mother, I know that you can multi-task, plan for the unexpected, and keep yourself on a schedule. After you graduate, you will find that family members and friends will all wonder how you managed to "do it all." You just might find yourself being the inspiration for others.

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I'ts so weird that I seen this message this morning. I'm going through the same thing as you. I'm going to be 42 years old in June and I'm a single mother of eight. I'm raising the reminder of my children which is seven and another child will be eighteen in Oct. I have been struggling with the fact that in June I will be the big 42 and I'm still not a Nurse. I have begun my venture on trying to reach my goal. I find that I have so many obstacles that I have in order to get there (my mother has cancer, my ex getting arrested for molestation in other county and going through court again after ten years, making sure my children will never see their father again and to top it off the Department of Social Service became involved). The molestation charges had nothing to do with my children, it was his girlfriends kids. The Dept of Childrens Services want to make sure my kids are safe. I'm currently taking classes at a local Cal State school. I LOVE SCHOOL!!! I try everyday to keep my head above water, just like you I will be taking on an 18 month program. I was thinking that maybe this would be to much for me and my family. I think my thinking gets the best of me and that's why I haven't reached my goal. I will start in Dec (LVN). I'm working toward my BSN, but I will probably not graduate until 2010. I will still remain taking class at the state school and keep furthering myself with education. I would like to someday teach Nursing to the college age. Please don't give up pursue what you want and don't let your mind think other wise. You sound like a bright and smart person. I think age is something we has woman will always have to deal with no matter what our occupation is. Please let me know what you decide. I would really like to know. As for me I will start the LVN program and I will continue taking classes until I reach my goal. I don't work, but I sure wish I would of started earlier in life. i could be working right now.

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