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Discussion

I need help in starting school for nursing

Hello, I need some practical help and encouragement. I am currently a CNA/PCT in a hospital and I really want to go on to become a nurse. Problem is I am 57 years of age. When I was in my 20's I was a Medical Assistant and I was working on my pre-reqs in preparation to become an RN. Then I started having kids and put everything on hold. I didn't work for 15 years and didn't go to school. Now my kids are grown and I am divorced. I work really hard at the hospital and barely make ends meet financially. I have nobody to help me through school and am kind of alone all the time..no boyfriend, etc. I guess I am scared that I am too old, and I am not very good with math. I have wanted to do this for years and the desire is constantly there but for some reason I keep dragging my feet. I don't know where to begin as it has been years since I have been in school. Any suggestions, encouragement, etc.. would be great.. I have a natural compassion with the patients and I would be so thrilled to achieve the goal of becoming a nurse.

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    The math that you need is just GED level math, like addition / subtraction / multiplication / division. High school algebra topics like how to set up an equation, solve for an unknown. Convert from SI (metric) system units to English units, and that's not as hard as you might think because nursing only works with a subset of that.

    Age 57 isn't a barrier because people of all ages go into LPN and RN school as a second or third career, either because it's something they always wanted to do, or because their jobs disappeared due to recession and plant closures.

    Where I am, western PA, LPN pay averages $15.hr in the small towns and goes up to $22/hr or maybe more in Pittsburgh area. Lots of older people and career changers find it feasible to become a LPN in about 12 months, then work as LPN while they go to RN school. We have diploma schools, associate degree schools, and colleges and universities, those 3 routes to becoming a RN. One community college offers LPN by college credit, and then also offers associate degree RN. And then there are several universities that offer a RN to BSRN bridge degree program. The one offered by Clarion is all or majority online.

    If there are LPN jobs in your region, and those may be on LTC, you might be able to complete LPN and then find an employer who offers tuition assistance toward the RN. Your gen ed credits and courses like psych and whatnot may not have to be repeated. Microbiology and A&P and other sciences might. Go talk to some colleges and advisers, or LPN schools. They will tell you what the job market is like in your area.

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