I'm 50 Can I work full-time and attend nursing school?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

My dream has always been a nurse. I will be 50 this year. My household depends on my income. Not sure if I can handle being full time student and working full time. I wonder if I can make this work. Feeling doubtful.

Dear Doubtful,

It's important to be realistic, and yes, it would be very difficult to work full time and attend nursing school full-time. But it's your dream. Are there any other options?

Have you considered taking out a loan, and if so, would that be enough to get you through? Have you looked at grants and scholarships? Pell grants do not have to be re-paid if you qualify.

Can you find part-time work? Working part-time is doable. School is M-Fri, and you could work weekends. I myself worked 3 -4 shifts a week as an LVN on the pm shift while getting my RN. I was alone and had 3 young children. It was challenging, but like you, and like many of us, I had a dream. I also had some kind of blind faith that it would work out even when I didn't quite see how. I believe there's a sweet spot where blind faith meets realism.

What family support is available to you? Maybe there is someone with savings in your family who would be willing to help you get your training, or step in and take care of, say, your car expenses for the duration. Is it possible to temporarily downsize expenses, for example, move to lower your rent or mortgage and taxes?

Everyone's circumstances is unique and only you have all the information to make your decision.

Best wishes on your choice,

Nurse Beth

[CYNTO Y]

I am in the am situation but a little differs such that I am 44yo accepted into a BSN program.  Already have 201, 000$ in student loans from my pharmacy carrer. Still applying to jobs in that field to see how and if I can balance it with this new program without pilling up more loans.  I am praying God lead me alright and work things out for me.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Are you looking at LPN or RN? Tech school, college, or university? Might be easier on the family to start with LPN and see if your nursing dream aligns with reality. That's not to say that LPN school will be easy, but you may be able to find a program that is less expensive and possibly in the evenings. If your family relies on your income, nursing school is not really compatible with traditional full-time employment.