I am 44 years old and going to cc for pre-req's. I started out taking pre-reg's for an RT program, but have since decided that I would really rather go into nursing (at the time, getting into the RN program just seemed to overwhelming). So, (2) pre-req's that I took for RT are not required for RN. I've finished A&P I and received an "A" and am now in A&P II (which I really enjoy, and expect I will also do very well in) and I am taking Gen. Psychology, which I think I will do okay in.
Here's the thing..... today, I just feel so overwhelmed by the whole process. I look at the (8) other pre-req's that I must complete before even applying to NS, the NET and ... oh yeah... I still haven't taken the "College Placement Test/Accuplacer" to see if I need remedial classes. As much as it is really in my heart to become an RN, I can't help but ask myself if I am doing the right thing, or am I taking resources (time and money) away from my family for something that seems like it will NEVER come to fruition!?!?
Has anyone else started on this path "later in life"? Did you go throught these feelings of self-doubt and impatience? For a while I felt good and thought "I'll get there, slowly but surely", but lately it seems that the "top of the mountain" is moving farther away!
Thanks for listening and I welcome any encouraging advice!
I have been fortunate as my CC only wait lists you once the prereqs are met with a minimum "C" average...no competition or doubts about whether you will be accepted. It's just a waiting game.
But as someone who just turned 52 (how did THAT happen?!?!) and finishing up my 4th semester of an ADN program, I just want to encourage you that age is definately not a hindrance in this career. Take that whole subject out of your equation!
I took prereqs in the evening while working full-time. Seems to me I remember thinking I would never get there...now, I wonder where the past 3 semesters have gone and how I got to where I'm looking at graduation in a few short months!!
If you truly believe this is what you want to do/be, don't settle. Take it one step at a time and before you know it, you, too, will be wondering where the time went!!
I am 44 years old and going to cc for pre-req's. I started out taking pre-reg's for an RT program, but have since decided that I would really rather go into nursing (at the time, getting into the RN program just seemed to overwhelming). So, (2) pre-req's that I took for RT are not required for RN. I've finished A&P I and received an "A" and am now in A&P II (which I really enjoy, and expect I will also do very well in) and I am taking Gen. Psychology, which I think I will do okay in.
Here's the thing..... today, I just feel so overwhelmed by the whole process. I look at the (8) other pre-req's that I must complete before even applying to NS, the NET and ... oh yeah... I still haven't taken the "College Placement Test/Accuplacer" to see if I need remedial classes. As much as it is really in my heart to become an RN, I can't help but ask myself if I am doing the right thing, or am I taking resources (time and money) away from my family for something that seems like it will NEVER come to fruition!?!?
Has anyone else started on this path "later in life"? Did you go throught these feelings of self-doubt and impatience? For a while I felt good and thought "I'll get there, slowly but surely", but lately it seems that the "top of the mountain" is moving farther away!
Thanks for listening and I welcome any encouraging advice!
I'm 38 and also working on prereqs for NS. I can totally relate to your post! I started taking classes when I was 35 and got detoured by the arrival of twins when I was 36. :bby::bby: They are now 20 months old and I'm back to taking classes again.
What is helpful for me when i start feeling like I will never in a million years make it is to put my goals down on paper. Like today I will study for my last test in A&P1 which is tomorrow. This coming week I'll confirm my class registrations for next term and study for the GRE which I'm taking 2/2. The following week I have to study for the nuse aide test which is 2/15. My 6 month goal is to be done with all my prereqs except statistics which I will study for over the summer and take the CLEP in August. My 3 year goal is to be done with nursing school and start my career. I also consider the option of dropping out and maintaining the status quo. Not an option for me. I can't be "just" a mom and housewife and some low level customer service grunt. I need something more fulfilling and challenging in life and nursing is it for me.
In 5 years you are going to be 5 years older and nothing will stop that. What you decide to do with those 5 years is up to you. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, even if it feels like you are going backwards. You really aren't, it's just the ground shifting under your feet, trying to mees you up. Just keep going, you'll get there. :anpom:
Mom2chaos (love that name), you're far from alone, and you're certainly not old. I too switched programs while I was getting my pre-reqs, from RT (radiologic technology) to RN, so I had some I didn't need and found myself short a couple I DID need. Sigh. Anyway, I'm plugging away, and this semester I'm working on the last 3, having just submitted my actual application a few days ago! At 50 years old, this is a very late career change, but I feel it is "my" turn. Up until now, all my work and career choices were made with the family in mind--working from home for the last 10 years which worked really well for everyone. Now that my youngest will be off to college in the fall, I can put myself first, finally. Do NOT feel guilty! Apart from anything else remember the mantra "If Mama ain't happy ain't NOBODY happy." LOL! :innerconf
You can do it. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Good luck.
WDWpixieRN, RN
2,237 Posts
Hey all!!
I have been fortunate as my CC only wait lists you once the prereqs are met with a minimum "C" average...no competition or doubts about whether you will be accepted. It's just a waiting game.
But as someone who just turned 52 (how did THAT happen?!?!) and finishing up my 4th semester of an ADN program, I just want to encourage you that age is definately not a hindrance in this career. Take that whole subject out of your equation!
I took prereqs in the evening while working full-time. Seems to me I remember thinking I would never get there...now, I wonder where the past 3 semesters have gone and how I got to where I'm looking at graduation in a few short months!!
If you truly believe this is what you want to do/be, don't settle. Take it one step at a time and before you know it, you, too, will be wondering where the time went!!
Best wishes!!